Adult ADHD Medication & Titration
Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse)
Lisdexamfetamine is a similar medication to Dexamfetamine and works in the same way. It is a stimulant medication, which increases activity in the brain, particularly in areas that control attention and behaviour. Adults may be offered Lisdexamfetamine as the first-choice medication instead of Methylphenidate.
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Lisdexamfetamine comes in a modified-release capsule form taken once daily in the morning with the dose released throughout the day for up to 12 hours.
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Common side effects include:
Decreased appetite, which can lead to weight loss or poor weight gain
Aggression
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Headaches
Diarrhoea
Nausea and vomiting.
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Methylphenidate (e.g. Concerta XL, Ritalin)
Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication for ADHD. It is a stimulant medication, which increases activity in the brain, particularly in areas that control attention and behaviour.
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The medication can be taken as either an immediate-release tablet taken 2 to 3 times a day or as a modified-release (MR) tablet taken once daily in the morning with the dose released throughout the day over 12 hours.
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Common side effects include:
A small increase in blood pressure and heart rate
Loss of appetite, which can lead to weight loss or poor weight gain
Insomnia
Headaches
Stomach aches
Mood swings.
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Dexamfetamine
Dexamfetamine is similar to Lisdexamfetamine and works in the same way.
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Dexamfetamine is usually taken as an immediate-release tablet taken 2 to 4 times a day.
Common side effects include:
Decreased appetite
Mood swings
Agitation and aggression
Dizziness
Headaches
Diarrhoea
Nausea and vomiting.
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Atomoxetine (Strattera)
Atomoxetine works differently from other ADHD medications. It's a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which increases the amount of a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. This chemical passes messages between brain cells, and increasing it can improve concentration and reduce impulsivity.
Atomoxetine may be offered to adults if it is not possible to use Methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine.
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Atomoxetine comes in capsule form usually taken once or twice a day.
Common side effects include:
A small increase in blood pressure and heart rate
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach aches
Trouble sleeping
Dizziness
Headaches
Irritability.
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Atomoxetine has also been linked to some more serious side effects that are important to look out for, including suicidal thoughts and liver damage. If you begin to feel depressed or suicidal while taking this medication, speak to your doctor.
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Private Adult ADHD Medication Titration
Once diagnosed with Adult ADHD, Dr Iqbal Mohiuddin can initiate and titrate your medication. Stabilisation of Adult ADHD medication usually takes 3 months but may take longer depending on your response. It may need to be changed to find the best medication for you. Your weight, pulse and blood pressure will be monitored during titration.
Contact our team for personalised treatment and private Adult ADHD medication titration.