ADHD Medication in the UK
The drugs for ADHD reduce symptoms by enhancing brain activity in specific areas. They also boost the production of neurotransmitters that are insufficient in people with ADHD.
Stimulant drugs are the most commonly prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD in the UK. They are effective by enhancing activity in areas of the brain involved with concentration and impulse control.
Stimulants
There are two kinds of medications that are approved for use in the UK to treat adult ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. Stimulants, which enhance brain activity in areas that regulate behavior and attention are usually the first choice. These include methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, and lisdexamfetamine. These tablets can be taken multiple times per day as a short-acting tablet or once a week in the form of a long-acting pill that releases into the bloodstream throughout the day. At first the dose of the medication may need to be adjusted and monitored (titrated), to find the dose that is effective for you.
Stimulants have a long history of use both medicinally and as recreational drugs. In the 1930s truck drivers, students and athletes took amphetamines to boost their energy. Amphetamines pose a risk and can be misused. They are used to make people feel good and can stimulate the brain in ways that result in addiction.
The loss of appetite, the difficulty sleeping and problems with digestion or stomach are some of the most frequent adverse effects of stimulants. These problems can be reduced by adjusting the dosage or timing. Most adults tolerate them well. Children may experience more serious side effects, like weight gain, tics and crankiness.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication functions in a different manner than stimulants and may take some time to begin working. Clonidine and Guanfacine are called Catapres and Intuniv, are alpha agonists. They work by stimulating receptors in the brain to improve concentration and decrease behavior issues such as aggression and tics. They can be used as a supplement to ADHD stimulant medications or taken alone by children between the ages of 6-17.
Atomoxetine also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant medicine that improves concentration and impulse control by increasing levels of noradrenaline in the brain. It is a medication that can be prescribed on its own, but is most often used in conjunction with guanfacine for children. These drugs do not have the same side effects as stimulants, but they can cause headaches and difficulty sleeping.
Atomoxetine
While stimulant medicines such as Ritalin and Adderall are generally recommended for kids with ADHD Some children don't respond to these medications. There are alternatives to stimulants for children who aren't. They enhance the communication between brain regions, nerves and areas of the brain. This helps children control their impulsivity and improve their concentration. Non-stimulant ADHD medication uses different active ingredients than stimulants. They also don't have the potential to be abused and aren't controlled substances.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant drug that can be used to treat ADHD in children, adults and teens. It is an antidepressant which has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the amount a chemical known as noradrenaline that is present in the brain. Noradrenaline transmits messages between brain cells and is involved in impulsivity, attention, and motivation.
Due to its unique mechanism of action, atomoxetine does not have the same negative side effects as other antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and Effexor. It is a prescription drug for children as young as five and is taken orally at least once or twice per day in tablet form. Atomoxetine gives you a steady, 24-hour control over ADHD symptoms. It can reduce the severity of problems at night when stimulants have worn off.
The FDA has also approved guanfacine XR and clonidine XR, both of which are available as non-stimulant ADHD medications. These are given to children who haven't responded to stimulant medication or who have difficulty dealing with its negative effects. They can be combined with stimulants like Adderall XR, (amphetamines salts), to treat ADHD more effectively.
Follow the advice of your doctor If you or your child is taking a nonstimulant ADHD medication. They will probably recommend starting with low doses, and then gradually increasing them. They will also inquire about any other medications you or your child are taking so they can check for interactions. You should make regular appointments with your GP and inform them of any side effects or concerns. They'll be able to modify your dosage or provide advice on alternative treatments like talk therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
The medication used to treat ADHD in adults is a mix of non-stimulant and stimulant drugs. Psychologists may also prescribe drugs which are 'off-label' for the condition (these are drugs that are licensed for different conditions but have emerging evidence of effectiveness in adults with ADHD). These medications are usually antidepressants, such as bupropion and venflaxine, which have been shown to have some beneficial effect in the disorder and are well tolerated at lower doses than those found in the licensed treatments.
Unlicensed medicines can be prescribed to patients if there is a real clinical need that cannot be fulfilled by a licensed medication. Patients whose regular medication has been temporarily stopped due to a disruption in supply, or patients who require liquid versions of a licensed capsule or tablet due to intolerance or allergies can all be affected.
Unlicensed medications are often referred to as "specials". This term can also be used to refer to medicines that are "off-label" or have been made or delivered in a way that is not covered by the license. They could include crushing tablets to make them easier to swallow or adding a liquid to a licensed tablet or capsule to make a mixture suitable to be administered via injection, or using a syringe to administer the medication subcutaneously (under the skin).
In general healthcare professionals will use unlicensed medication as a last resort when they feel that there is no licensed alternative available. They will carefully weigh the various options available to meet the individual needs of each patient. They will also regularly review treatment and results taking into consideration the clinical experience as well as new licensed treatments.
It is crucial that any medicine not licensed to treat patients is safe and effective, and the reason for prescribing it is documented in the patient's records. If medication for add adults has any adverse reactions due to an off-label medication, they must be reported to the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. This information will be used to update the medication's MHRA marketing authorisation, and also to ensure that future prescriptions of the drug are safe and effective.
Talk Therapy
A therapist who works with you to help you identify your issues and find ways to manage. They can also give you advice and support about how to alter your way of thinking and behavior to feel more positive. It is essential to complete the amount of sessions your therapist suggests since this will help in your feeling better.
The amount of neurotransmitters that are present in your brain can reduce ADHD symptoms. These chemicals allow your neurons pass on messages, helping you to concentrate your thoughts and stay clear of distractions. There are two kinds of ADHD medication: stimulants and other non-stimulants. All of them increase the amount of neurotransmitters in your brain.
In the UK, there are several drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets that are used in small doses, 2 to 3 times a day. Also, as modified-release tablets, which are taken weekly, but released over the duration of the day. These medications are not an effective cure, but they can help you to control impulsive behavior and concentrate. They are generally well tolerated however, your doctor will closely monitor your progress to ensure you receive the correct dose and don't experience any side effects. The treatment can take a few weeks to reach the best level and may need to be titrated (changed regularly) to determine the most effective dosage for you.
Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine, that is available by prescription only, can be more efficient than stimulants, and don't have the same possibility of addiction. They have a stronger scientific basis, however they aren't as well-tolerated and some people suffer from problems with their appetite, memory, or sleep. Your doctor will be able to monitor your development and decide if you should keep taking atomoxetine or switch to a different treatment.
Therapy and medication are not permanent solutions for people with ADHD. However, they can enhance your ability to manage your symptoms and lead an enjoyable life. You will make the most of your treatment if you combine treatments with regular sessions with your therapist as this will give you the chance to discover strategies for coping and recognize unhelpful patterns in your behavior and thinking. Some people's improved moods and self-confidence can persist after their treatment.