7 Small Changes That Will Make A Big Difference With Your ADHD Medication UK

Adult ADHD Medication in the UK

In the UK in the United Kingdom, the NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults. During  adhd medication names , the number of referrals to the adult ADHD clinic quadrupled.

Medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. Methylphenidate is the most common medication used to treat symptoms of ADHD as are two amphetamine-based medicines known as lisdexamfetamine and dexamfetamine.

Stimulants

Stimulants are the most commonly used treatment for ADHD in adults. They increase activity in the parts of the brain that control the behavior and attention. These are fast-acting, and are frequently the first choice of GPs. Methylphenidate, more commonly known as Ritalin, is the most widely prescribed stimulant for adults and children.

This medication increases the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain, improving the quality of attention and reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity. It also helps to reduce depression and anxiety that may occur with ADHD.

In the past, stimulant drugs were used to boost cognition, motivation, and performance. They include nicotine, caffeine amphetamines and cocaine, modafinil, methylphenidate and others. They are also used to reduce appetite and as energy boosters. They can have significant physical and psychological adverse effects when used in excess.

A psychiatrist will take care to adjust dosages for each patient. They will consider any other medical conditions that patients may have, and the effect of the medication on their sleeping patterns. They will also consider the effects of the medication on a patient's diet as well as lifestyle.

A large meta-analysis of networks conducted by the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre and Stichting Eunethydis, has found that the drug called lisdexamfetamine (commonly called Adderall) is more efficient than other stimulants in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is recommended by NICE and is available in the UK by prescription.

Despite the evidence-based research, there is still some stigma associated with the use of medication to treat ADHD and other disorders, with unhelpful frames that compare it to child abuse, and even comparisons to controlled substances. This can cause people to be reluctant to take a test or even think about taking medication for their condition.

As the number of patients referred to NHS psychiatry grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, also did the number of adults being treated for ADHD. Adult ADHD referrals now outnumber those for children. Boys are still more likely to be referred, but the number of women seeking treatment for ADHD has quadrupled in the last two years.

Unlicensed Medication

A variety of medications are approved to treat ADHD in children and adults with stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate and, sometimes, the newer amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine prescribed. These drugs are classed as  controlled drugs because they can be open to abuse and can be addictive. Your psychiatrist will only prescribe these medications if he or she believes they are the most effective solution for your treatment. Then, you will be given a prescription which you can visit your local pharmacy and pick up. The pharmacist will explain to you that this is for a monthly supply of drug.

In some cases your doctor might determine that the medications they have available are not appropriate for you and recommend a medication that is not licensed. This is a decision which will be taken on a case-by-case basis. Your psychiatrist should only prescribe non-licensed drugs as a last resort. It is important to remember that, while medication is a crucial component of treatment for ADHD however, talking therapy is also vital. Therapy can alter your coping mechanisms and behaviour patterns. Treatment with medication can alleviate your symptoms.

Medication used to treat ADHD in adults has to be licensed in the UK and have a license known as marketing authorisation (MA) which will specify the health conditions it's approved for. This will include the age of the people who are treated and the method by which the medication should be taken. The MHRA will review any IMP prior to its release and the manufacturer is only permitted to market it under their MA, except if they have a specific license to market paediatric medicines.

Off label prescribing occurs when a psychiatrist feels it is appropriate to prescribe a drug for an adult even though it was approved for a child. It is also possible to create a'manipulated product' - where the pharmacist creates the formulation for a specific patient by mixing ingredients, for example if they can't swallow tablets. There can be a stigma around using non-licensed medications to treat ADHD in adults, with psychiatrists expressing concern about the over-prescribing of psychoactive drugs to treat mental health issues.

Licensing

In the UK there is a range of medicines that are approved to treat ADHD in adults. There are several stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the newer amphetamine based medication lisdexamfetamine, (Elvanse). Typically, they are given to patients diagnosed with the condition after consulting a psychiatrist. The treatment is given in capsules and the patient should be closely monitored by their doctor to determine the appropriate dosage.

There are other options to manage and treat the condition, aside from medications. For example, behavioural therapies can aid patients in  understanding  the underlying causes of their symptoms and devise strategies to combat these. Environmental modifications can also aid in reducing the impact their ailments affect their daily lives. 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 making it easier to avoid distractions and noise.

The medications that are approved to treat ADHD in adults in the UK are not intended to be a cure, but can significantly improve the quality of life of many people who suffer from the condition. But, they're not a magic bullet and should only be used as a part of an integrated care package that includes psychiatric treatment and psychoeducation.

It is essential that anyone with childbearing potential takes an examination for pregnancy prior to starting medication, and should inform their GP immediately in the event that they are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Patients should also consult their GP for any adverse effects or if they do not think they are gaining.

On 27 September 2023, a nationwide patient safety alert was issued in relation to the shortage of extended-release Guanfacine tablets, tablets of lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate tablets. On May 8, 2024, an Medicine Supply Notification was issued that lifted the restrictions on prescribing Elvanse capsules.

It is an Schedule 2 drug, so it is only prescribed by a licensed physician and is subject to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations of 2001. The guidelines recommend that anyone suffering from ADHD should be reviewed annually by a healthcare professional with training and expertise in managing the disorder, either in primary or secondary care based on local arrangements. The review should include a monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate as well as a discussion about the need to continue treatment, and ongoing evaluation and monitoring of symptom improvement.

Side Effects

ADHD medication is generally safe and well accepted by adults, however it doesn't cure the condition. It can help to reduce symptoms of behavioural disorder and improve quality of life. It can also aid in working, learning and relationships.

However, it's essential for anyone who is starting treatment to be aware of potential adverse effects and to discuss them with their physician prior to when they begin taking the medication. Some of the side effects include a change in appetite, headaches or sleeplessness. Certain medications can increase heart rate. This is usually mild and harmless, but it is something to mention to your doctor if you have a prior history of heart problems or cardiovascular disease.

The effects of stimulants increase the levels dopamine and norepinephrine within the brain. This alters how the brain transmits and receives messages, which improves focus and attention. These medications are first-line treatments of adult ADHD.  adhd and medication  as buproprion and atomoxetine are available, but they have more complex effects on the brain and take longer to start working. The latter blocks the reuptake of dopamine by nerve cells and aids in concentration.

According to research, approximately half of the children diagnosed with ADHD will grow out of symptoms by the time they reach adulthood. This could be due to the fact that they develop coping skills to manage their symptoms or because they become less active. But a significant number struggle to cope with a society which is not specifically designed to accommodate them. That's why Nice recommends doctors prescribe ADHD drugs only when they are appropriate and to keep a close eye on patients.

There are many other ways to help with ADHD symptoms, such as lifestyle changes and psychoeducational therapies. These can be combined with medications to decrease the need for GPs to refer adults with ADHD to specialist services.

The stigma attached to ADHD can make it difficult to be open about the medication. Many adults are reluctant to disclose the fact that they have ADHD to family members, friends or employers. There is growing evidence that talking openly about the disorder can help overcome barriers for treatment.