ADHD Medication in the UK
Treatments for ADHD assist in reducing symptoms by increasing activity in specific areas of the brain. They also increase the production of neurotransmitters which are absent in people suffering from ADHD.
Stimulant medications are the most widely prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD in the UK. They increase activity in the parts of the brain that are involved in attention and impulse control.
Stimulants
There are two kinds of drugs that are licensed in the UK to treat adult ADHD stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. Stimulants are usually used as the first choice due to their ability to increase activity in the regions of the brain that to regulate attention and behaviour. These include methylphenidate (often known as Ritalin) and the lisdexamfetamine (brand names like Vyvanse). They are available often throughout the day in a tablet with a short-acting mechanism or taken daily in a long-acting tablet that is released into the bloodstream throughout the course of a single day. The dose of the medication might need to be changed regularly in the early days as it is monitored and adjusted (titrated) to find a dose that works best for you.
Stimulants are utilized as medical drugs and recreational drugs. During the 1930s amphetamines were often employed by truck drivers, students and sportspeople as energy enhancers. Amphetamines can be dangerous and be misused. They are abused because they can make people feel good and can stimulate the brain in ways that result in addiction.
The loss of appetite, the difficulties sleeping and issues with the stomach or digestive system are some of the most frequent side effects of stimulants. These issues can be cured by adjusting the dose or timing. Most adults tolerate them well. However, children can have more severe side-effects like the loss of weight, tics and irritability.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication functions in a different manner in comparison to stimulants and can take some time to begin 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 the impulsivity and hyperactivity, and reduce behavioural issues like tics and aggression. They can be used on their own or as a complement along with ADHD stimulant medications for children aged between 6 and 17 years old.
Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) is another non-stimulant medication for ADHD that boosts levels of the neurotransmitter Noradrenaline to enhance impulse control and increase concentration. It is a medication that can be used on its own however it is commonly combined with guanfacine for children. These medications do not cause the same side effects as stimulants but can cause headaches and insomnia.
Atomoxetine
Some children do not respond to stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin. Nonstimulants are available for children who aren't. They increase the signaling between brain regions, nerves and brain regions. This helps children control the impulsivity of their children and help them concentrate better. Nonstimulant ADHD medicines contain different active ingredients in contrast to stimulants and don't have a potential for abuse and therefore aren't controlled substances.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is one of the newest non-stimulant medicines that treat ADHD in adults, children and teenagers. It is an antidepressant, and has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the amount a chemical called noradrenaline within the brain. Noradrenaline transmits messages between brain cells and is involved in attention, impulsivity, and motivation.
Atomoxetine, because of its unique mechanism of action, does not have the same side-effects that other antidepressants do, such as Wellbutrin or Effexor. It is a prescription drug for children as young as five and is administered orally, at least once or twice per day in tablet form. adhd for adults medication produces stable 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms, and could help to reduce the symptoms at night, when the effects of certain stimulants diminish.
The FDA has also approved guanfacineXR and Clonidine XR, both which are also available as non-stimulant ADHD medications. These are typically prescribed to children who haven't reacted to stimulant medication or have problems with their adverse effects. They can be used in conjunction with stimulants such as Adderall XR, (amphetamines salts), to treat ADHD more effectively.
Follow the instructions of your doctor If you or your child is being treated with a nonstimulant ADHD medication. They may suggest starting with small doses, and then gradually increasing the dosage over time. They will also ask about any other medications that you or your child are taking to make sure there are no interactions. You'll need to attend regular appointments and inform your GP be aware of any concerns or reactions from the medication. They may change the dosage, or suggest alternative treatments such as talk therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
Adult ADHD is treated using various stimulant and anti-stimulant drugs. The psychiatric physician may prescribe medications which are 'off-label' for the condition (these are substances that are licensed for different ailments, but are now showing evidence of effectiveness in adult ADHD). These are usually antidepressants like bupropion or Venflaxine. They have been shown to provide some benefits in the condition, and are tolerated at smaller doses.
Unlicensed medicines can be prescribed to patients when there is a genuine medical need that is not satisfied by a licensed medicine. This is the case for patients whose regular medication is unavailable because of supply disruptions or other reasons, and patients who require the use of a liquid version of a licensed tablet or capsule for reasons such as intolerance or allergy.
Unlicensed medications are often described as "specials". This term can also be used to describe medicines that are "off-label" or are prepared or supplied in a manner not covered by the licence. Examples include crushing tablets to make them easier for the patient to swallow. Other options include adding liquid to tablets or capsules licensed by the FDA to create a mixture that is administered via injection.
In general healthcare professionals will employ unlicensed drugs as a last resort when they believe that there is no licensed alternative available. They will carefully evaluate a broad variety of options to meet the needs of the individual patient. They will also evaluate the outcomes and treatment routinely, in light of their clinical experience and the availability of new treatments that are licensed.
It is essential that any unlicensed medication used to treat a person is safe and effective. The reason for prescribing a medicine should be 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. The information provided will be used to update the medicine's MHRA marketing authorization, and also to ensure that future prescriptions of the drug are safe and effective.
Talk Therapy
A therapist working with you to assist you to understand your symptoms and discover ways to manage. They can also give you advice and support about how to alter your way of thinking and acting in order to feel more positive. It is essential to complete the number of sessions that your therapist suggests since this will help in feeling better.
The use of medication can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that your brain produces. These are substances that allow your neurons to transmit messages and help you focus your mind and avoid distractions. There are two main kinds of medications used to treat ADHD that are stimulants and non-stimulants. They function in different ways, however they all increase the amount of neurotransmitters within 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 in immediate-release tablets that are used in small doses, 2 to 3 times per day. Or as modified-release tablets that are taken weekly, but released over the duration of the day. These aren't the cure for ADHD but they can help to concentrate and control an impulsive behavior. They are generally well tolerated however, your doctor will closely monitor you to ensure that you get the correct dosage and don't experience any side negative effects. The treatment can take a few weeks to reach your optimal dosage and could need to be adjusted (changed frequently) to determine what works best for you.
Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine which is available on prescription only, are more efficient than stimulants, and don't have the same potential for addiction. They have a stronger scientific basis, however they aren't as well-tolerated and some people have issues with memory, appetite or sleep. Your specialist will monitor your progress and decide whether you should continue taking the atomoxetine drug or switch to a different treatment.
People suffering from ADHD can't discover permanent solutions using treatment or medication. However, they can help improve your ability to manage your symptoms and lead an enjoyable life. You will benefit the most from your treatment if you combine treatments with regular sessions with your therapist because this gives you the chance to discover coping mechanisms and identify unhelpful patterns in your behaviour and thinking. Some people's improved moods and self-confidence can last even after treatment.