ADHD Medication in the UK
Medications for ADHD help to reduce symptoms by increasing the activity of certain regions of the brain. They also increase the production of neurotransmitters that are deficient in people with ADHD.
In the UK, stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD. They increase activity in areas of the brain involved in the control of impulses and attention.
Stimulants
In the UK There are two types of medication that are approved for adults ADHD treatment including stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Stimulants are often considered the first option because they boost activity in areas of the brain that to regulate attention and behaviour. These include methylphenidate (often called Ritalin) and lisdexamfetamine (brand names including Vyvanse). They can be given several times a day in a tablet that acts as a short-acting one or taken daily in a long-acting tablet that is released into the bloodstream throughout the course of a day. At first the dosage of the medication might need to be adjusted and monitored (titrated) in order to determine the dose that works for you.
Stimulants are widely used as medical and recreational drugs. In the 1930s, amphetamines was commonly used by truck drivers, students and sportspeople to boost their energy levels. Amphetamines are dangerous and can be misused. They are often abused because they can make people feel good and can stimulate the brain in ways that can lead to addiction.
The loss of appetite, the difficulties sleeping and issues with digestion or stomach are some of the most common adverse effects of stimulants. Adjustments to the dosage or frequency of the medication usually can alleviate these problems. Most adults tolerate them well. However, children may suffer more serious side effects, such as the loss of weight, tics and crankiness.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications work differently than stimulants, and it can take a while for them to begin working. Clonidine and Guanfacine (brand names Catapres and Intuniv) are both alpha agonists which work by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to improve concentration, decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity, and reduce behavioural issues like tics and aggression. They can be used in addition to ADHD stimulant medication or taken on their own by children aged 6-17.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a non-stimulant medicine that improves concentration and impulse control by increasing the levels noradrenaline in the brain. It can be prescribed alone but is most often used in conjunction with guanfacine to treat children. These medications are less likely to cause the same side effects as stimulants, yet they may still trigger a variety of them such as headaches and trouble sleeping.
Atomoxetine
While stimulant medicines such as Ritalin and Adderall are usually recommended for kids with ADHD, some children don't respond to them. For these children medications known as nonstimulants can be utilized. They boost signaling between nerves and regions of the brain, helping kids concentrate more easily and control impulsivity. Nonstimulant ADHD medications contain different active ingredients to stimulants and don't have the potential to be abused as they 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 is an antidepressant, and has been proven to decrease ADHD symptoms by increasing the amount a chemical known as noradrenaline that is present in the brain. Noradrenaline transmits messages between brain cells and is involved in attention, impulsivity, and motivation.
Due to its unique mechanism of action, atomoxetine isn't able to have the same side effects that other antidepressants do, such as Wellbutrin and Effexor. It is a prescription drug for children as young as five and is administered orally, every day, either once or twice in tablet form. Atomoxetine provides stable 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms. It can reduce the severity of problems at night, when the stimulants have worn off.
Both guanfacine and clonidine are available as non-stimulant ADHD medication. They are prescribed to children who haven't had a positive response to stimulant medication or have trouble dealing with its adverse 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 that you follow the instructions of your doctor carefully. They will probably suggest starting off with low doses, and gradually increasing the dosage. They will also want to know about any other medications you or your child is taking to check for interactions. You'll need to schedule regular appointments with your GP and inform them if you experience any side effects or concerns. They can change your dosage or advise alternative treatments, like talk therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
The treatment for ADHD in adults includes a variety of stimulant and non-stimulant drugs. Psychologists may also prescribe drugs which are 'off-label' for the condition (these are substances that are licensed for different conditions, but are showing evidence of their effectiveness in adults with ADHD). These medications are typically antidepressants like bupropion or Venflaxine. They have demonstrated some benefit for the condition, and are tolerated in lower doses.
Sometimes, unlicensed medicines are prescribed to patients when there is a genuine medical need that is unique to the patient and the prescription cannot be fulfilled with a licensed alternative. Patients whose usual medication has been temporarily stopped because of a disruption in supply, or patients who require a liquid version of a licensed capsule or tablet for reasons such as intolerance or allergies can be affected in a variety of ways.
Unlicensed medications are usually described as'specials' however, this can be used to describe medicines that are not on the label, or that have been prepared or distributed in a manner that isn't covered by the medicine's licence. They could include crushing tablets to make them easier to swallow or adding a liquid to the capsule or tablet that is licensed to make a mixture suitable for administration by injection, or using a syringe pump in order to administer 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 range of options, to meet the specific needs of each patient. They will also periodically review treatment and results taking into consideration both clinical experience and new licensed treatments.
It is important that any medicine not licensed to treat patients is safe and effective, and the reason for prescribing it is recorded in the patient's medical record. Report any side effects a patient may have from an off-label drug using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. This information 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 talk therapist will help you understand your symptoms and help you discover ways to manage them. They can also offer you guidance and advice on how to change your way of thinking and acting to feel more positive. It is crucial to finish the number of sessions that your therapist suggests as this will be key in feeling more positive.
The use of medication can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the number of neurotransmitters that your brain produces. These are chemicals that allow your neurons to transmit messages, and assist you in focusing your thoughts and stay clear of distractions. There are two kinds of medications used to treat ADHD which are stimulants and non-stimulants. adhd medication adults work in different ways, but they all improve the supply of neurotransmitters in your brain.
There are a number of medicines licensed in the UK to treat ADHD. The most frequently used is methylphenidate, available in both immediate-release tablets (small doses that are taken between 2 and 3 times per day) and modified-release tablets (taken once a day but released throughout the day). These medications are not an answer, but they can assist you manage the impulsive behavior and focus. They are generally well-tolerated but your doctor will monitor closely to ensure that you receive the correct dose and do not experience any side effects. It can take several weeks for the medication to reach its ideal level. You may also need to titrate (change your dose on a regular basis) to determine what is most effective.
Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine, which is available through prescription only, can be more efficient than stimulants and don't have the same possibility of addiction. They have a stronger scientific base but they are not as well-tolerated and some people have issues with appetite, memory, or sleep. Your doctor will track your progress and determine whether you should continue taking atomoxetine or change to another treatment.
Neither medications nor therapy are permanent solutions for those suffering from ADHD. They can help you deal with your symptoms and live a fulfilling lifestyle. Combining therapy with medication sessions will allow you to get the most from your treatment. You'll learn strategies for coping and recognize patterns that are not helpful to your behaviour and thought. Some people's improved mood and self-confidence can persist after treatment.