ADHD Medication UK's History History Of ADHD Medication UK
Adult ADHD Medication in the UK
In the UK, the NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults. During the pandemic, referrals to the adult ADHD clinic quadrupled.
The medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulants. Methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, and Lisdexamfetamine are three amphetamine-based drugs that aid in managing ADHD symptoms.
Stimulants
The most popular type of medication used to treat adult ADHD is stimulants. These work by increasing activity in parts of the brain that regulate the behavior and attention. They are quick-acting and typically the first option to be that is considered by GPs. Methylphenidate is also known as Ritalin, is the most widely prescribed stimulant for adults as well as children.
This drug boosts the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. It improves the quality of attention, and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can also help decrease depression and anxiety which may be a co-morbidity with ADHD.
Through time, stimulant drugs are used for both medicinal purposes and for recreational purposes, to enhance performance, motivation, cognition and mood. They include nicotine and caffeine amphetamines modafinil, methylphenidate, and cocaine. These substances are used to control appetite and boost energy levels. However, they can cause severe psychological and physical effects if taken in excess.
A psychiatrist will be careful to adjust the doses for each patient. They'll also consider any other medical issues a patient might have, as well as the effects of the medication on sleep patterns. They will also look at the impact of the medication on a patient's diet as well as lifestyle.
A massive meta-analysis of the network carried out by the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre and Stichting Eunethydis, has found that the drug Lisdexamfetamine (commonly called Adderall) is more efficient than other stimulants in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is recommended by NICE and is available for prescription in the UK.
Despite the evidence-based evidence that support the use of drugs for ADHD is still viewed as a stigma. Ineffective framings make it appear like child abuse and controlled substances. This may cause people to be hesitant to take a test or even consider taking medication to treat their condition.
The number of adults being treated for ADHD increased as did the number referred to NHS psychiatry increased during the COVID-19 epidemic. Adult ADHD referrals now surpass those for children. Boys are still more likely to be referred for ADHD treatment, but the number women receiving it has quadrupled over the past two years.
Unlicensed Medication
A variety of drugs are approved to treat ADHD for children and adults including stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and, sometimes, the newer amphetamine-based drug lisdexamfetamine being prescribed. adhd medication for adults uk are considered controlled drugs because they can be open to abuse and addictive. Your consultant psychiatrist will only prescribe these drugs if he or she believes they are the most effective solution for your treatment. You will receive an official prescription that you can pick up at your local pharmacy. This will be for a month's supply of the drug. Your pharmacist will be able to explain it to you.
In some instances, your doctor may feel that the drugs they have available are not suitable for you, and may recommend an unlicensed drug. This will be an individual decision and your doctor should only recommend unlicensed medication as an option last resort. Remember that while medication is an essential component of treating ADHD however, talking therapy also plays a vital role. Medicine can aid in managing your symptoms, but therapy can work at changing the long-standing negative coping mechanisms and behavior patterns.
Treatment for ADHD in adults must be licensed in the UK and have a license known as marketing authorisation (MA) which will specify the health conditions it is approved for. This includes the ages of those who can be treated and the method by which the medication should be taken. The MHRA will assess any IMP before its release and the manufacturer is only permitted to promote it under their MA, in the event that they do not have a special license to market paediatric medications.
This is when a medication has been approved for a child but a psychiatrist believes it is appropriate to prescribe it for an adult. This is also called off label prescribing. It is also possible to create"manipulated products" - where the pharmacist creates the formulation for a specific patient by mixing ingredients, for instance if they can't swallow tablets. Some psychiatrists have been critical of the over-prescription of psychoactive medications to treat mental health issues, such as ADHD.
Licensing
In the UK, there are various medicines that are approved to treat ADHD in adults. These include a number of stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). They are typically offered to patients suffering from the condition after consulting with a psychiatrist. The treatment is given in capsules and the patient should be closely monitored by their physician to determine the appropriate dosage.
There are other options to manage and treat the condition, aside from medications. For example the use of behavioural therapy can help people to understand the root cause of their symptoms and come up with strategies to manage these. Environment-related changes can help people cope with the impact that their symptoms can affect their daily lives. This includes arranging seating arrangements at school or work, providing cards that say "I Need a Break" and scheduling frequent breaks for movement as well as reducing noise and distractions.
The medications that are approved to treat ADHD in adults in the UK are not intended to be a cure, but they can significantly improve the quality of life of many people with the condition. But, they're not a magic bullet and should only be used as part of an integrated care package that includes psychiatric treatment and psychoeducation.
Patients with childbearing capacity should undergo an examination for pregnancy prior to taking any medication. They must also inform their GP in the event that they fall pregnant or wish to fall pregnant. It is also recommended that patients visit their GP when they experience significant side-effects or do not believe they are getting the benefits from the medication.
On the 27th of September, 2023, a national patient safety alert was issued in relation to the lack of extended-release guanfacine tablets, lisdexamfetamine tablets and methylphenidate tablets. This was replaced with an Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) on 08 May 2024 that lifted prescribing restrictions for Elvanse capsules and urged ADHD services to resume the initiation of treatment.
It is classified as a Schedule 2 drug, so it is only prescribed by a registered doctor and is subject to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations of 2001. The guidelines recommend that anyone suffering from ADHD should be reviewed every year by a health expert with experience and training in managing the disorder, either in primary or secondary care based on the local arrangement. The review should include monitoring for heart rate and blood pressure, a discussion about the need for ongoing treatment and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of symptom improvement.
Side Effects
ADHD medication is safe and generally well accepted by adults, but it does not cure the condition. It can ease the symptoms of behavioural, and improve the quality of life of people. It can also assist with learning, work and relationships.
However, it's crucial for anyone considering treatment to be aware of potential side effects and discuss these with their doctor prior to when they begin taking the medication. Some side effects include headaches, insomnia and an increase in appetite. Certain medications may also increase the heart rate. It is usually not a problem and is mild, but it is worth telling your doctor if you have any history of heart disease or heart problems.
The effects of stimulants increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This alters how the brain transmits and receives messages, which improves concentration and attention. They are considered first-line treatments for adults with ADHD. Buproprion and Atomoxetine which are non-stimulant drugs, have a more complex action on the brain. They also take longer to start working. The latter blocks the reuptake of dopamine by nerve cells, which aids in concentration.
Research suggests that around half of children who are diagnosed with ADHD grow out of their symptoms by adulthood. This could be due to the fact that they develop coping skills to manage their symptoms, or because they become less active. But many remain in an environment that isn't made specifically for them. This is why Nice recommends doctors prescribe ADHD drugs only where they are necessary and keep a close eye on patients.
There are many other options to treat ADHD symptoms. These include lifestyle changes and psychoeducational therapy. These can be combined with medication to reduce the need for GPs to refer patients suffering from ADHD to specialist services.
Many adults are reluctant to reveal to their family, friends or employers that they take ADHD medication because of the stigma that comes with it. However, there is growing evidence that discussing the disorder and promoting awareness of its symptoms can help overcome barriers to treatment.