10 Quick Tips About ADHD Medication UK

Adult ADHD Medication in the UK

In the UK there are guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults. Referrals to the adult ADHD specialist clinic quadrupled during the pandemic.

Non-stimulants and stimulants are both used to treat ADHD. Methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, and Lisdexamfetamine are three amphetamine-based drugs which help to manage ADHD symptoms.

Stimulants

The most commonly used kind of medication used to treat adult ADHD is stimulants. These drugs work by increasing the activity in brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. They are fast-acting and are frequently the first choice of GPs. Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin, is the most commonly prescribed stimulant for adults as well as children.

This drug boosts the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, thereby improving attention span and decreasing impulsivity and hyperactivity. It can also reduce anxiety and depression, which may be a co-morbidity with ADHD.

In the past, stimulants were used to improve cognition, motivation, and performance. These include caffeine, nicotine amphetamines, cocaine modafinil, methylphenidate and others. These substances are used to control appetite and increase energy levels. However,  adhd medication online  may also have serious physical and psychological effects if taken in excess.

There are many different drugs used to treat adults suffering from ADHD and psychiatrists will typically be careful to adjust the dosages for each patient they visit. They will also consider any other medical conditions that the patient might have, and the effect of the medication on their sleeping patterns. They will also take into consideration the impact of medication on the patient's diet and lifestyle.

A large network meta-analysis conducted by the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre and Stichting Eunethydis, has found that the drug called lisdexamfetamine (commonly referred to as Adderall) is more effective than other stimulants at decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is recommended by NICE, and it is available for prescription in the UK.

Despite the evidence-based evidence, the use of medication for ADHD is still stigmatized. Ineffective framings make it appear like child exploitation and controlled substances. This can make people hesitant to take a test or even think about taking medication for their condition.

The number of adults being treated for ADHD increased as did the number referred to NHS psychiatry during the COVID-19 epidemic. Adult ADHD referrals now surpass those for children. Boys are still more likely to be referred, however the number of women receiving treatment for ADHD has quadrupled in the past two years.

Unlicensed Medication

There are a variety of medicines that can be prescribed to treat ADHD in both adults and children. These include stimulant drugs like methylphenidate, and sometimes the more recent amphetamine-based medication Lisdexamfetamine. These are classified as  controlled medications because they can be addictive and abused. Your doctor will prescribe them if they feel they are the best choice for you as part of your treatment. You will be provided with a written prescription that you can pick up at your local pharmacy. The pharmacist will explain to you that this prescription is for a monthly supply of medication.

In certain situations, your doctor may determine that the medications they have available are not right for you and will suggest a non-licensed medication. This is an individual decision, and your doctor should only use unlicensed medication as an option last resort. It is important to keep in mind that although medication is a key part of treatment for ADHD, talking therapy is also vital. The use of medication can help manage your symptoms but therapy can work at changing the long-standing negative coping mechanisms and behaviour patterns.

The medication used to treat ADHD for adults must be licensed in the UK, with a licence known as marketing authorisation (MA) which will state the specific health conditions it's approved for. It will also include information about the age of those who are eligible to receive the medication as well as the manner in which it must be taken. The MHRA will conduct an official assessment of any IMP before it is released, and the manufacturer is able to advertise it under its MA, unless it has a special license for paediatric medicine.

Off label prescribing occurs when a psychiatrist feels it is appropriate to prescribe a drug for an adult even though it was prescribed for use by a child. A'manipulated product' is possible when pharmacists mix ingredients to make a formula for a patient that is unable to take tablets. There can be some stigmas associated with using non-licensed medications to treat ADHD in adults, with psychiatrists criticising the over-prescribing of psychoactive drugs to treat mental health problems.

Licensing

In the UK there are several medications that are licensed to treat ADHD in adults. There are many stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the newer amphetamine based medication lisdexamfetamine, (Elvanse). Typically, these are offered to patients diagnosed with the condition following consultation with a psychiatrist. The treatment is typically prescribed in the form of capsules and patients should be monitored carefully by their doctor to ensure that the correct dosage is determined.

In addition to these drugs, there are a number of other methods by which the illness can be treated and managed. For instance behavioural therapy can assist patients understand the cause of their symptoms as well as develop strategies to overcome the symptoms. In addition, environmental modifications can also be useful in helping people cope with the effects of their symptoms in daily activities. This can include organising seating arrangements at work or school or at home, scheduling frequent breaks for movement and providing 'I need a break' cards, as well as reducing the amount of distractions and noise.

The medications that have been approved in the UK to treat ADHD in adults aren't intended to be a cure but can improve the quality of life for many. They are not a panacea and should only be a part of a comprehensive care plan that includes psychoeducation, psychiatric treatment and medications.

It is important that any patient with childbearing potential takes a pregnancy test prior to beginning medication and inform their GP immediately if they become pregnant or wish to become pregnant. Patients should also consult their GP for any adverse effects or if they do not think they are gaining.

On the 27th of September, 2023, a national safety alert was issued about the shortage of extended-release Guanfacine tablets, lisdexamfetamine tablets and methylphenidate tablets. On May 8, 2024 an Medicine Supply Notification was issued that lifted the prescribing restrictions on Elvanse capsules.

It is a Schedule 2 controlled drug so it requires the prescription of a registered physician and is subject to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. The guidelines recommend that an ADHD patient is evaluated every year by a healthcare professional with expertise and training in managing the disorder. This can be done in primary care or secondary care, based on local arrangements. The review should include a monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate as well as a discussion about the need to continue treatment, and ongoing evaluation and monitoring of symptom improvements.

Side Effects

ADHD medication is generally safe and well accepted by adults, but it doesn't cure the condition. It can help reduce symptoms of behavioural and improve the quality of life for those suffering from the condition. It also helps improve working, learning and relationships.

It is essential that anyone beginning treatment be aware of any possible adverse effects. They should discuss these with their doctor prior to starting the medication. Some side effects include headaches, sleeplessness and an increase in appetite. Certain medications may increase heart rate. It is generally harmless and not harmful however, it is important to inform your doctor if there's a history of heart disease or issues.

The effects of stimulants increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. This alters the way the brain processes and transmits messages, enhancing attention and focus. These are the first-line treatment of adult ADHD. Nonstimulant medicines like buproprion and atomoxetine are available, but they have more complex effects on the brain and take longer to begin working. The latter block dopamine reuptake into nerve cells, and aids in enhancing concentration.

Research suggests that half of children diagnosed with ADHD are able to overcome their symptoms by adulthood. It could be because they manage their symptoms, or simply because they become less hyperactive. However, a large portion remain in a society which is not made for them. This is why Nice recommends that doctors prescribe ADHD drugs only when they are necessary and continue to monitor patients regularly.

There are many other options to treat ADHD symptoms. These include psychoeducational therapy and lifestyle changes. These can be combined with medication to reduce the need for GPs to refer people suffering from ADHD to specialist services.

Many adults are hesitant reveal to their family, friends or employers that they use ADHD medication due to the stigma associated with it. However, there is growing evidence that discussing the condition and raising awareness of its symptoms can help to break down barriers to treatment.