ADHD Medication in the UK
Medications for ADHD assist in reducing symptoms by increasing activity in specific areas of the brain. They also stimulate the production of neurotransmitters that are absent in people suffering from ADHD.
Stimulant drugs are the most widely prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD in the UK. They work by increasing activity in the parts of the brain involved in concentration and impulse control.
Stimulants
In the UK, there are two types of medication that are approved for adult ADHD treatment: stimulants and nonstimulant medications. Stimulants, which increase brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior, are often the first option. medications for adhd in adults include methylphenidate (often known as Ritalin) and lisdexamfetamine (brand names that include Vyvanse). They can be administered often throughout the day in a short-acting tablet or taken every day in a long-acting tablet that is released into the bloodstream throughout the course of a day. The dose of the medication might need to be changed regularly in the beginning as it is monitored and adjusted (titrated) to find a dose that works best for you.
Stimulants are used both as recreational and medical drugs. In the 1930s, amphetamines were frequently used by truck drivers, students and athletes as energy enhancers. Amphetamines can be very dangerous and carry a high potential for abuse. They are abused because they make people feel happy and can stimulate the brain in ways that could lead to addiction.
The most common side-effects of stimulants are loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and problems with digestion or stomach. These issues can be cured by altering the dosage or timing. They are generally accepted by adults in general. However, children may suffer more serious side effects, such as anxiety, weight loss and crankiness.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication works in a different way than stimulants and may take a while to start working. Clonidine and Guanfacine (brand names Catapres and Intuniv) are both alpha agonists that work by stimulating certain receptors in the brain. This helps improve concentration, decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity, and reduce behavioural issues like aggression and tics. They can be used as a complement to ADHD stimulant medication or taken alone by children aged between 6 and 17.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera, is a non-stimulant drug that improves concentration and impulse control by increasing the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. It is available as a standalone medication however it is commonly combined with guanfacine for children. These drugs don't have the same adverse negative effects as stimulants, but can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Atomoxetine
Certain children aren't able to respond to stimulant drugs like Adderall and Ritalin. For these children, medication options called nonstimulants are a possibility. They boost the communication between nerves, brain regions and areas of the brain. medication for adult adhd helps kids control their impulsivity and improve their concentration. Nonstimulant ADHD medication uses different active ingredients than stimulants. They also don't have the potential to be abused and are not controlled substances.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant medicine that can be used to treat ADHD in children, adults and teenagers. It's an antidepressant that's been proven to decrease symptoms of ADHD by increasing the amount of a chemical in the brain known as noradrenaline. Noradrenaline sends messages between brain cells and is involved in impulsivity, attention, and motivation.
Atomoxetine due to its unique mechanism of effect is not associated with the same side-effects as other antidepressants such as Wellbutrin or Effexor. It is available to children as young 5 years old. It is taken once or twice a day in tablet form. Atomoxetine provides stable 24-hour control over ADHD symptoms. It may reduce problems in the evening when the stimulants have worn off.
Both guanfacine and Clonidine are available as non-stimulant ADHD medication. These are available to children who haven't been able to respond to stimulant medications or have trouble dealing with its negative effects. They can be administered by themselves or in conjunction with stimulants, like Adderall XR (amphetamine salts), for an effective treatment of ADHD.
If you or your child are being treated with an non-stimulant ADHD medication, make sure you follow your GP's directions carefully. They may suggest starting with lower 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 should make regular appointments with your GP and inform them of 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 may also prescribe medicines which are 'off-label' for the condition (these are substances that are licensed for other ailments, but are now showing evidence of their effectiveness in adults with ADHD). These are typically antidepressants like bupropion or venflaxine, 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.
Unlicensed medications can be prescribed to a patient in the event of a clinical need that cannot be met by a licensed medicine. This is for patients whose normal medication is not available because of supply disruptions, as well as patients requiring a liquid formulation of a licensed tablet or capsule for reasons such as intolerance or allergy.
Unlicensed medicines are often described as "specials". This term is also used to describe drugs that are "off-label" or have been made or delivered in a manner not covered by the licence. Examples include crushing tablets in order to make them easier for the patient to swallow. Others could include adding liquid to tablets or capsules that are licensed to create a mixture that can be administered by injection.
In general, healthcare professionals will only use unlicensed medication as a last resort when they believe that there is no approved alternative available. They will carefully consider a wide selection of options in order to meet the specific needs of each patient. They will also examine the outcomes and treatment routinely taking into account their clinical experience and the availability of new treatments that are licensed.
It is important that any medicine not licensed to treat patients is safe and effective and the reason for prescribing it should be recorded in the patient's records. Report any side effects the patient may experience as a result of an off-label medication using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. This information will be used to amend the medicine's MHRA marketing authorisation, and also to ensure that any future prescriptions of the drug are safe and effective.
Talk Therapy
A therapist for talk will work with you to understand your symptoms and help you find ways to manage them. They can also give you advice and support about how to change your way of thinking and behavior to feel more positive. It is vital to complete the recommended amount of sessions in order to make you feel better.
Medications help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters in your brain. These are chemicals that allow your brain to pass on messages and help you focus your thoughts and ignore distractions. There are two types of ADHD medication: stimulants and other non-stimulants. They work in different ways, but all increase the availability of 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 both immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times a day) and modified-release tablets (taken once a day but released throughout the day). These medications aren't the cure for ADHD however they can make it easier to focus and control the impulsive behavior. They are generally well tolerated but your doctor will closely monitor your progress to ensure that you receive the correct dose and that you don't suffer any adverse consequences. It may take several weeks for the medication to reach its maximum level. You may also have to titrate (change your dosage on a regular basis) to find out what works best.
Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (available only with a prescription) can be more effective and have less of a potential for addiction than stimulants. They are more effective but not as well-liked. Some people may experience problems with memory, appetite or sleep. Your doctor will be able to monitor your progress and decide whether to keep taking atomoxetine or switch to a different treatment.
People suffering from ADHD are unable to find permanent solutions through treatment or medication. They can help you cope with your issues and lead a happy life. You will benefit the most from your treatment if you combine treatments with regular visits to your therapist, because this gives you the chance to discover coping mechanisms and identify unhelpful patterns in your behaviour and thinking. For some, their improved confidence and mood may last beyond the end of their treatment.