ADHD Medication in the UK
Medications for ADHD help to reduce symptoms by boosting the activity of certain regions of the brain. They also increase neurotransmitters that are absent in people with ADHD.
Stimulant medicines are the most widely prescribed medication for adult ADHD in the UK. They are used to increase brain activity in areas that are involved in the regulation of impulses and attention.
Stimulants
There are two types of medications that are approved for use in the UK to treat adult ADHD that treat ADHD in adults: stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. Stimulants are often considered the first option because they boost activity in areas of the brain that control attention and behavior. They include methylphenidate, known as Ritalin, and the lisdexamfetamine. They can be administered often throughout the day in a tablet with a short-acting mechanism or taken once a day in a tablet with a long-acting mechanism that is released into the bloodstream over the course of a single day. In the beginning the dosage of the medication may need to be adjusted and monitored (titrated), to find the dose that works for you.
Stimulants have a long-standing history of use, both medically and as recreational drugs. During the 1930s amphetamines were commonly employed by truck drivers, students and athletes for their energy boosters. Amphetamines can be extremely dangerous and have a high potential for abuse. They are often abused because they make people feel good and stimulate the brain in ways that can lead to addiction.
The most common side-effects of stimulants include loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and problems with digestion or stomach. Adjustments in the dosage or frequency of the medication often alleviate these issues. The majority of adults are tolerant. However, children may experience more significant side-effects, such as the loss of weight, tics and irritability.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication functions in a different way to the stimulants and can take a while to start working. adhd medication adults and Guanfacine (brand names Catapres and Intuniv) are both alpha agonists which work by stimulating specific receptors in the brain. This helps improve concentration, reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, and reduce behavioral issues like aggression and tics. They can be taken on their own or as a complementary treatment alongside ADHD stimulant medication in kids aged 6-17.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera, is a non-stimulant medicine that improves concentration and impulse control by increasing levels of noradrenaline in the brain. It can be prescribed as by itself, but it is typically combined with guanfacine in children. These drugs do not have the same adverse effects as stimulants but can still cause headaches and insomnia.
Atomoxetine
While stimulant medicines such as Ritalin and Adderall are usually recommended for children with ADHD However, some children do not respond to these medications. There are alternatives to stimulants for children with ADHD. They improve the signaling between nerves and regions of the brain, assisting children focus more easily and control their impulsivity. Non-stimulant ADHD medication uses different active ingredients than stimulants. They also do not have the potential to be abused and aren't controlled substances.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is one of the newest non-stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD in children, adults and teens. It's an antidepressant, which has been shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD by increasing the levels of a chemical present in the brain known as noradrenaline. Noradrenaline transmits messages between brain cells and is involved in impulsivity, attention and motivation.
Because of its unique mechanism of action, atomoxetine isn't able to have the same side effects that other antidepressants do, such as Wellbutrin and Effexor. It is available to children as young as 5 years old. It is taken once or twice daily in tablet form. Atomoxetine gives you a steady, 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms. It may reduce problems at night when the stimulants have worn off.
Both clonidine and guanfacine are available as non-stimulant ADHD medication. These are given to children who haven't had a positive response to stimulant medication or have trouble dealing with its negative effects. They can be administered by themselves or in combination with stimulants, such as Adderall XR (amphetamine salts) to provide an effective treatment for ADHD.
If you or your child is being treated with an non-stimulant ADHD medication, make sure you follow your GP's instructions carefully. They may suggest starting with a low dose and gradually increasing them. They will also inquire about any other medications you or your child is taking to ensure that there aren't any interactions. You'll need to attend regular appointments and inform your GP know if you're experiencing any concerns or side effects from the medication. They may alter your dosage, or suggest alternative treatments like talking therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
The treatment for ADHD in adults is a range of stimulant and non-stimulant medications. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medicines that are off-label (these are substances that are approved for a different condition, but have evidence emerging for their effectiveness in adult ADHD). These medications are typically antidepressants such as bupropion or venflaxine. They have been proven to have some beneficial effect on the condition and are well-tolerated at lower doses than the ones found in licensed treatments.
Unlicensed medications can be prescribed to patients when there is a genuine clinical need that can't be met by a licensed medicine. This includes patients whose usual medication is unavailable because of supply disruptions or other reasons, or patients who require liquid formulations of a licensed tablet or capsule due to reasons like intolerance or allergy.
Unlicensed medications are often called "specials". This term is also used to describe drugs that are "off-label" or have been made or delivered in a way that is not covered by the license. These might include crushing tablets to make them easier to swallow or adding liquid to the capsule or tablet that is licensed to create a mix to be administered by injection or using a syringe pump in order to administer the medication subcutaneously (under the skin).
In general healthcare professionals will make use of unlicensed medications as a last resort and when they believe that no licensed alternative is available. They will carefully consider the various options available to meet the unique requirements of every patient. They will also evaluate the results and treatment regularly taking into account their clinical experience and the availability of new licensed treatments.
It is essential that any unlicensed medicine used to treat a patient is safe and effective and the reason for prescribing it should be recorded in the patient's medical record. If a patient experiences adverse reactions from an off-label treatment they should be reported through the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. This information will be used by the MHRA to update the marketing authorisation of the medication and ensure that future prescriptions 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 way of thinking and acting in order to feel more positive. It is essential to complete the amount of sessions your therapist recommends as this will be key in your feeling better.
The quantity of neurotransmitters in your brain can reduce ADHD symptoms. These chemicals help your neurons transmit messages, allowing you to focus your thoughts and stay clear of distractions. There are two major types of medication used to treat ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants. They function in different ways, however they all increase the amount of neurotransmitters in your brain.
There are a variety of medications licensed in the UK to treat ADHD. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets that are taken in small doses 2 to 3 times a day. Also, as modified-release tablets that are taken once a week but released over the course of the day. These medicines are not the cure for ADHD but they can help to focus and control an impulsive behavior. They are generally well-tolerated but your doctor will closely monitor you to ensure you receive the correct dosage and do not experience any adverse effects. It may take several weeks before the medication reaches its ideal level. You may also have to adjust your dosage (change your dosage on a regular basis) to find out the best dosage.
Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine (available only by prescription) can be more efficient and have less of a chance of addiction than stimulants. They have a stronger evidence basis, however they aren't as well-tolerated. Some people experience problems with their memory, appetite or sleep. Your doctor will track your development and decide if you should keep taking atomoxetine or switch to another treatment.
Therapy and medication are not permanent solutions for those with ADHD. They can help you cope with your issues and live a fulfilling lifestyle. You will get the most out of your treatment by combining treatments with regular visits to your therapist, as this will give you the chance to discover strategies for coping and recognize unhelpful patterns in your behaviour and thinking. Some people's improved mood and self-confidence may last for a long time after their treatment.