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ADHD Medication in the UK
The medications for ADHD reduce symptoms by increasing the activity of the brain in certain areas. They also stimulate the production of neurotransmitters which are absent in people suffering from ADHD.
In the UK stimulant medications are the most commonly prescribed medication for adults with ADHD. They increase activity in parts of the brain that are involved in 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 medicines. Stimulants are usually offered as the first option due to their ability to increase activity in the regions of the brain that help control attention and behavior. These include methylphenidate (often referred to as Ritalin) and the lisdexamfetamine (brand names that include Vyvanse). They are available often throughout the day in a tablet with a short-acting mechanism or taken daily in a tablet with a long-acting mechanism that is released into the bloodstream throughout the course of a single day. The dose of the medication could need to be adjusted regularly in the beginning as it is monitored and adjusted (titrated) to determine the dose that is most effective for you.
Stimulants have a long history of use both medically and as recreational drugs. In the 1930s, truck drivers, students, and athletes used amphetamines in order to increase their energy levels. Amphetamines are extremely dangerous and carry a high risk of abuse. They are often abused because they make people feel great and can stimulate the mind in ways that lead them to addiction.
The most frequent side effects of stimulants are a loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and issues with stomach or digestive system. Adjustments in the dosage or timing of the medication often reduce these problems. They are generally tolerated by adults in general. Children can experience more serious adverse effects, including weight gain, tics and irritability.
Non-stimulant ADHD medication functions in a different way to the stimulants and can take a while to start working. Clonidine and Guanfacine, commonly known as Catapres and Intuniv are alpha agonists. They stimulate receptors in the brain to increase concentration and reduce behavior issues such tics and aggression. They can be used on their own or as a complement alongside ADHD stimulant medications in children aged between 6 and 17 years old.
Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) is another non-stimulant medication for ADHD that increases levels of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline in order to improve impulse control and improve concentration. It is available as a standalone medication, but it is most commonly combined with guanfacine for children. These drugs are less likely to have the same side-effects as stimulants, however they can cause a variety of issues, such as headaches and insomnia.
Atomoxetine
While stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall are usually recommended for children with ADHD Some children don't respond to these medications. Nonstimulants are a possibility for children who aren't. They enhance the communication between nerves and the regions of the brain, assisting kids concentrate more easily and reducing their impulsivity. Non-stimulant ADHD medications contain different active ingredients from stimulants and don't have a potential for abuse as they aren't controlled substances.
Atomoxetine is also known as Strattera, is a non-stimulant drug that can be used to treat ADHD among adults, children and teenagers. It is an antidepressant which has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the amount of a chemical called noradrenaline within the brain. Noradrenaline passes 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 as other antidepressants like Wellbutrin or Effexor. It can be prescribed to children as young as 5 years old. It is taken once or twice daily in tablet form. Atomoxetine gives a steady, continuous control of ADHD symptoms, and may help reduce problems in the evening when the effects of stimulants diminish.
Both clonidine and guanfacine are available as non-stimulant ADHD medication. These are typically prescribed to children who haven't reacted to stimulant medications or who have trouble with their side effects. They can be paired with stimulants, such as Adderall XR, (amphetamines salts) to treat ADHD more effectively.
If you or your child is being treated with a non-stimulant ADHD medication, ensure you follow the instructions of your doctor carefully. medication for adult add may suggest starting with lower doses, and gradually increasing the dosage. They will also want to be aware of any other medications you or your child is taking, so they can ensure that whether there are any interactions. You will need to make regular appointments with your GP and inform them if you experience any side effects or concerns. They may alter your dosage, or suggest alternative treatments like talking therapy.
Unlicensed Medication
The medication used to treat ADHD in adults includes a variety of stimulant and non-stimulant medications. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medicines that are off label (these are drugs which are licensed for another condition, but have evidence emerging for their effectiveness in adult ADHD). These medications are usually antidepressants, such as bupropion and venflaxine. They have been shown to have a positive effect in the disorder and are well tolerated at lower doses than those found in licensed treatments.
Unlicensed medicines can be prescribed to a patient if there is a real clinical need that cannot be met by a licensed medicine. This is for patients whose normal medication is unavailable due to supply disruption, and patients who require liquid formulations of an approved capsule or tablet due to reasons like intolerance or allergy.
Unlicensed medicines are often called "specials". This term is also used to describe medicines that are "off-label" or have been prepared or provided in a way that is not covered by the licence. 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 pump in order to administer the medication subcutaneously (under the skin).
Healthcare professionals generally employ unlicensed drugs as a last option and when they believe there is no licensed alternative. They will carefully consider a wide range of options, in order to satisfy the needs of each patient. They will also regularly review treatment and results taking into account the clinical experience as well as new licensed treatments.
It is essential that any medicine not licensed to treat patients is safe and effective and the reason for prescribing it should be recorded in the patient's medical record. medication for adult add may experience as a result of an off-label medication using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. This information will be used by the MHRA to revise the marketing authorisation for the medicine and ensure future prescriptions are safe and effective.
Talk Therapy
A therapist who works with you to help you identify your issues and find ways to manage. They will also be able provide advice and support on ways to change your way of thinking and behave to feel more positive about life. It is crucial to finish the amount of sessions your therapist suggests since this will make you feeling more positive.
Medicines can reduce the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters in your brain. These chemicals allow your neurons transmit messages, allowing you focus your mind and stay clear of distractions. There are two major kinds of drugs used to treat ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants. They all increase the availability neurotransmitters within your brain.
In the UK there are a variety of drugs that can be used to treat ADHD. The most commonly used medication is methylphenidate. It is available as immediate-release tablets, which are taken in small doses 2 to 3 times per day. Or as modified-release tablets, which are taken weekly, but released over the time of the day. These aren't an effective treatment for ADHD but they can help to focus and control the impulsive behavior. They are generally well tolerated, but your specialist will closely monitor your progress to ensure you receive the correct dosage and do not experience any adverse side negative effects. It can take several weeks to reach your optimal dosage and could need to be titrated (changed regularly) in order to find the best dosage for you.
Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine which is available through prescription only, may be more effective than stimulants and don't have the same potential for addiction. They have a stronger evidence base but they are not as well-tolerated. Some people experience problems with their appetite, memory, or sleep. Your specialist will monitor you progress and determine whether to continue with atomoxetine, or switch to another treatment.
Neither medications nor therapy are permanent solutions for those with ADHD. However, they can help improve your ability to manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life. You will get the most out of your treatment by combining treatments with regular sessions with your therapist since this gives you the chance to discover strategies for coping and recognize unhelpful patterns in your behaviour and thinking. Some people's improved mood and self-confidence can persist after their treatment.