Adult ADHD Medication in the UK
In the UK there are guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults. Referrals to the adult ADHD specialist clinic quadrupled during the time of the pandemic.
Non-stimulants and stimulants can both be used to treat ADHD. Methylphenidate and dexamfetamine as well as Lisdexamfetamine are three amphetamine-based drugs which help to manage ADHD symptoms.
Stimulants
The most commonly used type of medication used to treat adult ADHD is a stimulant. These medications work by increasing the activity in the brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. adhd medications for adults are fast-acting and are typically the first option to be that is considered by GPs. Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin, is the most frequently prescribed stimulant for adults and children.
This drug boosts the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. It improves concentration and decreases the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It can also reduce anxiety and depression, which may co-occur with ADHD.
In the past, stimulants were used to improve cognitive function, motivation, and performance. They include caffeine, nicotine amphetamines, cocaine methylphenidate, and modafinil. They also serve for appetite suppressants and energy boosters. They can have significant physical and psychological adverse effects when used in excessive amounts.
There are many different drugs used to treat adults suffering from ADHD, and a psychiatrist will typically be careful to adjust the doses of each patient they visit. They will also consider any other medical conditions that a patient may have, as well as the impact of the medication on sleep patterns. They will also consider the effects of the medication on a patient's diet and lifestyle.
A large network meta-analysis carried out by the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre and Stichting Eunethydis, has found that the drug Lisdexamfetamine (commonly known as Adderall) is more efficient than other stimulants in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is recommended by NICE, and it is available on prescription in the UK.
Despite the evidence-based research that supports it, there is a certain stigma associated with the use of medications to treat ADHD that is based on unhelpful framings that refer to it as child abuse, and even comparisons to controlled substances. This may make some people unwilling to seek an assessment, or even to consider taking medications to treat their condition.
The number of adults treated for ADHD increased as did the number referred to NHS psychiatrists during the COVID-19 epidemic. In fact, adult ADHD referrals have now surpassed those for children. Boys remain more likely to be referred, but the number of women seeking treatment for ADHD has quadrupled in the last two years.
Unlicensed Medication
There are a variety of medicines that can be prescribed to treat ADHD in adults and children. These include stimulant drugs like methylphenidate, and sometimes the more recent amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine. These are classified as 'controlled' medications because they are prone to abuse and become addictive. Your psychiatrist will only prescribe these drugs if he or believes that they are the most effective solution for your treatment. You will be given a written prescription that you can get at the local pharmacy. This will be for a month's supply the medication and your pharmacist should be able to explain the procedure to you.
In certain instances, your doctor may decide that the drugs they offer aren't right for you and will suggest a non-licensed medication. adhd medications for adults is a case by case decision and your doctor should only use unlicensed medication as an option last resort. It is important to keep in mind that although medication is an integral part of treatment for ADHD and ADD, therapy with a therapist is also essential. Therapy can alter your coping mechanisms and behavior patterns. Medication can manage your symptoms.
Treatment for ADHD for adults must be licensed in the UK, with a licence known as marketing authorisation (MA) that will define the specific health conditions it's approved for. This will include the ages of people who can be treated and how the medication is to be used. The MHRA will provide an official assessment of any IMP before it is made available and the manufacturer is able to advertise it under its MA or if it has a special license for paediatric medicine.
This is where a medicine is approved for children however a psychiatrist decides it is appropriate to prescribe it for an adult, this is also called off label prescribing. It is also possible to get"manipulated" products - in which the pharmacist makes up the formulation for a specific patient by mixing ingredients, for instance in the event that they are unable to take tablets. Some psychiatrists have voiced their displeasure at the over-prescription of psychoactive drugs to treat mental health issues, including ADHD.
Licensing
In the UK there are a variety of medicines are available to treat ADHD for adults. There are many stimulant medications such as methylphenidate, (Ritalin), and the more recent amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Typically, these are offered to patients suffering from the condition after consulting 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 dosage is identified.
There are other options to manage and treat the illness, in addition to medication. For instance, behavioural therapy can aid patients in understanding the causes of symptoms and develop strategies to deal with these. Additionally, changes to the environment can also be useful in helping people cope with the effects of their symptoms on day-to-day activities. This can include organising seating arrangements at school or at work and arranging for frequent movement breaks and providing 'I need a break' cards, as well as cutting down on distractions and noise.
The medicines that are licensed to treat ADHD in adults in the UK are not intended as an effective cure, but they can greatly improve the quality of life of many people who suffer from the condition. They are not a cure-all and should only form part of a holistic care package that includes psychoeducation, psychiatric treatment and medications.
It is essential that any patient of childbearing potential takes an examination for pregnancy prior to starting medication, and should inform their GP immediately if they become pregnant or wish to become pregnant. Patients should also consult their GP in the event of any side effects or if they do not think they are gaining.
A national alert for patient safety regarding the shortage of methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets, guanfacine extended release tablets, and lisdexamfetamine capsules was issued on the 27th of September, 2023. On May 8, 2024, an Medicine Supply Notification was issued, which lifted the prescribing restrictions on Elvanse capsules.
see this website is a Schedule 2 controlled drug so it is prescribed by a registered physician and is subject to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. The guidelines recommend that an ADHD patient be assessed every year by a healthcare professional who has the expertise and experience in managing the disorder. This can be done in primary or secondary care, based on the local arrangement. This review should include monitoring for blood pressure and heart rate and a discussion of the need for ongoing treatment, as well as ongoing monitoring and evaluation of symptom improvement.
Side Effects
ADHD medication is generally well tolerated and is safe for adults. However, it does not cure this condition. It can help to reduce symptoms of behavioural disorders and improve quality of life. It can also enhance working, learning and relationships.
Having said that, it's crucial for anyone considering treatment to be aware of possible adverse effects and to discuss them with their doctor prior to when they begin taking the medication. The side effects can include an increase in appetite, headaches and sleepiness. Certain medications can raise your heart rate. This is usually not a problem and is mild, but it is worth telling your doctor if you have any history of heart disease or issues.
Stimulants increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This alters how the brain sends and receives messages, and increases concentration and attention. They are considered first-line treatments for adults with ADHD. Non-stimulant drugs like buproprion and atomoxetine also available, but they have more complex effects on the brain and take longer to begin working. The latter blocks the reuptake and release of dopamine into nerve cells and helps with concentration.
According to research, approximately half of children diagnosed with ADHD will overcome their symptoms in adulthood. It could be because they manage their symptoms or simply because they become less hyperactive. Many of them struggle with a society not designed to meet their needs. This is why Nice recommends doctors prescribe ADHD drugs only where they are necessary and continue to monitor patients regularly.
There are a variety of other methods to alleviate ADHD symptoms, such as psychoeducational and lifestyle modifications. These therapies can be utilized in conjunction with medication to reduce the need to refer people who suffer from ADHD to specialist services.
Many adults are reluctant to inform their families, friends or employers that they take ADHD medication due to the stigma that surrounds it. However, there is growing evidence that discussing the disorder and promoting awareness of its symptoms can help to overcome barriers to treatment.