ADHD Medication in the UK
The drugs for ADHD reduce symptoms by enhancing brain activity in specific areas. They also stimulate neurotransmitters which are absent in people with ADHD.
Stimulant medicines are the most widely prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD in the UK. They are used to increase the activity of the brain in areas involved in attention and impulse regulation.
Stimulants
There are two kinds of drugs that are licensed in the UK to treat adult ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. Stimulants are usually used as the first choice because they increase activity in areas of the brain that regulate attention and behaviour. They include methylphenidate, known as Ritalin, and Lisdexamfetamine. medication for adhd can be given often throughout the day in a short-acting tablet or taken every day in a long-acting tablet which is released into the bloodstream over the course of a day. In the beginning, the dose of the medication may need to be adjusted and monitored (titrated) in order to determine the dose that works for you.
Stimulants are used both as recreational and medical drugs. In the 1930s, truck drivers, students and athletes took amphetamines to increase their energy levels. Amphetamines can be dangerous and be misused. They are often abused because they make people feel great and can stimulate the mind in ways that can lead to addiction.
Loss of appetite, difficulties sleeping and issues with digestion or stomach are among the most frequent adverse effects of stimulants. Adjustments in the dosage or frequency of the medication usually alleviate these issues. They are generally tolerated by the majority of adults. Children can experience more serious side effects, such as weight gain, tics and irritability.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication functions differently to the stimulants and can take a while before it starts working. Clonidine and Guanfacine (brand names Catapres and Intuniv) are both alpha agonists that work by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to increase concentration, decrease the impulsivity and hyperactivity, and reduce behavioral issues like tics and aggression. They can be taken alone or as a complement along with ADHD stimulant medications for children aged between 6 and 17 years old.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a non-stimulant medication that enhances concentration and impulse control by increasing the levels noradrenaline in the brain. It is a medication that can be used on its own, but it is most often combined with guanfacine in children. These medications do not cause the same side negative effects as stimulants, but can still cause headaches and insomnia.
Atomoxetine
While stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall are generally recommended for children with ADHD Some children don't respond to these medications. There are alternatives to stimulants for children with ADHD. They improve the signaling between nerves and the regions of the brain, which help children focus more easily and reducing their impulsivity. Nonstimulant ADHD medicines contain different active ingredients in contrast to stimulants and do not have a potential for abuse and therefore aren't controlled substances.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is one of the newest non-stimulant medications used to treat ADHD in adults, children and teenagers. It's an antidepressant that's been shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain known as noradrenaline. Noradrenaline sends messages between brain cells and is involved in impulsivity, attention and motivation.
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 can be prescribed for children as young as five and is taken orally once or twice a day in tablet form. Atomoxetine provides stable, 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms, and may help reduce problems at night, when the effects of stimulants fade.
The FDA has also approved guanfacine XR and clonidine XR, both of which are also available as non-stimulant ADHD medication. These are given to children who have not responded to stimulant medication or who are experiencing difficulties with its side effects. They can be used alone or in combination with stimulants, such as Adderall XR (amphetamine salts) to offer an effective treatment of ADHD.
If you or your child is being treated with an non-stimulant ADHD medication, ensure you follow your GP's directions carefully. They will likely suggest starting with small doses, and then gradually increasing the dosage over time. They'll also want be aware of any other medications your child or you are taking, so that they can ensure that there aren't any interactions. You'll need to attend regular appointments and let your GP know if you have any concerns or adverse reactions from the medication. They can alter your dosage or give advice on alternative treatments like talking therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
The medication used to treat ADHD in adults is a mix of stimulant and non-stimulant drugs. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medicines that are 'off label' (these are substances that are licensed for another condition, but are being evaluated for their effectiveness in adult ADHD). These medications are typically antidepressants like bupropion or Venflaxine. They have shown some benefit in the condition, and are well tolerated at smaller doses.
Sometimes, unlicensed drugs are prescribed to patients when there is a special clinical need and the prescription cannot be fulfilled by a licensed alternative. Patients whose regular medication has been temporarily stopped due to a disruption in supply, or those who require a liquid form of an approved capsule or tablet due to allergies or intolerances could all be affected.
Unlicensed medicines can be referred to as "specials". This term is also used to describe medicines that are "off-label" or are prepared or supplied in a manner not covered by the licence. They could include crushing tablets to make them easier to swallow or adding liquid to the capsule or tablet that is licensed to make a mixture suitable for administration by injection, or using a syringe pump to inject medication subcutaneously (under the skin).
In general, healthcare professionals will only employ unlicensed drugs as a last resort when it is felt that there is no licensed alternative available. They will carefully evaluate a broad selection of options to meet the specific needs of each patient. They will also examine the results and treatment regularly considering both clinical experience and the availability of new licensed treatments.
It is essential that any medication not licensed to treat a patient is safe and efficient. The reason for prescribing a medicine should be recorded in the patient record. If a patient experiences adverse effects from an off-label treatment they should be reported through the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. The information provided will be used by the MHRA to update the marketing authorisation of the medicine and ensure future prescriptions are safe and effective.
Talk Therapy
A talk therapist works with you to help to understand your symptoms and discover ways to manage. They will also be able provide advice and support in changing your way of thinking and behave to feel more positive about life. It is important to complete the amount of sessions your therapist recommends as this will help in your feeling better.
Medicines can reduce the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that your brain produces. These chemicals enable your neurons to transmit messages, allowing you to focus your thoughts and avoid distractions. There are two 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 in your brain.
In the UK there are many drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. The most frequently used is methylphenidate, available in tablets that are immediate-release (small doses taken two to three times a day) and modified-release tablets (taken daily but released throughout the day). These medications are not a cure but can help you control your the impulsive behavior and focus. They are generally well-tolerated but your doctor will closely monitor your progress to ensure you receive the correct dose and do not experience any adverse side negative effects. It can take several weeks to reach the best dosage and could need to be titrated (changed frequently) to determine the best dosage for you.
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (available only on prescription) can be more efficient and have less potential for addiction than stimulants. They are more effective, but not as well tolerated. Some patients might experience issues with appetite, memory or sleep. Your doctor will track your development and decide if you should continue with atomoxetine, or switch to another 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 can make the most of your treatment if you combine treatment with regular visits to your therapist, as this will give you the chance to develop coping mechanisms and identify unhelpful patterns in your behaviour and thinking. For some, their improved confidence and mood may persist beyond the conclusion of their treatment.