What ADHD Medication Experts Want You To Know
ADHD Medication For Adults in the UK
In the UK there are a range of medications that are approved for treating ADHD. The stimulant methylphenidate as well as the amphetamine-based medicine lisdexamfetamine are two of the most frequently prescribed drugs. The precise dose needs to be monitored carefully during the initial stages of treatment (titration) and then the stable prescriptions will be administered by your GP as part of a shared care arrangement.
What is a Licensed Medication (L.M.)?
A medicine that is licensed has passed all the necessary clinical trials and tests and the MHRA, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has granted the green light for its use in Great Britain. The medicine will also be declared suitable for use in specific conditions on its packaging or in a leaflet that is provided with it. All licensed medicines are subject to strict supervision, even after they are being sold. This allows for problems to be identified quickly and reduces the risk.
Unlicensed drugs are sometimes prescribed to patients with ADHD however they are seldom prescribed to children or teenagers. Unlicensed medicines can be prescribed for other conditions that have been proved to be effective (known as "off-label prescribing"), or they could be a form of treatment not yet available in the market, such as liquid oral instead of tablets. It could also be an experimental medication that is being tested in the UK.
Experimental drugs are referred to as Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs) or Medicines with a Marketing Authorisation (MIA)(IMP). These medications are not yet licensed and can only be purchased with the prescription of a physician. They will have undergone a formal assessment by the MHRA as part of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) and so the quality of the pharmaceutical is guaranteed.
There is one non stimulant medication that is frequently prescribed for ADHD in the UK and Europe and that is Atomoxetine. It is a selective noradrenaline inhibitor, and so works differently to other ADHD medications. It increases noradrenaline in the brain which is a kind of chemical that sends messages between nerve cells and this aids concentration and aids in controlling impulses. It is taken in capsules once or twice daily.
A psychiatrist is the only mental health professional who can identify ADHD in adults and prescribe medication to treat it. It is crucial to remember that ADHD isn't just a disorder that can be treated with medication by itself. Therapy is often incorporated in treatment plans. This can include psychoeducation to aid children, teens and adults comprehend their diagnosis as well as the use of behavioural therapy to teach techniques to manage symptoms.
What is an unlicensed medication?
The term "unlicensed medicines" refers to drugs that have not been licensed by the MHRA. This could be due to the fact that the drug was not created by a UK company, or because it was prescribed outside the terms of its licence (ie off-label). The GMC's guidelines say that 'unlicensed medicines are typically used when a suitable licensed product is unavailable or when a treatment that is clinically effective cannot be found with the product that the prescriber feels most comfortable using'.
The licence for a medicine will state the conditions it treats as well as the age of the patients it can be given to. It will also specify the dosage and by whom. The MHRA only grants a license if it is deemed safe and effective in that particular use, based on clinical trials and medical research. The drug manufacturers are not permitted to promote or advertise any uses that are not covered by the license.
In the UK It is not illegal for medical professionals to prescribe an unlicensed medication provided that the patient is aware about the risks and benefits. They must also keep a record of the use of unlicensed medications and provide the patient sufficient information to help them make the decision.
Hospitals are more likely to give unlicensed drugs due to their more experience with them than GP surgeries. The hospital will have procedures in place to ensure the safety of the medication, which includes keeping detailed patient records and ensuring that any adverse effects are recorded. They will be required to follow MHRA guidelines on the safe supply of unlicensed medications.
Specials are prescribed by doctors who must inform their patients, parents or caregivers about the medicine, its purpose and any possible side consequences. They should be able answer any questions and provide written information about any medicine they prescribe, including the reasons for prescribing it.
What is an Shared Care Agreement?
The number of people who are suspected to have ADHD has been increasing in recent years, so are demanded to be referred for an NHS assessment and also to receive medication for the condition. The waiting lists for NHS assessments can be lengthy, and many patients opt to pay for their ADHD assessments at private clinics. After a diagnosis has been confirmed and the diagnosis is confirmed, the GP may enter into a shared-care arrangement (SCA) with the patient.
A SCA is an agreement between your psychiatrist and your GP where the responsibility for monitoring, prescribing and basic health checks for medications is transferred to your GP. It is a well-known and accepted method of shifting the responsibility for managing ADHD patients from a specialist or hospital to general practice.
These SCA guidelines should be agreed between the doctor and the GP before responsibility is passed to the GP and should be clearly in any referral form. It is important to communicate to the GP that he or she is responsible for the continual adjustment of the medication and for the monitoring requirements.
Unfortunately, many GPs do not accept SCAs. This is not due to the lack of motivation however, the work involved in SCAs is often out of their normal funding and it is typically an additional task on top of a busy schedule.
The doctor must be informed of the reasons behind SCA as well as the expectations of all participants, and the roles of patients and carers. It is also important to be clear that a decision on SCA should be made by the prescriber who initiated treatment. In addition, the doctor should be informed that they do not want to participate in the SCA.
If a doctor refuses to accept the responsibility for SCA or SCA, they may refuse. However, this could result in patients being sent back to the private ADHD clinic and psychiatrist who gave their initial diagnosis. This could mean that prescriptions for medication are given privately instead of through the NHS which, of course, is more expensive.
What is a titration time?
The tration period is a crucial element in determining the best medication to treat your ADHD. It is the process of gradually increasing the dosage until you reach a dose that maximises the benefits of your medication while minimizing negative side effects. It takes time but your healthcare specialist should work closely with you to ensure the titration process goes as smooth as it can be.
Certain patients may experience an increase in their symptoms during the titration period. People who are hyperactive, like can become agitated and irritable. It is essential that loved ones be aware of any changes in behavior and offer assistance. To minimize the adverse effects from ADHD medication it is essential to live a healthy life and a consistent sleep schedule.
It is important to note that medication isn't the only option for ADHD treatment. However it is recommended as a first-line management method in adults. Talk therapy is a helpful method to deal with depression and anxiety that may cause some of the symptoms of ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that medication can only treat the symptoms, not change longstanding negative coping mechanisms. Some patients choose not to take any medication and instead focus on self-help techniques such as exercise, nutrition and stress reduction.
It is important to go about the potential side effects of any medicine you are prescribed and know how the medication will affect your body. managing adhd without medication can reduce appetite, cause headaches, or make you drowsy. Always follow the directions for your medication and consult your physician if any adverse effects occur.
Many of the medications used to treat adult ADHD are currently out of stock due to supply issues. This has caused delays in the diagnosis process and a backlog in appointments with psychiatrists. NHS England has set up an inquiry taskforce to look into the issue and recommend ways to reduce the time spent waiting for medications.
Ask your local GP what options are available for you. You may be able take the same medications privately, or they could suggest alternative treatments that will produce similar results to those you're used to.