ADHD Medication in the UK
The medications for ADHD assist in reducing symptoms by increasing the activity of certain regions of the brain. They also boost neurotransmitters, which are deficient in people suffering from ADHD.
Stimulant medicines are the most frequently prescribed medication for adult ADHD in the UK. They are effective by enhancing activity in areas of the brain involved with attention and impulse control.
Stimulants
In the UK There are two kinds of medications that are approved for adults ADHD treatment: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. The stimulants are typically considered the first option due to their ability to increase activity in the areas of the brain that help regulate attention and behaviour. These include methylphenidate also known as Ritalin, and lisdexamfetamine. These tablets can be taken several times a day as a pill that acts quickly or every week as a long-acting pill that releases into the bloodstream throughout the day. In the beginning the dose of the medication might require adjustment and monitored (titrated) to determine the dose that is effective for you.
Stimulants have a long tradition 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 hazardous and have a great chance of abuse. They are often abused because they make people feel happy and can stimulate the brain in ways that can could lead to addiction.
Insomnia, difficulties sleeping, and problems with digestion or stomach are among the most common negative effects of stimulants. Modifications in the dosage or timing of the medication often can alleviate these problems. They are generally well-tolerated by the majority of adults. However, children can have more severe side-effects such as the loss of weight, tics and crankiness.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications function differently than stimulants, and it can take a while to see them begin to work. Clonidine and guanfacine (brand names Catapres and Intuniv) are both alpha agonists that are able to stimulate certain receptors in the brain to increase concentration, reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, as well as reduce behavioral issues like aggression and tics. They can be used on their own or as a supplement along with ADHD stimulant medication in kids aged 6-17.
Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) is a different non-stimulant medication for ADHD that increases levels of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline to improve impulse control and concentration. It is a medication that can be prescribed on by itself, but it is most often used in conjunction with guanfacine for children. These drugs do not have the same negative side negative effects as stimulants, but can still cause headaches and insomnia.
Atomoxetine
Certain children aren't able to respond to stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin. Nonstimulants are a possibility for children with ADHD. They enhance the communication between nerves and regions of the brain, assisting children to concentrate better and manage impulsivity. Non-stimulant ADHD medicines contain different active ingredients from stimulants, and do not have the potential to be abused, so they aren't controlled substances.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera, is a non-stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD among adults, children and teenagers. It is an antidepressant which has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the amount a chemical called noradrenaline in the brain. Noradrenaline passes messages between brain cells and is involved in attention, impulsivity, and motivation.
Due to its unique mechanism of action, atomoxetine doesn't have the same negative side effects as other antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and Effexor. It can be prescribed to children as young 5 years old. It is administered once or twice daily in tablet form. Atomoxetine produces stable 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms, so it could help to reduce the symptoms in the evening when the effects of certain stimulants fade.
Both clonidine and guanfacine are available as non-stimulant ADHD medication. These are given to children who haven't responded to stimulant medication or who are experiencing difficulties dealing with its adverse effects. They can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants like Adderall XR (amphetamine salts), for an effective treatment of ADHD.
Follow the advice of your doctor If you or your child is taking a nonstimulant ADHD medicine. They might recommend starting with low doses, and then gradually increasing the dosage. They will also ask about any other medications you or your child is taking to make sure there are no interactions. You'll need to schedule regular appointments with your GP and let them know if you experience any issues or side effects. They may change the dosage or suggest alternative treatments, such as talk therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
The medication used to treat ADHD in adults includes a variety of non-stimulant and stimulant drugs. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medicines that are off label (these are medications that are approved for a different condition, but have evidence emerging for their effectiveness in adult ADHD). These are typically antidepressants like bupropion or venflaxine, both of which have been shown to have some positive effects on the condition and are well tolerated at lower doses than the ones found in licensed treatments.
Sometimes, unlicensed drugs are prescribed for a patient when there is a genuine special clinical need and the prescription cannot be met with a licensed alternative. Patients whose regular medication was temporarily cut off due to a disruption in supply, or who require liquid versions of a licensed tablet or capsule for reasons such as allergies or intolerances can be affected in a variety of ways.
medications for adhd in adults are usually called'specials' however this term could also be applied to medicines that are 'off-label', or have been made or sold in a manner that is not covered under the medicine's licence. For instance, some examples include crushing tablets to make them easier for patients to swallow. Others may include adding liquid to a licensed capsule or tablet to make a mix that is administered via injection.
Healthcare professionals will generally only employ unlicensed drugs as a last option and when they feel there is no alternative that is licensed. They will carefully evaluate a broad range of options, in order to satisfy the specific needs of each patient. They will also evaluate the results and treatment regularly taking into account clinical experience as well as the availability of new treatments that are licensed.
It is essential 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. Report any side effects a patient may have from an off-label medication using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. This information is used to update the medication's MHRA marketing authorization, and also to ensure that future prescriptions of the medication 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 change your ways of thinking and behavior to feel more positive. It is crucial to finish the number of sessions that your therapist recommends as this will help in feeling more positive.
The amount of neurotransmitters that are present in your brain can reduce ADHD symptoms. These chemicals help your neurons transmit messages, allowing you focus your mind and avoid distractions. There are two types of medication used to treat ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants. They all increase the availability neurotransmitters within your brain.
There are several medications licenced in the UK to treat ADHD. The most commonly used is methylphenidate, which is available in immediate-release tablets (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 an effective treatment for ADHD however they can make it easier to focus and control the impulsive behavior. They are generally well-tolerated, but your specialist will monitor you closely to ensure you get the right dosage and are not experiencing any side negative effects. The treatment can take a few weeks to reach the optimal level and may need to be adjusted (changed regularly) to determine the best dosage for you.
Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (available only on prescription) can be more efficient and have less risk of addiction than stimulants. They are more effective, but not as well-liked. Some patients might experience issues with memory, appetite, or sleep. Your doctor will track your progress and decide whether to keep taking atomoxetine or switch to another treatment.
Neither medications nor therapy are permanent solutions for those suffering from ADHD. However, they can enhance your ability to cope with your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. Combining medications with regular therapy sessions will help you gain the most from your treatment. You'll learn strategies for coping and identify unhelpful patterns of behavior and thinking. For some, their improved confidence and mood can last beyond the end of their treatment.