Why ADHD Medication UK Isn't A Topic That People Are Interested In ADHD Medication UK
Adult ADHD Medication in the UK
In the UK there are guidelines to diagnose ADHD among adults. In the course of the pandemics, referrals to the adult ADHD clinic quadrupled.
The medicines used to treat ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulants. Methylphenidate is the most common medicine to help manage symptoms of ADHD, along with two amphetamine-based drugs known as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine.
Stimulants
The most commonly used type of medication used to treat adult ADHD is stimulants. These medications work by increasing the activity in brain areas that control attention and behavior. They are quick-acting and are often the first choice of GPs. Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is the most commonly prescribed stimulant for adults and children.
This drug increases neurotransmitter levels in the brain. It increases the quality of attention, and reduces the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. It can also help reduce depression and anxiety, which may co-occur with ADHD.
In the past, stimulant drugs were used to enhance cognition, motivation, and performance. These include nicotine and caffeine amphetamines, modafinil, methylphenidate, cocaine and methylphenidate. These substances are used to reduce appetite and boost energy. However, they may cause severe psychological and physical effects when taken excessively.
A psychiatrist will carefully adjust the dosages for each patient. They will take into account any other medical conditions the patient might have, as well as the impact of the medication on their sleeping patterns. They will also take into consideration the impact of medication on the patient's lifestyle and diet.
A large network meta-analysis, conducted by the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre and Stichting Eunethydis, has found that the drug Lisdexamfetamine (commonly referred to as Adderall) is more effective than other stimulants in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is recommended by NICE, and it is available for prescription in the UK.
Despite the positive evidence, there is still some stigma associated with the use of medication to treat ADHD that is based on unhelpful framings that refer to it as child abuse, and even comparisons to controlled substances. This can make people hesitant to seek an assessment or to even consider taking medication to treat their condition.
As the number of people referred to NHS mental health services increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, as did the number of adults being treated for ADHD. Adult ADHD referrals now surpass those for children. Boys are more likely to be referred, but the number of women seeking treatment for ADHD has quadrupled over the last two years.
Unlicensed Medication
A range of medicines are approved to treat ADHD in children and adults including stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and, sometimes, the newer amphetamine based medication lisdexamfetamine being prescribed. These are considered controlled medications since they are susceptible to abuse and become addictive. Your doctor will prescribe these drugs if he or believes that they are the most effective choice for your treatment. You will be provided with a written prescription that you can get at the local pharmacy. Your pharmacist will explain to you that this prescription is for a monthly supply of the drug.
In certain instances, your doctor may decide that the drugs they have available are not right for you and will recommend a medication that is not licensed. It's an individual decision and your doctor should only recommend unlicensed medication as a last resort. Be aware that although medication is a crucial component of treating ADHD however, talking therapy also plays a significant role. Therapy can change your coping mechanisms as well as behavior patterns. Treatment with medication can alleviate your symptoms.
In the UK, medication used to treat ADHD for adults requires a marketing authorisation (MA) that specifies the specific conditions under which it is approved. This will include information on the age of those who are eligible to receive the medication and how it should be administered. The MHRA will review any IMP prior to its release and the manufacturer is only allowed to promote it under their MA, except if they have a specific license to market paediatric medications.
This is when a medication has been approved for use by a child, but a psychiatrist believes it may be appropriate to prescribe it to an adult. This is also known as off label prescribing. A "manipulated product" is a possibility when a pharmacist mixes ingredients to create a formulation for a patient that is unable to swallow tablets. Some psychiatrists have been critical of the over-prescription of psychoactive drugs to treat mental health problems, including ADHD.
Licensing
In the UK, a number of medicines are available to treat ADHD for adults. There are many stimulant medications such as methylphenidate, (Ritalin) and the newer amphetamine based medication lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). They are usually prescribed to patients who have been diagnosed with the condition by a psychiatrist. The treatment is usually prescribed in the form of capsules and patients should be closely monitored by their physician to ensure that the right dose is found.
In addition to these medicines in addition, there are a variety of other methods by which the disease can be treated and controlled. For example, behavioural therapies can help people understand the underlying causes of their symptoms and devise strategies to deal with these. In addition, environmental modifications can be beneficial in helping people deal with the effects of their symptoms on day-to-day activities. This includes arranging seating arrangements at work or school and arranging for frequent movement breaks and providing "I need a break" cards, as well as making it easier to avoid the amount of distractions and noise.
The medications that are licensed to treat ADHD in adults in the UK are not designed to be a cure, but can significantly improve the quality of life of many people suffering from the condition. They are not a panacea and should be used as a component of a complete care plan that includes psychoeducation, psychiatric treatment and medications.
Patients with childbearing capacity should take a pregnancy test prior to beginning any medication. They should also inform their GP in the event that they fall pregnant or want to become pregnant. Patients should also speak to their GP if there are any adverse reactions or if they do not feel they are benefiting.
A national alert for patient safety regarding the shortage of methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets, extended-release guanfacine tablets and lisdexamfetamine capsules was issued on the 27th of September, 2023. This was replaced by an Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) on May 8, 2024. It lifted the restrictions on prescribing for Elvanse capsules and advised ADHD services to resume initiations.
Iampsychiatry is a Schedule 2 drug, so it can only be prescribed by a registered physician and is subject to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations of 2001. The guidelines recommend that people suffering from ADHD should be reviewed every year by a healthcare professional who has training and experience in managing the disorder, whether in primary or secondary care depending on the local arrangement. The review should include monitoring for blood pressure and heart rate, a discussion about the need for ongoing treatment and ongoing evaluation of symptoms and monitoring improvement.
Side Effects
ADHD medication is safe and generally well accepted by adults, but it is not a cure for the condition. It can help reduce symptoms of behavioural, and improve the quality of life for those suffering from the condition. It can also enhance learning, work and relationships.
However, it's important for anyone starting treatment to be aware of possible side effects and discuss these with their physician prior to when they begin taking the medication. Side-effects can include a change in appetite, headaches, and sleepiness. Certain medications can also increase the heart rate. It is generally harmless and not harmful however, it is important to inform your doctor if you have any history of heart disease or problems.
Stimulants increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This alters the way that the brain receives and transmits messages, enhancing focus and attention. These drugs are the first line treatment of adult ADHD. Nonstimulant medicines like buproprion and atomoxetine are available, however they have more complex effects on the brain and take longer to begin working. The latter block the reuptake and release of dopamine into nerve cells and aids in concentration.
According to research, approximately half of the children diagnosed with ADHD will be free of symptoms by adulthood. This may be because they develop coping skills to manage their symptoms or they become less hyperactive. But a significant number continue to struggle in the society that was not specifically designed for them. Nice recommends doctors prescribe ADHD medications only when they are necessary and to continue to keep track of their patients on a regular basis.
There are many other options to treat ADHD symptoms. These include lifestyle changes and psychoeducational therapy. These can be used alongside medication to reduce the need for doctors to refer adults with ADHD to specialist services.
Many adults are hesitant to tell their friends, families or employers that they are taking ADHD medication due to the stigma that surrounds it. But, there is growing evidence that talking about the condition and raising awareness of its symptoms can help to break down barriers to treatment.