ADHD Medication in the UK
The medications for ADHD help to reduce symptoms by boosting the activity of certain regions of the brain. They also increase neurotransmitters that are lacking in people with ADHD.
Stimulant medications are the most widely prescribed medication for adult ADHD in the UK. They are effective by enhancing activity in parts of the brain involved in the control of impulses and attention.
Stimulants
In the UK, there are two kinds of medications that are approved for adult ADHD treatment including stimulants and nonstimulant drugs. Stimulants, which enhance brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention are usually the first choice. They include methylphenidate (often known as Ritalin) and Lisdexamfetamine (brand names like Vyvanse). They can be administered frequently throughout the day in a tablet with a short-acting mechanism or taken daily in a long-acting tablet that is released into the bloodstream throughout the course of a single day. The dosage of the medication may need to be adjusted 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 was frequently used by truck drivers, students, and athletes to boost their energy levels. Amphetamines are dangerous and can be abused. They are abused as they make people feel fantastic and can stimulate the mind in ways that lead to addiction.
The most common side-effects of stimulants are a loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and issues with the digestive system or stomach. These issues can be addressed by altering the dosage or timing. The majority of adults are tolerant. However, children may suffer more serious side effects, like anxiety, weight loss and crankiness.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication works in a different manner in comparison to stimulants and can take some time to begin working. Clonidine and Guanfacine, also called Catapres and Intuniv, are alpha agonists. They stimulate receptors in the brain to increase concentration and decrease hyperactivity, impulsivity and behavioral issues such tics and aggression. They can be used on their own or as a supplement along with ADHD stimulant medication in kids aged between 6 and 17 years old.
Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) is another non-stimulant medication for ADHD that boosts levels of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline to improve impulse control and improve concentration. It is a medication that can be used on its own however it is often combined with guanfacine in children. These drugs don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants, but they can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Atomoxetine
While stimulant medications like Ritalin and Adderall are usually suggested for children with ADHD However, some children do not respond to these medications. For these kids the nonstimulants, or medications, can be utilized. They enhance the communication between brain regions, nerves and areas of the brain. This helps kids control their impulsivity and improve their concentration. Nonstimulant ADHD medications use different active ingredients than stimulants. They also don't contain the potential for abuse and aren't controlled substances.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD among adults, children and teens. It's an antidepressant which has been proven to lessen the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain called noradrenaline. Noradrenaline transmits messages between brain cells and is involved in impulsivity, attention, and motivation.
Atomoxetine, because of its unique mechanism of effect, does not have the same side-effects that other antidepressants do, such as Wellbutrin or Effexor. It can be prescribed for children as young as five and is administered orally, at least once or twice per day in tablet form. Atomoxetine produces stable 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms, which means it can help in reducing problems at night, when the effects of stimulants diminish.
The FDA has also approved guanfacine XR and Clonidine XR, both which are available as non-stimulant ADHD medications. These are given to children who have not had a positive response to stimulant medication or who have difficulty with its side effects. They can be combined with stimulants such as Adderall XR, (amphetamines salts), to treat ADHD more effectively.
If you or your child are being treated with a non-stimulant ADHD medication, ensure that you follow the instructions of your doctor carefully. They will likely suggest starting with small doses, and then gradually increasing the dosage over time. They will also inquire about any other medications that you or your child are taking so they can check for interactions. You'll need to go for regular appointments and let your GP be aware of any concerns or side effects from the medication. They may alter your dosage, or suggest alternative treatments, such as talking therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
Adult ADHD is treated with different stimulant and anti-stimulant medications. Psychologists may also prescribe drugs which are 'off-label' for the condition (these are substances that are approved for other ailments, but are now showing evidence of their effectiveness in adults with ADHD). These are usually antidepressants such as Venflaxine or bupropion. They have been shown to provide some benefit for the condition, and are tolerated at smaller doses.
Sometimes, unlicensed medications are prescribed to patients in cases where there is a medical need that is unique to the patient and the prescription cannot be fulfilled with an alternative licensed medicine. Patients whose usual medication has been temporarily stopped due to a disruption of supply, or those who require a liquid form of an approved capsule or tablet for reasons such as allergies or intolerances could all be affected.
Unlicensed medications are usually called'specials' although this term can be used to describe medicines that are off-label or have been made or sold in a manner that isn't covered by the license of the medicine. Some examples include crushing tablets in order to make them easier for the patient to swallow. Other options include adding liquid to tablets or capsules that are licensed to make a mixture that can be administered via injection.
Healthcare professionals will generally only use unlicensed medications as a last resort when they believe there is no licensed alternative. They will carefully consider a wide variety of options in order to satisfy the needs of the individual patient. They will also regularly review treatments and outcomes taking into consideration both clinical experience and new approved treatments.
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 medical record. 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 update the medication's MHRA marketing authorisation, and so to ensure that future prescriptions of the drug are safe and effective.
Talk Therapy
A talk therapist will assist you in understanding your symptoms and help you discover ways to manage them. They will also be able to offer guidance and assistance on how you can change your way of thinking and act in order to feel more optimistic about life. It is crucial that you complete the recommended amount of sessions in order to improve your mood.
The amount of neurotransmitters that are present in your brain can help reduce ADHD symptoms. These are chemicals that allow your neurons to pass on messages and help you focus your thoughts and ignore distractions. There are adhd medication side effects of ADHD medications: stimulants and other non-stimulants. They all increase the quantity of neurotransmitters that are available in your brain.
In the UK there are many medications that can be utilized to treat ADHD. The most popular is methylphenidate, which is available in tablets that are immediate-release (small doses taken 2 to 3 times per day) and modified-release tablets (taken once a day but released throughout the day). These medicines are not a cure but can help you control your an impulsive behaviour and help you focus. They are generally well-tolerated, but your specialist will monitor you closely to ensure you get the correct dose and do not experience any side negative effects. It could take a few weeks before the medication reaches its optimal level. You may also need to increase the dosage (change your dosage on a regular basis) to determine what works best.
Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (available only by prescription) can be more efficient and have less of a risk of addiction than stimulants. They are more effective, but not as well tolerated. Certain people may have issues with appetite, memory, or sleep. Your specialist will monitor you progress and determine whether to continue with atomoxetine, or switch to another treatment.
Neither medications nor therapy are permanent solutions for those with ADHD. They can help you cope with your symptoms, and lead a happy life. Combining therapy with medication sessions will help you gain the most from your treatment. You'll learn strategies for coping and identify unhelpful patterns of behaviour and thought. For some, their increased confidence and mood can last well beyond the duration of their treatment.