The Most Underrated Companies To Monitor In The ADHD UK Medication Industry
ADHD UK Medication
ADHD medications are 'controlled medications' and require a specialist clinician to prescribe them. These are referred to as stimulants and comprise the family of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta etc) amphetamine salts as well as the atomoxetine.
Talk therapy and other non-medical treatment is generally recommended as well. Medications can help manage symptoms, but they do not alter longstanding negative coping mechanisms.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most commonly prescribed ADHD drug in the UK. It is also used to treat narcolepsy, and other psychiatric disorders. It is available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules. Extended-release tablets take longer to dissolve and provides long-lasting effects. It is typically prescribed for a specific period of time and the exact dosage will depend on the patient's symptoms.
In general, stimulant medications boost the activity of areas of the brain that regulate attention and behavior. They are often called "cognitive enhancers", and they help people to focus, pay attention and remain focused. Methylphenidate is a stimulant that increases activity in areas of the brain that are underactive for people suffering from ADHD. It also enhances the efficiency of your body's energy usage. It is also marketed as Ritalin.
A recent study revealed that prescriptions for methylphenidate have increased eightfold in UK over the past two decades. This is a major public health concern and suggests that there could be a misdiagnosis of ADHD in the UK. The researchers studied data from the Clinical Practice Research Database (CPRD) which includes the details of all NHS patients registered with a GP in England between 1992 and 2013. The study focused on medications that have been approved by the British National Formulary for ADHD and classified as CNS Stimulants. This includes methylphenidate (methylphenidate immediate-release and methylphenidate with extended release), atomoxetine, dexamphetamine (and its derivative Lisdexamfetamine) and modafinil. Pemoline is no longer a licensed drug in the UK due to liver toxicity and therefore was excluded from the study.
Researchers have found that methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed drug for children aged 5 or younger. Nearly a quarter of children have been prescribed this drug. This is despite the fact that National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines recommend that the medication be used as a first-line treatment in children with severe symptoms of ADHD. They recommend parents consider psychotherapy.
The results suggest that the increase in prescriptions for methylphenidate could be partly due to the availability of mental health services, but it could also be due to the increasing recognition of ADHD in younger people and the increasing desire to seek treatment and diagnosis. There are also likely to be instances of inappropriate prescribing methylphenidate to adolescents and young adults.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine, a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibit (SNRI) is used to treat ADHD in adolescents and children. It also serves as an option for treating anxiety-related symptoms that are comorbid. It is not a stimulant, and it has a low abuse potential. It has been proven effective in clinical studies and is an excellent option for children who have not responded well to stimulants. The long-term safety of this product is not known.
Atomoxetine is different from other ADHD medication. It increases the quantity of a chemical called noradrenaline in the brain. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between nerve cells and a rise in its levels can improve concentration and control of impulses. It comes in a capsule and is taken a single time per day. The medication is typically taken in combination with other treatments, including psychological therapy, educational support, and cognitive therapy for behavioural issues.
In one study, atomoxetine was found to be more effective in treating ADHD symptoms than a placebo. It is also well-tolerated and has less risk of adverse negative effects than stimulants, specifically in children. Additionally, a recent cost-effectiveness analysis revealed that treatment methods that included the use of atomoxetine are less expensive than those involving dexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
This drug has been linked to some serious side effects, such as suicidal thoughts. Speak to your doctor immediately if you child exhibits these signs. A lot of medicines like monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs), like phenelzine, can interact with atomoxetine. If your child is taking MAOIs consult your physician for an alternative.
Some people may experience fatigue, loss of appetite or stomach discomfort. These side effects can be severe or mild, dependent on the individual. Atomoxetine can be linked to a serious but rare condition called hepatic dysfunction, which can cause liver failure. This could be fatal in certain cases. It is essential to speak with your physician if you've had liver problems or any other health issues in the past.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including supplements and herbal remedies. This includes prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, and minerals. It is important to tell your doctor if you take any other ADHD medications, like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine. It is also important to inform your doctor that you or your child are pregnant, breastfeeding, or thinking about becoming pregnant.
Dexamfetamine
Dexamfetamine is a stimulant that is used to treat ADHD in adults. It can improve concentration and attention, decrease anxiety and impulsive behavior, and boost mood. It can be taken in a capsule, a solution or orally. It is important to take it regularly and in the manner recommended by your physician. Taken too much or stopped abruptly can cause problems. You should not operate machinery or drive if you take this medication. It is also a crime to carry the medication without your prescription and you must always carry proof that you have been prescribed it, such as a repeated prescription form or an information leaflet. It is recommended to carry your medication with you to work or school in case you need it during the course of your day.
Dexamfetamine is to be used with caution in patients who have a history of epilepsy as it could decrease the convulsive threshold. It should not used in patients with a history of blood vessel or cardiac disorders, such a coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. It is not recommended to use during pregnancy or nursing. It is excreted into breast milk and consequently, there is a risk to the infant.
If symptoms of ADHD become worse, a review by the prescriber is suggested. This can help determine if the problem is controlled by medication and if the medication is appropriate. This will allow the prescriber to adjust dosages or switch to other treatments if needed.
A doctor will start the patient with a low dose, and gradually increase the dosage to make sure that they are receiving the correct dosage for their needs. It is a good idea for you to take your tablets at the same time each day, ideally along with food. This will help you keep track of the tablets and decrease the risk of not taking the dose.
In addition to taking medication, people with ADHD can benefit from psychoeducation and therapy. This can help children and adults learn to cope with their condition. Therapy can also help them deal with additional problems, such as anxiety or depression. Psychoeducation is a combination between educational materials and professional assistance Therapy can be cognitive or behavioural.
Modafinil
Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting prescription drug that reduces extreme sleepiness that accompanies conditions such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and shift work sleep disorder. It is also a possibility to use off-label to treat symptoms of ADHD in adults who are old or older. It is not approved for such usage and should be taken only under the supervision of a doctor. It is only available on a prescription and should be kept in a secure place away from children. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for clarification if it is difficult to comprehend any aspect of the medication.
The NHS website describes modafinil as being a central nervous system stimulant that prevents excessive sleepiness throughout the daytime. It is prescribed for narcolepsy however it has been employed off-label to aid people who suffer from Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis stay awake and also those suffering from fatigue caused by obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea or shift work. Executives, students, and military personnel who must be alert are also common users.
A recent survey of UK students revealed that one-in-five students had taken an "smart drug" to help them concentrate during their exams. Jack Rivlin (24), editor of The Tab, a student newspaper based in Farringdon, London told BBC Newsbeat that he purchased modafinil for PS130 on an offshore website last year to help with his revision.
Read the Full Write-up , he says, has helped him stay on top of his notes and help him pass his test even though that he doesn't believe it will make him more intelligent. It's important to remember that these drugs are not magical bullets, and they could cause serious side effects.
In addition to its wakefulness-promoting effects, modafinil can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems in some patients, especially those with heart disease. Modafinil can also interfere negatively with certain medications like antidepressants and sedatives. It is possible that you will develop withdrawal symptoms and become dependent on the medication if you suddenly stop taking it.
Like methylphenidate and atomoxetine, modafinil is classified as a class B drug, meaning it is illegal to possess or supply. If you are caught, you could be facing up to five years in prison.