What Is The Reason ADHD Medication Is The Right Choice For You?
ADHD Medication For Adults in the UK
In the UK There are many medications are approved to treat ADHD. The stimulant methylphenidate, and the amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine are two of the most commonly prescribed drugs. adhd medication for adults uk will need to be monitored closely during the early stages of treatment (titration) and then, once stable, prescriptions can be managed by your GP as part of a shared care' arrangement.
What is a Licensed Medication (L.M.)?
A medicine that is licensed will have gone through all necessary clinical trials and tests, and the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority) has given it the go ahead for use in Great Britain. The medicine will also be clearly declared suitable for use in specific conditions on its packaging or in a leaflet which is provided with it. All licensed medicines undergo strict regulation even after they have been placed being sold. This allows for problems to be quickly identified and reduces the risk.
Some people with ADHD might be prescribed unlicensed medications, but these are rarely used for teenagers and children. The unlicensed medication may be used for other conditions which have been proven to be effective (known as off-label prescribing), or it might be a particular formulation that isn't yet available on the market, like an oral liquid in place of a tablet or something free from certain additives. It may be an experimental medication that is being tested in the UK.
The term "experimental drugs" is used to describe Medicines with an Marketing Authorisation(MIA) (IMP) or Investigational Medicinal Products. These medicines have not been granted a licence as of yet and can therefore only be sold with the prescription of a doctor. The MHRA will conduct a formal assessment as part of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme.
There is one non stimulant medication that is frequently prescribed for ADHD in the UK and Europe and that is atomoxetine. This drug is a selective inhibitor of noradrenaline's uptake and therefore works in a different way than other ADHD medication. It increases noradrenaline in the brain which is a type of chemical that sends messages between nerve cells, which aids concentration and helps control impulses. It is typically taken as a capsule once or twice per day.
A psychiatrist is the only mental health professional who can identify ADHD in adults, and prescribe medications to treat it. It's important to note that ADHD isn't just a condition that can be treated with medication alone, and therapy is frequently included in treatment plans for people suffering from the condition. Psychoeducation, which assists children, teenagers and adults make sense of their diagnosis, as well as behavioural therapy, which teaches strategies to manage symptoms.
What is an Unlicensed Medication?
The term 'unlicensed medicine' is a reference to any drug that has not been granted a licence by the MHRA. This may be because the drug was not created by an UK company, or because it has been prescribed outside the conditions of its licence (ie off-label). The GMC's guidance states that 'unlicensed drugs are generally employed when a licensed product isn't available or when a clinically effective treatment cannot be found using the drug with which the prescriber feels comfortable'.
The license of a medicine will include the conditions it treats, along with the age ranges that it is able to treat. The licence will also state what and how the medicine should be taken. The MHRA will only issue a licence if the drug is thought to be safe and effective for that use, which is founded on medical research and clinical trials. The manufacturers of drugs are not allowed advertise or promote any use that are not covered under the licence.
In the UK it is not illegal for medical professionals to prescribe an unlicensed medication as long as the patient is aware of the potential risks and benefits. They must keep records of the use of non-licensed medications and provide the patient with sufficient information to make an informed choice on whether or not to accept it.
Unlicensed medications are often offered in hospitals, where there is more experience using these medications than in GP clinics. The hospital will have procedures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication. This includes keeping detailed medical records of patients as well as recording any adverse effects. They are required to adhere to MHRA guidelines regarding the safe supply unlicensed medicine.
Specials are prescribed by doctors who must be clear with their patients, parents or caregivers of the medication it is prescribed for, its purpose, and any possible side consequences. They should be able to answer any questions and provide written information on the medicine they prescribe, including reasons for it.
What is what is a Shared Care Agreement?
As the number of adults who are suspected of having ADHD has been increasing in recent years, so are the demand to be referred to an NHS assessment and receive medication for the condition. The waiting lists for NHS assessments can be long, and many patients opt to pay for their ADHD assessments in specialist private clinics. Once a diagnosis is confirmed then the GP may enter into a shared-care agreement (SCA) with the patient.
A SCA is a contract between your psychiatrist and GP, whereby the responsibility for medication prescribing monitoring, as well as basic health checks are transferred to your GP. This is a recognized and accepted method of shifting the responsibility for managing ADHD patients from a specialist clinic or hospital to general practice.
These SCA guidelines should be agreed between the specialist and the GP before the responsibility is handed to the GP and should be clearly written on any referral form. It should be made clear to the GP that they are responsible for the continual titration of the medication and for the monitoring requirements.
Unfortunately, a lot of GPs are hesitant to accept SCAs. This is not due to an inability to accept, but because the work involved in SCAs could be out of their normal funding and it is typically an additional task in addition to their busy schedule.
The GP should be provided with good quality information on the motivation behind SCA and what the expectations of both parties, including the role of the patient and their carer. It should be made clear that the decision to pursue SCA must be made by the physician who initiated treatment. The GP must also be informed that the patient isn't willing to take part in SCA.
If a GP refuses to take responsibility for SCA or SCA, they may refuse. However, this could result in patients being referred back to the private ADHD clinic and psychiatrist who gave their initial diagnosis. This can lead to medication prescriptions being issued privately, rather than via the NHS. This could be more expensive.
What is Titration Period?
The tration time is a crucial step in finding the right medication to help manage your ADHD. It involves increasing the dosage gradually until you get to the level that maximizes the benefits and minimizes the risk of side effects. It is a process that takes time. Your healthcare professional must be in close contact with you to ensure that the titration procedure is as smooth as it can be.
Certain patients might notice an increase in their symptoms during the titration phase. People who are hyperactive, like might become restless and irritable. Because of this, it is vital that loved ones are aware of any changes in behavior and provide support. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and a consistent sleep routine to minimize the side effects of ADHD medications.
The use of medication isn't the only treatment for ADHD, but it is typically recommended as the first option for treatment for adults. Talk therapy can be a helpful tool to address depression and anxiety that can trigger some symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to remember that medication can only treat the symptoms, and not alter long-standing negative coping mechanisms. Some patients choose not to take medication at all and instead concentrate on self-help methods such as nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and sleep strategies.
It is crucial to know the side effects and how they will affect your body. Some medications can cause headaches or drowsiness, as well as decrease appetite. Be sure to follow the directions for taking your medication, and talk to your doctor if there are any adverse reactions.
Currently, many of the treatments for adults with ADHD are out of stock. This has caused delays in the diagnosis process and appointments with psychiatrists. NHS England has created a taskforce to investigate the issue and provide recommendations regarding how to decrease waiting times for medication.
Ask your local GP what alternatives are available to you. You may be able take the same medications privately, or they might suggest alternative treatments that will produce similar results to the ones you are used to.