ADHD Medication in the UK
Medications for ADHD help to reduce symptoms by increasing activity in specific areas of the brain. They also stimulate the production of neurotransmitters which are deficient in people with ADHD.
Stimulant drugs are the most widely prescribed medication for adult ADHD in the UK. They are used to increase brain activity in areas involved in attention and impulse regulation.
Stimulants
There are two kinds of medication licensed for use in the UK to treat adult ADHD that treat ADHD in adults: stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. The stimulants are typically offered as the first option due to their ability to increase activity in areas of the brain that help regulate attention and behaviour. They include methylphenidate (often referred to as Ritalin) and lisdexamfetamine (brand names like Vyvanse). They can be given several times a day in a tablet that acts as a short-acting one 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 monitored and adjusted (titrated) to determine the dosage that is effective for you.
Stimulants have a long history of use both medicinally and as recreational drugs. In the 1930s, truck drivers, students and athletes used amphetamines to boost their energy. Amphetamines can be dangerous and be misused. They are abused because they can make people feel good and stimulate the brain in ways that can lead to addiction.
The loss of appetite, the difficulties sleeping, and problems with digestion or stomach are among the most common side effects of stimulants. These problems can be reduced by adjusting the dosage or timing. Most adults tolerate them well. However, children can experience more significant side-effects, like anxiety, weight loss and crankiness.
medication adhd adults -stimulant ADHD medication works in a different manner than stimulants and may take a while before it starts working. Clonidine and Guanfacine (brand names Catapres and Intuniv) are both alpha agonists that are able to stimulate certain receptors in the brain to improve concentration, decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity, as well as reduce behavioral issues like tics and aggression. They can be used in addition to ADHD stimulant medication or taken alone by children between the ages of 6-17.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant medication that enhances concentration and impulse control by increasing the levels noradrenaline in the brain. It is available as a standalone medication however it is often used in conjunction with guanfacine to treat children. These drugs don't have the same side effects as stimulants but can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Atomoxetine
Some children do not respond to stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin. For these kids medications known as nonstimulants can be utilized. They boost signaling between nerves and regions of the brain, helping kids concentrate more easily and control the impulsivity. Non-stimulant ADHD medications use different active ingredients than stimulants. They also do not have the potential for abuse and are not controlled substances.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera, is a non-stimulant drug that can be used to treat ADHD among adults, children and teens. It's an antidepressant which has been proven to decrease symptoms of ADHD by increasing the levels of a chemical that is present in the brain known as noradrenaline. Noradrenaline passes messages between brain cells and is involved in attention, impulsivity and motivation.
Atomoxetine due to its unique mechanism of action, does not have the same adverse effects as other antidepressants like Wellbutrin or Effexor. It is available to children as young as 5 years old. It is administered once or twice daily in tablet form. Atomoxetine gives a steady, continuous control of ADHD symptoms, so it can help in reducing problems at night, when the effects of certain stimulants diminish.
The FDA has also approved guanfacineXR and Clonidine XR, both which are available as non-stimulant ADHD medications. They are typically prescribed to children who haven't reacted to stimulant medications or who have trouble with their side effects. They can be used in conjunction with stimulants such as Adderall XR, (amphetamines salts), to treat ADHD more effectively.
If you or your child are being treated with a non-stimulant ADHD medication, ensure you follow your GP's directions carefully. They might suggest starting with lower doses, and gradually increasing the dosage. They will also want to know about any other medications you or your child is taking, so they can make sure for interactions. You'll need to attend regular appointments and let your GP know if you have any concerns or reactions from the medication. They may change the dosage or suggest alternative treatments like talking therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
Adult ADHD is treated with various stimulant and anti-stimulant medicines. The psychiatric physician may prescribe medications that are off-label for the condition (these are medications that are approved for other conditions, but are showing evidence of effectiveness in adults with ADHD). These are usually antidepressants like bupropion or Venflaxine. They have been shown to provide some benefits in the condition, and are well tolerated in smaller doses.
Sometimes, unlicensed drugs are prescribed to a patient when there is a genuine medical need that is so specific that the prescription cannot be met by a licensed alternative. This includes patients whose usual medication is not available due to disruption in supply, and patients who require a liquid formulation of a licensed tablet or capsule for reasons such as intolerance or allergy.
Unlicensed medicines can be called "specials". This term can also be used to describe medicines that are "off-label" or have been made or delivered in a way that is not covered by the license. 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 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 when it is felt that there is no licensed alternative available. They will carefully consider a wide variety of options in order to satisfy the specific needs of each patient. They will also review the outcomes and treatment routinely, in light of both clinical experience and the availability of new licensed treatments.
It is crucial that any medicine not licensed to treat a patient is safe and effective and the reason for prescribing it is documented in the patient's medical record. Inform about any adverse effects that a patient might experience from an off-label medication by using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. This information 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 who works with you to help understand your symptoms and find ways to manage. They will also provide advice and support about how to alter your way of thinking and acting to feel more positive. It is important to complete the amount of sessions your therapist suggests since this will help in your feeling more positive.
Medications help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters that your brain produces. These are substances that allow your neurons to transmit messages to help you focus your thoughts and stay clear of distractions. There are two types of ADHD medications which include stimulants as well as other non-stimulants. All of them increase the quantity of neurotransmitters that are available in your brain.
There are several medications licenced in the UK to treat ADHD. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets that are taken in small doses of 2 to 3 times per day. Also, as modified-release tablets that are taken weekly, but released throughout the duration of the day. These aren't a cure for ADHD however they can help to control and focus on the impulsive behavior. They are generally well tolerated but your doctor will closely monitor you to ensure that you receive the correct dose and that you don't suffer any adverse negative effects. It can take several weeks to get the medication to its optimal level. You may also have to adjust your dosage (change your dose regularly) to determine what works best.
Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine which is available through prescription only, can be more efficient than stimulants and do not have the same possibility of addiction. They have a stronger scientific basis, however they aren't as well-tolerated. Some people suffer from problems with their appetite, memory, or sleep. Your specialist will monitor your progress and decide whether you should continue taking Atomoxetine or switch to another treatment.
The use of therapy or medication is not permanent solutions for people with ADHD. However, they can help improve your ability to manage your symptoms and lead an enjoyable life. Combining therapy with medication sessions will help you gain the most benefit from your treatment. You'll learn coping strategies and recognize unhelpful patterns of behavior and thoughts. For some, their increased mood and confidence can even persist beyond the conclusion of their treatment.