ADHD Medication in the UK
The medications for ADHD help to reduce symptoms by increasing brain activity in specific regions. adhd medication uk boost the production of neurotransmitters which are deficient in people with ADHD.
In the UK, stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed medication for adult ADHD. They increase activity in areas of the brain involved in concentration and impulse control.
Stimulants
There are two kinds of drugs that are licensed in the UK to treat adult ADHD that treat ADHD in adults: stimulants and non-stimulant medicines. Stimulants are usually considered the first option because they boost activity in the areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. They include methylphenidate, known as Ritalin, and Lisdexamfetamine. They can be given often throughout the day in a short-acting tablet or taken once a day in a tablet with a long-acting mechanism that is released into the bloodstream over the course of a day. The dose of the medication may require frequent adjustments in the beginning as it is adjusted and monitored (titrated) to determine the dose that is most effective for you.
Stimulants have a long-standing history of use both medically and as recreational drugs. In the 1930s, amphetamines were commonly used by truck drivers, students and sportspeople as energy enhancers. Amphetamines can be extremely dangerous and carry a high chance of abuse. They are abused because they make people feel happy and stimulate the brain in ways that lead to addiction.
The most common side-effects of stimulants are loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and issues with stomach or digestive system. Adjustments in the dosage or frequency of the medication usually alleviate these issues. They are generally accepted by the majority of adults. However, children may experience more significant side-effects, like anxiety, weight loss and crankiness.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications work differently than stimulants and can take a while before they begin to show results. Clonidine and guanfacine (brand names Catapres and Intuniv) are both alpha agonists that work by stimulating specific receptors in the brain. This helps improve concentration, decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity, as well as reduce behavioural issues such as tics and aggression. They can be used as a supplement to ADHD stimulant medications or taken on their own by children aged between 6 and 17.
Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) is another non-stimulant medication for ADHD that boosts levels of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline to enhance impulse control and increase concentration. It can be prescribed alone, but it is most often combined with guanfacine in children. These drugs don't have the same adverse effects as stimulants, but they can cause headaches and insomnia.
Atomoxetine
Certain children aren't able to respond to stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin. For these children medications known as nonstimulants can be utilized. They improve the signaling between nerves and regions of the brain, helping children to concentrate better and reducing their impulsivity. Non-stimulant ADHD medicines use different active ingredients from stimulants and don't have the potential to be abused as they aren't controlled substances.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a non-stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD among adults, children and teens. It's an antidepressant that's been shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD by increasing the levels of a chemical present in the brain that is known as noradrenaline. Noradrenaline passes messages between brain cells and is involved in impulsivity, attention and motivation.
Atomoxetine, because of its unique mechanism of action is not associated with the same adverse effects as other antidepressants such as Wellbutrin or Effexor. It can be prescribed to children as young as 5 and is taken orally every day, either once or twice in tablet form. Atomoxetine provides stable, 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms, so it may help reduce problems in the evening when the effects of some stimulants fade.
The FDA has also approved guanfacine XR as well as Clonidine XR both of which are also available as non-stimulant ADHD medication. They are typically prescribed to children who haven't responded to stimulant medications or who have problems with their adverse effects. They can be administered by themselves or in combination with stimulants, such as Adderall XR (amphetamine salts) to provide an effective treatment for ADHD.
Follow the advice of your doctor Follow your doctor's instructions if your child or you is receiving treatment with a nonstimulant ADHD medication. They will probably suggest starting off with low doses, then gradually increasing the dosage. They'll also ask about any other medications you or your child are taking to ensure that there aren't any interactions. You'll need to attend regular appointments and inform your GP know if you're experiencing any concerns or reactions from the medication. They will be able to alter your dosage or give advice on alternative treatments such as talking therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
The medication used to treat ADHD in adults is a range of stimulant and non-stimulant drugs. Psychologists can also prescribe drugs that are off label (these are drugs which are licensed for another condition but have emerging evidence for their effectiveness in adult ADHD). These medications are typically antidepressants like bupropion or Venflaxine. They have shown some benefit in the condition, and are well tolerated in smaller doses.
Unlicensed medicines can be prescribed to a patient when there is a genuine clinical need that can't be fulfilled by a licensed medication. This is the case for patients whose regular medication is unavailable due to supply disruption, or patients who require a liquid formulation of an approved capsule or tablet due to reasons like intolerance or allergy.
Unlicensed medicines are often described as "specials". This term is also used to describe drugs that are "off-label" or are prepared or supplied in a manner not covered by the licence. They could include crushing tablets to make them easier to swallow or adding liquid to the capsule or tablet that is licensed to make a mixture suitable to be administered via injection, or using a syringe pump in order to inject medication subcutaneously (under the skin).
In general healthcare professionals will employ unlicensed drugs as a last resort and when they feel that there is no approved alternative available. They will carefully consider a wide variety of options in order to meet the needs of each patient. They will also evaluate treatment and outcomes regularly, in light of clinical experience as well as the availability of new treatments that are licensed.
It is important that any unlicensed medicine used to treat a patient is safe and effective and the reason for prescribing it should be recorded in the patient's medical record. If a patient experiences any adverse reactions due to an off-label medication, they must be reported to the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. The information provided will be used by the MHRA to revise the marketing authorisation for the medication and ensure that future prescriptions are safe and effective.
Talk Therapy
A therapist for talk will work with you to understand the symptoms you are experiencing and help discover ways to manage them. They can also give you guidance and assistance on how to change your way of thinking and acting to feel more positive. It is essential to complete the recommended number of sessions to make you feel better.
The quantity of neurotransmitters in your brain can reduce ADHD symptoms. These chemicals enable your neurons to transmit messages, allowing you focus your mind and avoid distractions. There are two types of ADHD medication: stimulants and other non-stimulants. They work in different ways, however they all increase the amount of neurotransmitters within your brain.
There are a variety of medications licensed in the UK to treat ADHD. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets, which are used in small doses, 2 to 3 times per day. Or as modified-release tablets that are taken every week but released over the time of the day. These aren't an answer, but they can assist you manage impulsive behavior and concentrate. They are generally well-tolerated, but your specialist will monitor you closely to ensure you get the right dose and are not experiencing any adverse side consequences. It may take several weeks for the medication to reach its maximum level. It is also possible to titrate (change your dose on a regular basis) to determine the best dosage.
Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (available only with a prescription) can be more efficient and have less of a potential for addiction than stimulants. They are more effective but not as well-liked. Some people may have issues with appetite, memory, or sleep. Your specialist will monitor you development and decide if you should keep taking atomoxetine or switch to a different treatment.
Therapy and medication are not permanent solutions for those suffering from ADHD. However, they can enhance your ability to manage your symptoms and lead a happy life. You will get the most out of your treatment by combining treatment with regular sessions with your therapist because this gives you the chance to discover coping mechanisms and identify unhelpful patterns in your behaviour and thinking. For certain people, their improved confidence and mood can persist beyond the conclusion of their treatment.