ADHD Medication in the UK
Treatments for ADHD assist in reducing symptoms by increasing the activity of certain regions of the brain. They also stimulate neurotransmitters which are lacking in people with ADHD.
In the UK, stimulant medications are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults with ADHD. They work by increasing activity in the parts of the brain involved in concentration and impulse control.
Stimulants
There are two kinds of medication licensed for use in the UK to treat adult ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulant medicines. Stimulants are often considered the first option because they boost activity in areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. These include methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, and Lisdexamfetamine. These tablets can be taken multiple times per day as a short-acting pill or every week as a long-acting pill that releases into the bloodstream throughout the day. In the beginning, the dose of the medication might require adjustment and monitored (titrated) in order to determine the dosage that is most effective for you.
Stimulants are widely used as medical drugs and recreational drugs. In the 1930s, amphetamines was often used by truck drivers, students, and athletes for their energy boosters. Amphetamines are extremely dangerous and carry a high chance of abuse. They are often abused because they make people feel fantastic and can stimulate the mind in ways that can lead to addiction.
The most common side-effects of stimulants are loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and problems with stomach or digestive system. These issues can be addressed by altering the dosage or timing. They are generally well-tolerated by adults in general. However, children can experience more significant side-effects, such as anxiety, weight loss and crankiness.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications work differently than stimulants and can take some time before they begin to show results. Clonidine and Guanfacine (brand names Catapres and Intuniv) are both alpha agonists which work by stimulating certain receptors in the brain. This helps improve concentration, decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity, and reduce behavioral issues like aggression and tics. They can be used as a supplement to ADHD stimulant medications or taken on their own by children between the ages of 6-17.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera, is a non-stimulant medicine that enhances the ability to control impulses and concentration by increasing the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. It can be prescribed as by itself, but it is usually combined with guanfacine in children. These drugs are less likely to cause the same side effects as stimulants, but can still cause a range of issues, such as headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Atomoxetine
Certain children aren't able to respond to stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin. For these kids the nonstimulants, or medications, can be used. They boost signaling between nerves and regions of the brain, which help children to concentrate better and control the impulsivity. Nonstimulant ADHD medications contain different active ingredients to stimulants, and do not have a potential for abuse as they aren't controlled substances.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is a non-stimulant drug that can be used to treat ADHD in children, adults and teens. It is an antidepressant which has been proven to decrease ADHD symptoms by increasing the quantity of a chemical called noradrenaline in the brain. Noradrenaline is a chemical that sends messages between brain cells. It's also involved in motivation, impulsivity and attention.
Due to its unique mechanism of action, atomoxetine doesn't have the same side effects as other antidepressants like Wellbutrin and Effexor. It is available to children as young as 5 years old. It is taken either once or twice daily in tablet form. Atomoxetine provides stable 24-hour control over ADHD symptoms. It can reduce the severity of problems in the evening when 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 available to children who have not responded to stimulant medication or who are experiencing difficulties dealing with its negative effects. They can be paired with stimulants, such as Adderall XR, (amphetamines salts), to treat ADHD more effectively.
Follow your doctor's instructions If you or your child is receiving treatment with non-stimulant ADHD medicine. They may suggest starting with low doses and gradually increasing the dosage over time. They'll also want to be aware of any other medications you or your child are taking, so they can check whether there are any interactions. You'll need to schedule regular appointments with your GP and inform them if you experience any issues or side effects. They'll be able to modify your dosage or provide advice on alternative treatments such as talking therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
Adult ADHD is treated with different stimulant and anti-stimulant medicines. The psychiatric physician can also prescribe medications that are off label (these are medications that are licensed for a different condition, but are being evaluated for their effectiveness in adult ADHD). These medications are typically antidepressants such as bupropion or venflaxine. They have been shown to have a positive effect in the condition and are well-tolerated at lower doses than those found in licensed treatments.
Sometimes, unlicensed medications are prescribed to a patient in cases where there is a special clinical need and the prescription cannot be fulfilled with a licensed alternative. This is for patients whose normal medication is unavailable because of supply disruptions or disruptions in supply, and patients who require the use of a liquid version of a licensed tablet or capsule due to reasons like intolerance or allergy.
Unlicensed medications are usually referred to as'specials', however this term could also be applied to medicines that are not on the label, or that are prepared or distributed in a manner which is not covered by the prescription for the medicine. Some examples include crushing tablets in order to make them easier for patients to swallow. Other options include adding liquid to a licensed capsule or tablet to make a mix that can be administered by injection.
Healthcare professionals generally use unlicensed medications as a last resort when they feel that there is no licensed alternative. They will carefully consider a wide range of options, in order to satisfy the needs of the individual patient. They will also review regularly treatment and results taking into account both clinical experience and new licensed treatments.
It is vital that any medication that is not licensed to treat an individual is safe and efficient. The reason for prescribing the medication should also be recorded in the patient's record. If a patient experiences any side effects due to an off-label medication, they must be reported to the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. The information provided will be used to update the medicine's MHRA marketing authorisation, and to ensure that any future prescriptions of the medication are safe and effective.
Talk Therapy
A therapist who works with you will assist you in understanding your symptoms and assist you to discover ways to manage them. They'll also be able to offer advice and support on ways to change your way of thinking and act in order to feel more optimistic about life. It is important to complete the amount of sessions your therapist recommends as this will make feeling better.
The amount of neurotransmitters that are present in your brain can help reduce ADHD symptoms. These chemicals allow your neurons pass on messages, helping you to concentrate your thoughts and avoid distractions. There are two kinds of ADHD medications which include stimulants as well as other non-stimulants. All of them improve the availability neurotransmitters within your brain.
In the UK there are many medications that can be utilized to treat ADHD. The most frequently used is methylphenidate. It is available in tablets that are immediate-release (small doses taken 2 to 3 times per day) and modified-release tablets (taken daily but released throughout the day). These medications are not a cure but can help you to control an impulsive behaviour and help you focus. They are usually well-tolerated but your specialist will closely monitor you to ensure you receive the right dosage and do not experience any adverse side negative effects. It can take several weeks to reach your optimal dosage and could need to be adjusted (changed frequently) in order to find the most effective dosage for you.
Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (available only with a prescription) are more efficient and have less risk of addiction than stimulants. They have a stronger evidence base but they are not as well-tolerated and some people experience problems with their appetite, memory or sleep. Your specialist will monitor your progress and decide whether you should continue with atomoxetine or change to another treatment.
People with ADHD are unable to find permanent solutions through medication or therapy. However, they can enhance your ability to manage your symptoms and live an enjoyable life. You will make the most of your treatment if you combine medication with regular visits to your therapist, as this will give you the chance to develop ways to cope and identify problematic patterns in your behavior and thinking. For my response , their improved confidence and mood can persist beyond the conclusion of their treatment.