ADHD Medication in the UK
Treatments for ADHD help to reduce symptoms by increasing activity in certain areas of the brain. They also stimulate the production of neurotransmitters which are insufficient in people with ADHD.
Stimulant medicines are the most widely prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD in the UK. They are effective by enhancing activity in the parts of the brain involved in the control of impulses and attention.
Stimulants
There are two types of drugs that are licensed in the UK to treat adult ADHD that treat ADHD in adults: stimulants and non-stimulant medicines. stimulants, which boost brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention, are often the first choice. These include methylphenidate also known as Ritalin, and Lisdexamfetamine. They can be administered frequently throughout the day in a short-acting tablet or taken daily in a long-acting tablet which is released into the bloodstream throughout the course of a day. The dose of the medication may require frequent adjustments in the beginning, as it is adjusted and monitored (titrated) to determine the dose that is most effective for you.
Stimulants have a long tradition of use, both medically and as recreational drugs. In the 1930s truck drivers, students, and athletes used amphetamines in order to increase their energy levels. Amphetamines can be dangerous and be misused. They are often abused because they can make people feel good and stimulate the brain in ways that result in addiction.
The most common side-effects of stimulants are loss of appetite, sleep disturbances and problems with stomach or digestive system. These problems can be reduced by adjusting the dose or timing. Most adults tolerate them well. However, children can suffer more serious side effects, including anxiety, weight loss and irritability.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication works in a different way to the stimulants and can take some time to begin working. click for source and Guanfacine are called Catapres and Intuniv are alpha agonists. They work by stimulating receptors in the mind to improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity and behavioral issues such as aggression and tics. They can be used as a supplement to ADHD stimulant medications or taken alone by children between the ages of 6-17.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant medicine that improves impulse control and concentration by increasing the levels noradrenaline in the brain. It is available as a standalone medication however it is commonly combined with guanfacine for children. These drugs are less likely to trigger the same adverse effects as stimulants, but can cause a variety of issues, such as headaches and trouble sleeping.
Atomoxetine
Some children are not responsive to stimulant drugs like Adderall and Ritalin. For these kids, medication options called nonstimulants can be used. They boost the communication between nerves, brain regions and areas of the brain. This helps children control their impulsivity and improve their concentration. Non-stimulant ADHD medications contain different active ingredients to stimulants and do not have the potential to be abused, so they aren't controlled substances.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is one of the newest non-stimulant drugs that treat ADHD in adults, children and teenagers. It is an antidepressant which has been proven to decrease ADHD symptoms by increasing the amount a chemical called noradrenaline within the brain. Noradrenaline transmits messages between brain cells and is involved in impulsivity, attention and motivation.
Due to its unique mechanism of action, atomoxetine doesn't suffer from the same adverse effects as other antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and Effexor. It can be prescribed to children as young 5 years old. It is taken once or twice a day in tablet form. Atomoxetine gives you a steady, 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms. It can help reduce the effects at night when the stimulants have wore off.
The FDA has also approved guanfacine XR and Clonidine XR both of which are also available as non-stimulant ADHD medications. They are typically prescribed to children who haven't reacted to stimulant medication or have problems with their adverse effects. They can be used by themselves or in combination with stimulants like Adderall XR (amphetamine salts) to offer a more effective treatment of ADHD.
If you or your child are being treated with a non-stimulant ADHD medication, ensure that you follow your GP's directions carefully. They may suggest starting with a low dose and gradually increasing them. They'll also ask about any other medications you or your child are 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, such as talk therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
Adult ADHD is treated using different stimulant and anti-stimulant medicines. The psychiatric physician can also prescribe medications that are off label (these are drugs which are approved for a different condition but have emerging evidence for effectiveness in adult ADHD). These are usually antidepressants such as Venflaxine or bupropion. They have shown some benefits in the condition, and are tolerated at smaller doses.
Sometimes, unlicensed medications are prescribed for a patient in cases where there is a medical need that is so specific that the prescription cannot be fulfilled with an alternative licensed medicine. This is for patients whose normal medication is unavailable due to supply disruption or other reasons, or patients who require a liquid formulation of a licensed tablet or capsule for reasons such as intolerance or allergy.
Unlicensed medicines can be called "specials". This term is also used to refer to medicines that are "off-label" or have been prepared or provided in a manner that is not covered by the license. This could include crushing tablets to make them easier to swallow or adding a liquid to an approved capsule or tablet to make a mixture suitable to be administered via injection, or using a syringe pump in order to inject medication subcutaneously (under the skin).
In general healthcare professionals will only use unlicensed medication as a last resort and when they feel that there is no approved alternative available. They will carefully weigh the various options available to meet the specific requirements of every patient. They will also evaluate treatment and outcomes regularly considering both clinical experience and the availability of new treatments that are licensed.
It is vital that any medication not licensed to treat an individual is safe and efficient. The reason for prescribing a medicine should also be recorded in the patient record. If a patient experiences side effects due to an off-label medication, they must be reported to the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. The information provided will be used to update the medication's MHRA marketing authorisation, and to ensure that any future prescriptions of the drug are safe and effective.
Talk Therapy
A therapist for talk will help you understand your symptoms and assist you to find ways to manage them. They'll also be able provide advice and support on how you can change the way you think and act to feel more confident about your life. It is crucial to finish the amount of sessions your therapist recommends as this will make your feeling better.
The amount of neurotransmitters that are present in your brain can help reduce ADHD symptoms. These are chemicals that allow your brain to transmit messages, and assist you in focusing your thoughts and stay clear of distractions. There are two types of ADHD treatment which include stimulants as well as other non-stimulants. All of them improve the quantity of neurotransmitters that are available in your brain.
In the UK there are a variety of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets that are taken in small doses of 2 to 3 times per day. Or as modified-release tablets, which are taken weekly, but released throughout the duration of the day. These medications aren't the cure for ADHD but they can make it easier to concentrate and control an impulsive behavior. They are usually well-tolerated however your doctor will closely monitor you to ensure you receive the right dosage and do not experience any side consequences. Medication can take a few weeks to reach your optimal dosage and could need to be adjusted (changed regularly) in order to find the most effective dosage for you.
Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, which is available on prescription only, may be more effective than stimulants and are not as prone to the possibility of addiction. They are more effective, but not as well tolerated. Some people may have issues with memory, appetite or sleep. Your specialist will monitor you progress and decide whether to continue using atomoxetine or switch to another treatment.
Therapy and medication are not permanent solutions for people with ADHD. They can help you deal with your issues and lead a happy life. You can benefit the most from your treatment if you combine treatments with regular sessions with your therapist since this gives you the chance to develop strategies for coping and recognize unhelpful patterns in your behaviour and thinking. Some people's improved mood and self-confidence can persist after treatment.