ADHD Medication in the UK
The drugs for ADHD help to reduce symptoms by increasing brain activity in specific regions. They also stimulate the production of neurotransmitters that are absent in people suffering from ADHD.
Stimulant medicines are the most frequently prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD in the UK. They increase activity in parts of the brain involved with attention and impulse control.
Stimulants
There are two kinds of medication licensed 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 often the first choice. They include methylphenidate, known as Ritalin, and the lisdexamfetamine. These tablets can be taken a few times per day as a pill that acts quickly or once a week as a long-acting medication that releases into the bloodstream throughout the day. The dosage of the medication could require frequent adjustments in the beginning as it is monitored and adjusted (titrated) to find the dosage that is effective for you.
Stimulants are utilized as medical drugs and recreational drugs. In the 1930s, truck drivers, students and athletes used amphetamines to boost their energy. Amphetamines are dangerous and can be abused. They are often abused because they make people feel great and can stimulate the mind in ways that can lead to addiction.
The most common side-effects of stimulants include loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and issues with digestion or stomach. Modifications in the dosage or timing of the medication often alleviate these issues. They are generally well-tolerated by adults in general. However, children may have more severe side-effects like the loss of weight, tics and irritability.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication works in a different manner to the stimulants and can take some time to begin working. Clonidine and guanfacine (brand names Catapres and Intuniv) are both alpha agonists which work by stimulating specific receptors in the brain to increase concentration, decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity, and reduce behavioural issues such as aggression and tics. They can be taken alone or as a supplement along with ADHD stimulant medication in kids aged 6-17 years old.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera, is a non-stimulant medicine that enhances concentration and impulse control by increasing the levels noradrenaline in the brain. It is available as a standalone medication, but it is most commonly combined with guanfacine for children. These drugs are less likely to cause the same adverse effects as stimulants, but can still cause a range of them such as headaches and insomnia.
Atomoxetine
While stimulant medications like Ritalin and Adderall are typically recommended for kids with ADHD Some children don't respond to these medications. For these children, medication options called nonstimulants can be used. They improve the signaling between nerves and the regions of the brain, assisting children focus more easily and control the impulsivity. Non-stimulant ADHD medications contain different active ingredients to stimulants and don't have a potential for abuse as they aren't controlled substances.
Atomoxetine (Strattera) is one of the latest non-stimulant medications used to treat ADHD in adults, children and teenagers. It is an antidepressant that has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the amount of a chemical known as noradrenaline that is present in the brain. Noradrenaline sends messages between brain cells and is involved in attention, impulsivity, and motivation.
atomoxetine, due to its unique mechanism of action, does not have the same side effects that other antidepressants do, such as Wellbutrin or Effexor. It is available to children as young as 5 years old. It is taken either once or twice a day in tablet form. Atomoxetine produces stable 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms, so it may help reduce problems in the evening when the effects of certain stimulants diminish.
The FDA has also approved guanfacine XR as well as Clonidine XR both of which are also available as non-stimulant ADHD medications. These are typically prescribed to children who haven't responded to stimulant medications or have trouble with their side effects. They can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants like Adderall XR (amphetamine salts) to offer an effective treatment for ADHD.
If you or your child are being treated with an non-stimulant ADHD medication, ensure you follow your GP's directions carefully. They will probably suggest starting off with low doses, and gradually increasing the dosage. They will also want to be aware of any other medications you or your child are taking, so they can ensure that for interactions. You'll need to go for regular appointments and inform your GP be aware of any concerns or adverse reactions from the medication. They may change the dosage or suggest alternative treatments like talk therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
The treatment for ADHD in adults includes a variety of stimulant and non-stimulant medications. Psychiatrists may also prescribe medicines that are off-label for the condition (these are medications that are licensed for different ailments, but are now showing evidence of effectiveness in adult ADHD). These are typically antidepressants like bupropion or venflaxine, both of which have been shown to have some beneficial effect on the condition and are well-tolerated at lower doses than those found in the licensed treatments.
Sometimes, add adult medications are prescribed to a patient when there is a medical need that is unique to the patient and the prescription is not met by a licensed alternative. Patients whose regular medication was temporarily cut off because of a disruption in supply, or patients who require a liquid form of a licensed capsule or tablet for reasons such as allergies or intolerances could be affected in a variety of ways.
Unlicensed medications are usually called'specials' although this term can also be applied to medicines that are 'off-label', or that have been prepared or sold in a manner that isn't covered by the prescription for the medicine. They could include crushing tablets to make them easier to swallow or adding liquid to the capsule or tablet that is licensed to make a mixture suitable for administration by injection, or using a syringe to inject medication subcutaneously (under the skin).
Healthcare professionals will generally only utilize unlicensed medicines as a last option and when they feel there is no alternative that is licensed. They will carefully consider several options to meet the specific requirements of every patient. They will also evaluate the outcomes and treatment routinely, in light of clinical experience as well as the availability of new treatments that are licensed.
It is crucial that any medicine that is not licensed to treat a patient is safe and effective and the reason for prescribing it should be recorded in the patient's records. If a patient experiences any side effects due to an off-label medication, they should be reported through the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. The information provided will be used by the MHRA to update the marketing authorisation of the medication and ensure that future prescriptions are safe and effective.
Talk Therapy
A talk therapist will help you understand your symptoms and help you find ways to manage them. They will also provide guidance and assistance on how to change your way of thinking and acting to feel more positive. It is essential to complete the amount of sessions your therapist recommends as this will help in you feeling more positive.
The quantity of neurotransmitters in your brain can help reduce ADHD symptoms. These chemicals help your neurons transmit messages, allowing you focus your mind and stay clear of distractions. There are two kinds of ADHD medication that include stimulants and non-stimulants. All of them increase the quantity of neurotransmitters that are available in your brain.
In the UK, there are several medications that can be utilized to treat ADHD. The most commonly used is methylphenidate, available in tablets that are immediate-release (small doses that are taken between 2 and 3 times per day) and modified-release tablets (taken daily but released throughout the day). These medications are not an effective cure, but they can help you to control the impulsive behavior and focus. They are generally well tolerated however, your doctor will closely monitor your progress to ensure that you get the correct dosage and don't experience any adverse negative effects. It may take several weeks before the medication reaches its ideal level. You may also need to adjust your dosage (change your dose on a regular basis) to find out the best dosage.
Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine (available only on prescription) can be more effective and have less risk of addiction than stimulants. They are more effective, but not as well tolerated. Certain people may experience problems with appetite, memory or sleep. Your specialist will monitor you development and decide if you should keep taking atomoxetine or switch to a different treatment.
People with ADHD cannot find permanent solutions through therapy or medication. They can help you cope with your symptoms and live a fulfilling lifestyle. Combining medications with regular therapy sessions will allow you to get the most benefit from your treatment. You'll learn strategies for coping and recognize patterns that are not helpful to your behaviour and thought. Some people's improved mood and self-confidence can persist after their treatment.