ADHD Medication in the UK
The medications for ADHD aid in reducing symptoms by increasing activity in certain areas of the brain. They also boost neurotransmitters, which are lacking in people with ADHD.
Stimulant drugs are the most frequently prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD in the UK. They work by increasing activity in the parts of the brain involved with attention and impulse control.
Stimulants
In the UK There are two types of medication that are approved for adult ADHD treatment including stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. The stimulants are typically used as the first choice because they increase activity in the regions of the brain that regulate attention and behaviour. most effective adhd medication for adults include methylphenidate, known as Ritalin, and lisdexamfetamine. These tablets can be taken a few times throughout the day as a short-acting pill or once a week as a long-acting pill that releases into the bloodstream throughout the day. At first the dose of the medication may need to be adjusted and monitored (titrated), to find the dose that works for you.
Stimulants have a long-standing history of use both medicinally and as recreational drugs. In the 1930s truck drivers, students, and athletes used amphetamines in order to boost their energy. Amphetamines can be 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, sleep disturbances and problems with the digestive system or stomach. Adjustments to the dosage or timing of the medication usually reduce these problems. They are generally well-tolerated by most adults. Children may experience more serious side effects, such as weight gain, tics and crankiness.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication works differently from stimulants, and it can take a while for them to begin working. Clonidine and guanfacine (brand names Catapres and Intuniv) are both alpha agonists that work by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to increase concentration, reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and reduce behavioural issues like aggression and tics. They can be used as a complement to ADHD stimulant medication or taken on their own by children aged 6-17.
Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) is a different non-stimulant medication for ADHD that boosts levels of the neurotransmitter Noradrenaline to improve impulse control and improve concentration. It can be prescribed as by itself, but it is most often used in conjunction with guanfacine for children. These medications do not cause the same negative side effects as stimulants but can cause headaches and sleep problems.
Atomoxetine
Some children are not responsive to stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin. Nonstimulants are available for these children. They boost signaling between nerves and regions of the brain, which help children to concentrate better and manage the impulsivity. Nonstimulant ADHD medication uses different active ingredients than stimulants. They also do not have the potential for abuse and aren't controlled substances.
Atomoxetine, also referred to 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 lessen the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the levels of a chemical present in the brain known as noradrenaline. Noradrenaline passes messages between brain cells and is involved in impulsivity, attention, and motivation.
Due to its unique mechanism of action, atomoxetine does not have the same negative side effects that other antidepressants do, such as Wellbutrin and Effexor. It is a prescription drug for children as young as 5 and is taken orally, every day, either once or twice in tablet form. Atomoxetine produces stable 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms, which means it can help in reducing problems at night, when the effects of some stimulants wear off.
The FDA has also approved guanfacineXR and clonidine XR, both of which are available as non-stimulant ADHD medications. These are available to children who have not been able to respond to stimulant medications or have trouble dealing with its adverse effects. They can be used by themselves or in combination with stimulants like Adderall XR (amphetamine salts) to offer an effective treatment of ADHD.
If you or your child is being treated with an non-stimulant ADHD medication, make sure you follow the instructions of your doctor carefully. They will probably suggest starting with lower doses, and then gradually increasing the dosage. They will also want to know about any other medications you or your child are taking to make sure there aren't any interactions. You'll have to make regular appointments and inform your GP know if you have any concerns or side effects from the medication. They may alter your dosage, or suggest alternative treatments such as talk therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
The treatment for ADHD in adults includes a variety of non-stimulant and stimulant drugs. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medicines that are off label (these are drugs which are licensed for a different condition, but have evidence emerging for effectiveness in adult ADHD). These are usually antidepressants such as Venflaxine or bupropion. They have demonstrated some benefits in the condition, and are tolerated in smaller doses.
Unlicensed medicines may be prescribed to a patient when there is a genuine clinical need that cannot be satisfied by a licensed medicine. Patients whose usual medication has been temporarily stopped due to a disruption of supply, or patients who require a liquid version of a licensed tablet or capsule for reasons such as allergies or intolerances could be affected.
Unlicensed medicines can be called "specials". This term can also be used to describe medicines that are "off-label" or have been prepared or provided in a way that is not covered by the license. These might include crushing tablets to make them easier to swallow or adding liquid to the capsule or tablet that is licensed to form a mixture to be administered by injection or using a syringe pump in order to administer medication subcutaneously (under the skin).
In general, healthcare professionals will only use unlicensed medication as a last resort and when they believe that there is no approved alternative available. They will carefully evaluate a broad selection of options in order to satisfy the needs of the individual patient. They will also regularly review treatments and outcomes taking into consideration both clinical experience and new approved treatments.
It is vital that any unlicensed medication used 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. The information provided will be used to update the medication's MHRA marketing authorisation, and also to ensure that future prescriptions for the medication are safe and effective.
Talk Therapy
A therapist who works with you to assist you to understand your symptoms and discover ways to manage. They will also be able to offer guidance and advice on ways to change the way you think and act in order to feel more optimistic about life. It is essential to complete the number of sessions that your therapist recommends as this will make you feeling better.
The amount of neurotransmitters that are present in your brain can reduce ADHD symptoms. These are substances that allow your neurons to transmit messages, and assist you in focusing your thoughts and ignore distractions. There are two kinds of ADHD treatment: stimulants and other non-stimulants. They all increase the quantity of neurotransmitters that are available in your brain.
There are a variety of medications licensed in the UK to treat ADHD. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets that are used in small doses, 2 to 3 times a day. Or as modified-release tablets that are taken every week but released over the time of the day. These aren't an effective treatment for ADHD but they can make it easier to concentrate and control the impulsive behavior. They are generally tolerated well, however your doctor will monitor you closely to ensure you receive the right dosage and do not suffer from any adverse side negative effects. The treatment can take a few weeks to reach the best level and may have to be titrated (changed frequently) in order to find what works best for you.
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, which is available on prescription only, may be more effective than stimulants and do not have the same potential for addiction. They are more effective, but not as well tolerated. Some patients might experience issues with memory, appetite, or sleep. Your specialist will monitor you progress and determine whether to continue with atomoxetine, or switch to another treatment.
Therapy and medication are not permanent solutions for those suffering from ADHD. They can help you deal with your symptoms, and lead a happy life. Combining therapy with medication sessions will help you get the most from your treatment. You'll learn coping strategies and recognize unhelpful patterns of behavior and thinking. For some, their increased mood and confidence can even persist beyond the conclusion of their treatment.