Medication

By Think ADHD
By Think ADHD

We hope you find this page helpful. Remember, symptoms vary between patients. If in doubt, speak to a healthcare professional.

Snapshot

Stimulants like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are commonly prescribed medications for ADHD in the UK, helping to improve attention and reduce impulsivity.
Non-stimulants like atomoxetine and guanfacine are alternatives, often used when stimulants cause side effects or are unsuitable.
Side effects can include insomnia, loss of appetite, or mood changes, which is why it’s important your dosage is closely monitored by doctors.
Medication works best when combined with other treatments like therapy, and regular reviews with healthcare professionals are essential to find the right balance.

In the UK, ADHD meds are typically prescribed alongside behavioural therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to provide a well-rounded treatment plan.

While medication doesn’t “cure” ADHD, in some cases it can significantly reduce core symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, allowing individuals to focus better, manage daily tasks, and improve overall quality of life.

There are two main types of medication used to treat ADHD in the UK: stimulants and non-stimulants. Both types work by adjusting the balance of certain chemicals in the brain that influence attention, focus, and impulse control. It is important to note that medication needs vary from person to person, and finding the right type and dosage often requires working closely with a doctor or ADHD specialist.

Stimulant medications

Stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed treatments for ADHD and have been shown to be highly effective. These medications work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine) in the brain, which helps improve attention and reduce impulsivity.

Methylphenidate
The most frequently prescribed stimulant in the UK. Available in both short-acting and long-acting forms, such as Ritalin, Concerta XL, and Medikinet. Methylphenidate helps individuals with ADHD to focus and manage tasks better by enhancing their brain’s ability to process information.
Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse): Another common stimulant medication used when methylphenidate has been less effective. Lisdexamfetamine tends to have a longer-lasting effect, which makes it useful for people who need symptom control throughout the day.

Stimulants work quickly, and many people notice an improvement in symptoms soon after starting the medication. However, like all medications, stimulants can have side effects, including insomnia, loss of appetite, and increased heart rate. It is important that the effects are monitored closely by doctors, and adjustments made to the dosage if necessary.

Non-stimulant medications

Non-stimulants are another option for treating ADHD, especially for individuals who do not respond well to stimulants or who experience significant side effects. Non-stimulant medications work differently from stimulants by targeting different neurotransmitters, but they can still help with attention, focus, and impulsivity.

Atomoxetine (Strattera)
This is the main non-stimulant medication used in the UK for ADHD. It works by increasing levels of norepinephrine in the brain and can be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, though it may take a few weeks to notice the full benefits. Atomoxetine is often chosen when stimulants are unsuitable due to health reasons or when someone has a history of substance misuse.
Guanfacine (Intuniv)
Although less commonly used, Guanfacine is another non-stimulant option. It is sometimes prescribed to children and young people when other medications are not well tolerated or effective.

Non-stimulant medications typically have fewer side effects than stimulants, but they may still cause drowsiness, stomach issues, or changes in mood. They are often preferred for people who cannot tolerate the more activating effects of stimulant medications.

Considerations

If ADHD meds are to be prescribed, your doctor will usually start with a low dose and gradually increase it, monitoring any side effects or changes in symptoms along the way.

Once the right medication and dosage are found, regular reviews with a doctor are necessary to assess how well the medication is working and whether any adjustments are needed. In some cases, individuals may only need medication for specific tasks or situations (such as work or studying), while others may benefit from taking it daily.

It’s also important to note that medication is most effective when combined with other forms of treatment, such as therapy, coaching, or lifestyle changes. Medication can help manage symptoms, but it won’t address underlying habits or challenges related to ADHD, such as time management or emotional regulation.

Common Side Effects
Like all medications, ADHD treatments can cause side effects. Common side effects of stimulant medications include:

Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Increased heart rate or blood pressure
Irritability or mood changes

Non-stimulant medications tend to have different side effects, such as:

Fatigue or drowsiness
Stomach problems
Changes in mood or energy levels

Doctors will usually monitor these side effects and adjust the dose or type of medication accordingly. For some people, side effects subside after a few weeks of treatment.

Alternatives to ADHD medication

While medication is highly effective, some people with ADHD may prefer not to use it or may not tolerate it well. In such cases, alternative treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ADHD coaching, mindfulness training, or lifestyle changes (like diet and exercise) can help manage symptoms.

These non-medical approaches focus on developing coping strategies, improving organisational skills, and addressing emotional regulation, offering valuable support alongside or in place of medication.

Key symptoms medication can help with

Inattention
Medication improves focus, making it easier to stay on task and complete activities without distraction.
Hyperactivity
Stimulants and non-stimulants help reduce the restlessness associated with ADHD
Impulsivity
By increasing self-control, medication helps individuals think before acting.
Procrastination
Medication aids in improving focus and motivation, reducing the tendency to put off tasks.
Emotional Dysregulation
Some medications, particularly non-stimulants, can help manage mood swings and irritability.
Messiness & Disorganisation
Medication improves executive functioning, leading to better planning and organisational skills.

More detail…

Stimulant medications for ADHD

Stimulants such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine are the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD because of their effectiveness.

These drugs increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which help improve focus and reduce hyperactive or impulsive behaviours.

Methylphenidate (like Ritalin and Concerta XL) is typically the first line of treatment and can be prescribed in both short-acting and long-acting forms.

Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) is used when longer symptom control is needed. Stimulants act quickly, often within 30-60 minutes, helping patients to see a near real-time improvement in their ability to concentrate, organise tasks, and stay on track.

Non-stimulant options for ADHD

Non-stimulant medications are a useful alternative for individuals who do not respond well to stimulant treatments or experience side effects.

Atomoxetine (Strattera) is the most commonly prescribed non-stimulant for ADHD in the UK. It works by increasing norepinephrine, a chemical in the brain that helps with attention and focus. Unlike stimulants, atomoxetine can take a few weeks to show full effects, but it is often chosen for people with co-existing conditions like anxiety, where stimulants may cause adverse effects.

Guanfacine (Intuniv) is another option, typically prescribed to younger patients who struggle with other medications.

The role and importance of medication reviews

Medication reviews are an essential part of ADHD treatment. After starting medication, doctors closely monitor how well the medication is working, assess side effects, and make necessary adjustments to the dose.

Finding the right dosage can take time, and it’s normal for doctors to adjust the prescription until symptoms are well-managed. Regular check-ins with healthcare professionals also ensure that the medication remains effective over the long term, as ADHD symptoms can change as a person ages.

Reviews are particularly important for children and adolescents, as their needs may change during periods of growth and development.

Combining medication with non-medical approaches

While medication can be very effective at controlling the core symptoms of ADHD, it is most beneficial when combined with non-medical treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ADHD coaching, or lifestyle changes.

CBT can help individuals manage emotional dysregulation, anxiety, or negative thought patterns that medication alone may not address.

ADHD coaching offers practical support for improving time management, organisation, and goal setting.

Similarly, diet, exercise, and mindfulness can provide additional ways to support overall well-being, making it easier to manage ADHD in daily life without relying solely on medication.

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