ADHD Medication in the UK
The drugs for ADHD help to reduce symptoms by increasing the activity of the brain in certain areas. They also boost neurotransmitters, which are lacking in people with ADHD.
In the UK, stimulant medications are the most frequently prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD. They work by increasing activity in the parts of the brain that are involved in attention and impulse control.
Stimulants
There are two types of medication licensed for use in the UK to treat adult ADHD stimulants and non-stimulant medicines. Stimulants are often used as the first choice because they boost activity in the areas of the brain that to regulate attention and behaviour. These include methylphenidate also known as Ritalin, and the lisdexamfetamine. They are available frequently throughout the day in a tablet that acts as a short-acting one or taken every day in a long-acting tablet that is released into the bloodstream over the course of a single day. At first the dosage of the medication could need to be adjusted and monitored (titrated) to determine the dose that works for you.
Stimulants are used both as medical drugs and recreational drugs. In the 1930s, truck drivers, students and athletes used amphetamines in order to increase their energy levels. Amphetamines pose a risk and can be abused. They are often abused because they can make people feel good and can stimulate the mind in ways that lead them to addiction.
Insomnia, difficulties sleeping and issues with the stomach or digestive system are among the most common negative effects of stimulants. These issues can be addressed by altering the dosage or timing. The majority of adults are tolerant. However, children can suffer more serious side effects, including tics, weight loss and irritability.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication works in a different way than stimulants and may take a while before it starts working. Clonidine and guanfacine (brand names Catapres and Intuniv) are alpha agonists, both of which work by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to increase concentration, decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity, and reduce behavioural issues like aggression and tics. They can be taken on their own or as a complement alongside ADHD stimulant medication in kids aged 6-17.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant medicine that enhances impulse control and concentration by increasing the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. It can be prescribed on its own, but is usually used in conjunction with guanfacine for children. These medications do not cause the same adverse effects as stimulants but can still cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Atomoxetine
Some children do not respond to stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin. For these children the nonstimulants, or medications, can be utilized. They increase the signaling between brain regions, nerves and areas of the brain. This helps children control their impulsivity and improve their concentration. Non-stimulant ADHD drugs contain different active ingredients than stimulants. They also do not have the potential for abuse and are not controlled substances.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a non-stimulant medicine that can be used to treat ADHD among adults, children and teens. It's an antidepressant, which has been shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD by increasing the amount of a chemical present in the brain known as noradrenaline. Noradrenaline is a chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. It's also involved in motivation, impulsivity and attention.
Atomoxetine, because of its unique mechanism of action it does not suffer from the same side-effects as other antidepressants such as Wellbutrin or Effexor. It is a prescription drug for children as young as 5 and is taken orally, once or twice a day in tablet form. Atomoxetine provides stable 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms. It can help reduce the effects at night, when the stimulants have wore off.
The FDA has also approved guanfacineXR and clonidine XR, both of which are available as non-stimulant ADHD medication. These are usually given to children who haven't reacted to stimulant medication or have trouble with their side effects. They can be paired with stimulants like 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 may suggest starting with a low dose and gradually increasing them. They will also want to be aware of any other medications you or your child is taking, so they can check for interactions. You'll need to attend regular appointments and let 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 is a mix of non-stimulant and stimulant drugs. The psychiatric physician can also prescribe medications that are off-label (these are drugs which are licensed for a different condition but have emerging evidence for their effectiveness in adults with ADHD). These medications are typically antidepressants, such as bupropion and venflaxine, both of which have been shown to have a positive effect in the disorder and are well-tolerated at lower doses than those found in the approved treatments.
Sometimes, unlicensed medications are prescribed to a patient when there is a genuine medical need that is unique to the patient and the prescription cannot be met with an alternative licensed medicine. This is the case for patients whose regular medication is temporarily unavailable due to disruption in supply or other reasons, as well as patients requiring the use of a liquid version of a licensed tablet or capsule for reasons such as intolerance or allergy.
Unlicensed medications are usually referred to as'specials', however this term could be used to describe medicines that are not on the label, or that have been prepared or sold in a manner that isn't covered by the license of the medicine. Some examples include crushing tablets in order to make them easier for patients to swallow. Others could include adding liquid to tablets or capsules licensed by the FDA to make a mixture that can be administered by injection.
Healthcare professionals typically employ unlicensed drugs as a last resort when they believe there is no alternative that is licensed. They will carefully evaluate a variety of options to meet the unique needs of each patient. They will also review treatment and outcomes regularly taking into account both clinical experience and the availability of new treatments that are licensed.
It is important that any medicine that is not licensed to treat patients is safe and effective, and the reason for prescribing it should be recorded in the patient's medical record. If medication for adults with add has any adverse reactions from an off-label treatment, they should be reported via the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. The information provided 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 talk therapist works with you to help you identify your issues and find ways to manage. They will also provide guidance and assistance on how to change your way of thinking and acting in order to feel more positive. It is crucial that you complete the recommended amount of sessions to improve your mood.
The amount of neurotransmitters within your brain can reduce ADHD symptoms. These are substances that allow your neurons to pass on messages to help you focus your thoughts and ignore distractions. There are two kinds of ADHD medication that include stimulants and non-stimulants. They work in slightly different ways but all increase the availability of neurotransmitters within your brain.
In the UK there are many medications that can be used to treat ADHD. medication for adults with add is methylphenidate, which is available in tablets that are immediate-release (small doses that are taken between 2 and 3 times a day) and modified-release tablets (taken once a day but released throughout the day). These aren't a cure but can help you to control an impulsive behaviour and help you focus. They are generally well-tolerated, but your specialist will closely monitor you to ensure that you get the correct dosage and don't experience any adverse negative effects. It can take several weeks to get the medication to its maximum level. You may also have to increase the dosage (change your dosage on a regular basis) to determine the best dosage.
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (available only with a prescription) are more effective and have less of a chance of addiction than stimulants. They are more effective but not as well tolerated. Certain people may experience problems with appetite, memory, or sleep. Your doctor will track your progress and decide whether or not you should continue taking Atomoxetine or switch to another treatment.
People with ADHD can't find permanent solutions with medication or therapy. They can help you cope with your issues and lead a more fulfilling life. Combining therapy with medication sessions will help you gain the most from your treatment. You'll learn coping strategies and recognize patterns that are not helpful to your behavior and thinking. Some people's improved moods and self-confidence can persist after treatment.