ADHD Medication in the UK
Treatments for ADHD help to reduce symptoms by increasing activity in certain areas of the brain. They also increase the production of neurotransmitters that are absent in people suffering from ADHD.
In the UK the UK, stimulant drugs are the most commonly prescribed medication for adult ADHD. They help by increasing the activity of the brain in areas involved in attention and impulse regulation.
Stimulants
There are two types of drugs that are licensed in the UK to treat adult ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulant medicines. Stimulants, which increase brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior are usually the first option. They include methylphenidate, known as Ritalin, and Lisdexamfetamine. They can be administered often throughout the day in a tablet with a short-acting mechanism or taken once a day in a long-acting tablet that is released into the bloodstream over the course of a single day. The dose of the medication might require frequent adjustments in the early days as it is adjusted and monitored (titrated) to find the dosage that is effective for you.
Stimulants are widely used as medical drugs and recreational drugs. In the 1930s truck drivers, students, and athletes took amphetamines to increase their energy levels. Amphetamines pose a risk and can be abused. They are abused as they can make people feel good and can stimulate the mind in ways that can lead to addiction.
The most common side-effects of stimulants are loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and issues with digestion or stomach. Adjustments in the dosage or timing of the medication often reduce these problems. They are generally tolerated by the majority of adults. Children can experience more serious side effects, such as the tics, weight gain and irritability.
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 certain receptors in the brain. This helps improve concentration, reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and reduce behavioral issues like tics and aggression. They can be used as a supplement to ADHD stimulant medications or used on their own by children aged 6-17.
Atomoxetine also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant drug that enhances the ability to control impulses and concentration by increasing the levels noradrenaline in the brain. It can be prescribed alone however it is often used in conjunction with guanfacine to treat children. These medications do not cause the same negative side effects as stimulants, but they can still cause headaches and sleep problems.
Atomoxetine
Some children are not responsive to stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin. For these children medications known as nonstimulants can be used. They increase the signaling between brain regions, nerves and areas of the brain. This helps children manage impulsivity and concentrate better. Nonstimulant ADHD medicines contain different active ingredients in contrast to stimulants and don't have the potential for abuse and therefore aren't controlled substances.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is a non-stimulant medicine that can be used to treat ADHD among adults, children and teenagers. It is an antidepressant that has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the amount a chemical called noradrenaline in the brain. Noradrenaline transmits messages between brain cells and is involved in attention, impulsivity, and motivation.
Because of its unique mechanism of action, atomoxetine does not suffer from the same adverse effects as other antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and Effexor. It is available to children as young 5 years old. It is administered once or twice a day in tablet form. Atomoxetine gives you a steady, 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms. It can reduce the severity of problems at night when the stimulants have worn off.
The FDA has also approved guanfacine XR and clonidine XR, both of which are also available as non-stimulant ADHD medications. These are typically prescribed to kids who haven't responded to stimulant medications or who have problems with their adverse effects. They can be used alone or in combination with stimulants, like Adderall XR (amphetamine salts), for an effective treatment for ADHD.
If you or your child is being treated with a non-stimulant ADHD medication, ensure you follow your GP's directions carefully. They will likely suggest starting with small doses, and then gradually increasing the dosage over time. They will also inquire about any other medications that you or your child is taking to make sure there are no interactions. You'll need to attend regular appointments and let your GP be aware of any concerns or adverse reactions from the medication. They may alter your dosage or suggest alternative treatments like talking therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
The medication used to treat ADHD in adults includes a variety of non-stimulant and stimulant drugs. Psychologists can also prescribe drugs that are 'off label' (these are medications that are approved for a different condition but have emerging evidence for their effectiveness in adult ADHD). These are usually antidepressants like bupropion or Venflaxine. They have shown some benefit in the condition, and are well tolerated at lower doses.
Sometimes, unlicensed medicines are prescribed to patients when there is a genuine special clinical need and the prescription cannot be fulfilled with a licensed alternative. Patients whose usual medication was temporarily cut off due to a disruption in supply, or who require a liquid version of an approved capsule or tablet for reasons like allergies or intolerances can be affected in a variety of ways.
Unlicensed medicines can be called "specials". This term can also be used to refer to medicines that are "off-label" or are prepared or supplied in a manner not covered by the licence. These might include crushing tablets to make them easier to swallow, or adding a liquid to an approved capsule or tablet to create a mix for administration by injection, or using a syringe pump in order to administer medication subcutaneously (under the skin).
In general healthcare professionals will use unlicensed medication as a last resort and when it is felt that there is no approved alternative available. adhd medication side effects iampsychiatry.uk will carefully evaluate a broad selection of options to meet the needs of each patient. They will also review the results and treatment regularly taking into account clinical experience as well as the availability of new licensed treatments.
It is essential that any medication not licensed to treat a person is safe and efficient. The reason for prescribing a medicine must be documented in the patient's medical record. If a patient experiences any side effects from an off-label treatment they must be reported to the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. This information will be used to amend the medicine's MHRA marketing authorisation, and to ensure that future prescriptions of the drug are safe and effective.
Talk Therapy
A talk therapist will work with you to understand your symptoms and help you find ways to manage them. They will also be able to offer guidance and assistance on ways to change the way you think and act in order to feel more confident about your life. It is essential to complete the recommended number of sessions as this will make you feel better.
The quantity of neurotransmitters in your brain can help reduce ADHD symptoms. These chemicals enable your neurons to transmit messages, allowing you to focus your thoughts and avoid distractions. There are two kinds of ADHD treatment that include stimulants and non-stimulants. They all increase the amount of neurotransmitters in your brain.
In the UK, there are several medications that can be used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets that are taken in small doses 2 to 3 times a day. Also, as modified-release tablets, which are taken once a week but released over the course of the day. These medicines are not the cure for ADHD but they can help to control and focus on impulsive behaviour. They are generally well-tolerated, however your physician will closely monitor you to ensure you receive the right dose and are not experiencing any adverse consequences. Medication can take a few weeks to reach the best dosage and could need to be adjusted (changed on an ongoing basis) to determine the best dosage for you.
Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (available only on prescription) are more efficient and have less of a potential for addiction than stimulants. They are more effective, but not as well tolerated. Certain people may have issues with memory, appetite or sleep. Your doctor will track your progress and discuss whether you should keep taking the atomoxetine drug or switch to a different treatment.
People with ADHD are unable to find permanent solutions through medication or therapy. However, they can enhance your ability to deal with your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. You will benefit the most from your treatment by combining treatments with regular sessions with your therapist since this gives you a chance to learn ways to cope and identify problematic patterns in your behavior and thinking. Some people's improved mood and self-confidence may last for a long time after treatment.