ADHD Medication in the UK
Medications for ADHD assist in reducing symptoms by boosting activity in specific areas of the brain. They also stimulate neurotransmitters which are lacking in people with ADHD.
In the UK stimulant medications are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults with ADHD. They work by increasing activity in parts of the brain involved with the control of impulses and attention.
Stimulants
There are two kinds of drugs that are licensed in the UK to treat adult ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulant medicines. Stimulants are often offered as the first option due to their ability to increase activity in the regions of the brain that regulate attention and behaviour. These include methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, and Lisdexamfetamine. They are available often throughout the day in a tablet that acts as a short-acting one or taken every day in a long-acting tablet which is released into the bloodstream throughout the course of a single day. The dose of the medication may need to be adjusted regularly in the beginning as it is monitored and adjusted (titrated) to find the dose that is most effective for you.
Stimulants have a long-standing history of use both medically and as recreational drugs. During the 1930s amphetamines were often used by truck drivers, students and sportspeople for their energy boosters. Amphetamines can be dangerous and be abused. They are abused because they can make people feel good and stimulate the brain in ways that can result in addiction.
Loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping and problems with digestion or stomach are among the most frequent side effects of stimulants. These issues can be cured by adjusting the dosage or timing. The majority of adults are tolerant. Children may experience more severe side effects, such as weight gain, tics and crankiness.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication works differently from stimulants, and it can take some time before they begin to show results. best adhd medication and Guanfacine, commonly called Catapres and Intuniv, are alpha agonists. They work by stimulating receptors in the mind to improve concentration and reduce behavior issues such tics and aggression. They can be used in addition to ADHD stimulant medications or taken alone by children aged between 6 and 17.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera, is a non-stimulant drug that improves the ability to control impulses and concentration by increasing the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. It is available as a standalone medication however it is often used in conjunction with guanfacine to treat children. These drugs are less likely to cause the same side effects as stimulants, but may still trigger a variety of issues, such as headaches and trouble sleeping.
Atomoxetine
Certain children aren't able to respond to stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin. There are alternatives to stimulants for children with ADHD. They boost the communication between nerves, brain regions and brain regions. This helps kids control impulsivity and concentrate better. Non-stimulant ADHD medicines use different active ingredients to stimulants and do not have the potential for abuse and therefore aren't controlled substances.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD in children, adults and teenagers. It's an antidepressant, which has been proven to lessen the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the levels of a chemical in the brain called noradrenaline. Noradrenaline passes messages between brain cells and is involved in attention, impulsivity, and motivation.
Because of its unique mechanism of action, atomoxetine doesn't suffer from the same adverse effects as other antidepressants like Wellbutrin and Effexor. It can be prescribed to children as young as 5 and is administered orally, at least once or twice per day in tablet form. Atomoxetine provides stable, 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms, so it may help reduce problems in the evening when the effects of some stimulants diminish.
The FDA has also approved guanfacineXR and Clonidine XR both of which are available as non-stimulant ADHD medication. These are available to children who have not responded to stimulant medication or who are experiencing difficulties with its side 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 receiving treatment with non-stimulant ADHD medicine. They might suggest starting off with low doses, and gradually increasing the dosage. They will also want to know about any other medications you or your child is taking to ensure that whether there are any interactions. You'll have to make regular appointments and inform your GP know if you have any concerns or adverse reactions from the medication. They will be able to alter your dosage or give advice on alternative treatments, such as talking therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
Adult ADHD is treated with various stimulant and anti-stimulant drugs. Psychiatrists may also prescribe medicines which are 'off-label' for the condition (these are substances that are licensed for other conditions but have emerging evidence of effectiveness in adult ADHD). These medications are typically antidepressants, such as bupropion and Venflaxine. They have shown some benefits in the condition, and are tolerated at lower doses.
Unlicensed medicines may be prescribed to a patient in the event of a clinical need that can't be satisfied by a licensed medicine. Patients whose regular medication has been temporarily interrupted because of a disruption in supply, or who require liquid versions of a licensed capsule or tablet for reasons like allergies or intolerances can be affected.
Unlicensed medicines can be called "specials". This term is also used to refer to 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 a liquid to a licensed tablet or capsule to form a mixture to be administered by injection or using a syringe to inject medication subcutaneously (under the skin).
Healthcare professionals will generally only utilize unlicensed medicines as a last option and when they feel there is no alternative that is licensed. They will carefully weigh several options to meet the unique needs of every patient. They will also evaluate treatment and outcomes regularly considering their clinical experience and the availability of new licensed treatments.
It is important that any unlicensed medicine used to treat patients is safe and effective, and the reason for prescribing it should be recorded in the patient's medical record. If a patient experiences any side effects from an off-label treatment they must be reported to the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. This information is used to update the medication's MHRA marketing authorisation and to ensure that any future prescriptions of the medication are safe and effective.
Talk Therapy
A therapist for talk will help you understand the symptoms you are experiencing and help discover ways to manage them. They can also give you guidance and assistance on how to alter your way of thinking and acting in order to feel more positive. It is important to complete the amount of sessions your therapist suggests as this will be key in feeling better.
The amount of neurotransmitters that are present in your brain can help reduce ADHD symptoms. These are chemicals that allow your neurons to transmit messages to help you focus your thoughts and stay clear of distractions. There are two kinds of ADHD medication: stimulants and other non-stimulants. All of them increase the availability neurotransmitters within your brain.
In the UK, there are several drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used is methylphenidate, which is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses taken 2 to 3 times a day) and modified-release tablets (taken daily but released throughout the day). These medicines are not an effective treatment for ADHD but they can help to focus and control impulsive behaviour. They are generally well-tolerated, but your specialist will closely monitor you to ensure you receive the correct dose and do not suffer from any adverse side effects. It may take several weeks before the medication reaches its ideal level. You may also have to titrate (change your dose on a regular basis) to determine the best dosage.
Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine that is available by prescription only, may be more efficient than stimulants, and are not as prone to the potential for addiction. They have a stronger scientific basis, however they aren't as well-liked and some have issues with appetite, memory, or sleep. Your specialist will monitor you progress and decide whether to keep taking atomoxetine or switch to another treatment.
Therapy and medication are not permanent solutions for people with ADHD. They can help you cope with your issues and lead a more fulfilling life. Combining medication with regular therapy sessions will help you gain the most benefit from your treatment. You'll learn coping strategies and recognize unhelpful patterns of behaviour and thought. For some, their improved confidence and mood can persist beyond the conclusion of their treatment.