Adult ADHD Medication in the UK
In the UK there are guidelines for diagnosing ADHD among adults. During the pandemic, the number of referrals to the adult ADHD clinic quadrupled.
Both stimulants and non-stimulants are used to treat ADHD. Methylphenidate is the most common medication used to treat symptoms of ADHD, along with two amphetamine-based drugs known as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants are among the most popular medication used to treat ADHD in adults. These medications increase the activity of brain regions that control attention and behavior. They are quick-acting and frequently the first choice that is considered by GPs. Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is the most commonly prescribed stimulant for adults and children.
This drug increases the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, thereby improving the quality of attention and reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can also reduce depression and anxiety that may occur with ADHD.
In the past, stimulant substances are used for both medicinal purposes and for recreational purposes, to enhance cognitive function, motivation, performance, and mood. They include nicotine, caffeine amphetamines and cocaine, modafinil and methylphenidate. These substances are used to reduce appetite and increase energy levels. However, they may also cause negative psychological and physical effects if taken in excess.
There are a variety of different medications used to treat adults with ADHD, and a psychiatrist will typically be careful to adjust the doses on each person they see. They'll also consider any other medical conditions that a patient might have, and the effects of the medication on sleep patterns. They will also consider the effects of the medication on a patient's diet and lifestyle.
A massive meta-analysis of the network conducted by the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre and Stichting Eunethydis, has found that the drug lisdexamfetamine (commonly called Adderall) is more effective than other stimulants at reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is recommended by NICE, and it is available for prescription in the UK.
Despite the positive evidence however, there's a stigma that surrounds the use of medications to treat ADHD and other disorders, with unhelpful frames that make it appear like child abuse and compare it to controlled substances. This can make people hesitant to get an assessment or even think about taking medication for their condition.
As the number of patients referred to NHS psychiatry grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, so too did the number of adults receiving treatment for ADHD. Adult ADHD referrals now outnumber those for children. Boys are still more likely to receive ADHD treatment however, the number of women receiving it has quadrupled in just the past two years.
Unlicensed Medication
A variety of medications are approved to treat ADHD in children and adults, with stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and, sometimes, the newer amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine prescribed. These drugs are classed as controlled drugs because they are susceptible to abuse and can be addictive. Your consultant psychiatrist will only prescribe these drugs if he / she believes they are the most effective solution 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 is for a monthly supply of drug.
In certain instances, your doctor might decide that the drugs they have available are not suitable for you and recommend an unlicensed medicine. This is a choice which will be taken on an individual basis. Your psychiatrist should only prescribe non-licensed drugs as a last resort. Keep in mind that while medication is an important part of treating ADHD and related disorders, therapy plays a crucial role. Therapy can alter your coping mechanisms and behaviour patterns. Treatment with medication can alleviate your symptoms.
In the UK medications used to treat ADHD in adults must be accompanied by an authorization for marketing (MA), which specifies the conditions under which it is approved. This includes the ages of those who can be treated and how the medication is to be used. The MHRA will assess any IMP prior to its launch and the manufacturer is only permitted to promote it under their MA, unless they have a special license to market paediatric medications.
Off label prescribing happens when a psychiatrist believes it is appropriate to prescribe a drug for an adult, even though it was prescribed for children. It is also possible to create"manipulated" products - in which the pharmacist creates the formulation for a specific patient by mixing ingredients, as if they can't swallow tablets. There is an unpopularity around the use of unlicensed drugs to treat ADHD in adults, with psychiatrists expressing concern about the over-prescribing of psychoactive drugs to treat mental health problems.
Licensing
In most effective adhd medication for adults , there are several medications that are licensed to treat ADHD in adults. These include a number of stimulant medications, including methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the newer amphetamine-based medicine called lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). These are typically offered to patients who have been diagnosed with the condition by psychiatrists. The treatment is given in capsules, and the patient should be closely monitored by their physician to determine the proper dosage.
In addition to these medications in addition, there are a variety of other methods by which the disease can be treated and controlled. For instance the use of behavioural therapy can help patients understand the cause of their symptoms as well as create strategies to combat the symptoms. In addition, environmental modifications can also be useful in helping people cope with the effects of their symptoms on daily activities. This could include arranging seating arrangements at work or school, arranging for frequent breaks in movement, and distributing "I need a break" cards, as well as making it easier to avoid distractions and noise.
The medications that are licensed to treat ADHD in adults in the UK are not intended to be a cure, but they can greatly improve the quality of life for many people suffering from the condition. However, they are not an instant cure, and should only be used as a part of a holistic care plan that includes psychiatric treatment and psychoeducation.
It is important that any patient with the potential of becoming pregnant undergoes a pregnancy test prior to beginning medication, and should inform their GP immediately when they become pregnant or want to become pregnant. It is also recommended that patients should consult their GP in the event of significant side-effects or do not believe they are getting the benefits from the medication.
A national patient safety alert concerning the shortage of methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets, guanfacine extended-release tablets, and lisdexamfetamine capsules was issued on the 27th of September, 2023. It was replaced by a Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) on 08 May 2024 that lifted restrictions on prescribing Elvanse capsules and urged ADHD services to resume initiations.
It is classified as a Schedule 2 drug, so it can only be prescribed by a registered doctor and is subject to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations of 2001. The guidelines recommend that people suffering from ADHD should be evaluated every year by a healthcare professional with training and expertise in managing the disorder, whether in primary or secondary treatment based on the local arrangements. This review should include monitoring of heart rate and blood-pressure as well as a discussion about the need for ongoing treatment, and continuous monitoring and evaluation of symptom improvement.
Side Effects
ADHD medication is generally well tolerated and safe for adults. However, it can not cure this condition. It can ease the symptoms of behavioural, and improve the quality of life for people. It can also improve learning, work and relationships.
It is crucial that anyone beginning treatment be aware of any possible adverse effects. They should discuss these with their physician prior to beginning the medication. Side-effects can include an increase in appetite, headaches, and sleeplessness. Certain medications may increase heart rate. This is usually minor and harmless, but it is worth mentioning to your doctor if you have any prior history of heart problems or cardiovascular disease.
Stimulants increase levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. non prescription adhd medication alters the way that the brain sends and receives messages, which improves attention and focus. These drugs are the first line treatment of adult ADHD. Atomoxetine and Buproprion, which are medications that do not stimulate are more complex in their effect on the brain. They also take longer to start working. The latter is a drug that blocks dopamine reuptake in nerve cells, and aids in enhancing concentration.
According to research, around half of children diagnosed with ADHD will grow out of symptoms by adulthood. This could be because they learn to manage their symptoms or because they become less active. A large portion of them struggle with a society that is not built to meet their needs. Nice recommends that doctors prescribe ADHD medication only when they are necessary and continue to keep track of their patients regularly.
There are many other options to treat ADHD symptoms. These include lifestyle changes and psychoeducational therapy. These therapies can be used in conjunction with medications to decrease the need to refer people who have ADHD to specialist services.
The stigma that surrounds ADHD can make it difficult to be open about medication and many adults are hesitant to reveal the fact that they have ADHD to their friends, family or employers. There is growing evidence that revealing the existence of the disorder can help overcome barriers to treatment.