Adult ADHD Medication in the UK
In the UK in the United Kingdom, the NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults. Referrals to the adult ADHD specialist clinic quadrupled during the pandemic.
adhd medication for adults uk and non-stimulants are used to treat ADHD. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication used to treat symptoms of ADHD as are two amphetamine-based drugs known as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most common medication used to treat ADHD in adults. They increase activity in parts of the brain responsible for attention and behaviour. They are fast-acting and are frequently the first choice considered by GPs. Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is the most frequently prescribed stimulant in both adults and children.
This drug boosts the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, which improves attention span and decreasing hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can also reduce anxiety and depression, which can co-occur with ADHD.
Throughout history, stimulant drugs have been used medicinally and for recreational purposes, to enhance performance, motivation, cognition, and mood. These include nicotine, caffeine amphetamines, cocaine modafinil and methylphenidate. These substances are used to reduce appetite and increase energy. However, they can cause serious physical and psychological consequences if they are taken in large quantities.
A psychiatrist will take care to adjust the dosages for each patient. They will consider any other medical conditions patients may be suffering from, as well as the effects of the medication on their sleeping patterns. They will also consider the impact of medication on the patient's diet and lifestyle.
A large network meta analysis, conducted by NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre) and Stichting Eunethydis has found that Lisdexamfetamine, more commonly referred to as Adderall is more effective than other stimulant at reducing the symptoms of ADHD. It is recommended by NICE, and it is available for prescription in the UK.
Despite the evidence-based findings however, there's a stigma that surrounds the use of medications to treat ADHD and other disorders, with unhelpful frames that compare it to child abuse and compare it to controlled substances. This can make many people reluctant to ask for an assessment or to consider taking medications to treat their condition.
The number of adults treated for ADHD increased as the number of people referred to NHS psychiatry during the COVID-19 epidemic. Adult ADHD referrals now surpass those for children. adhd medication adults uk remain more likely to be referred, but the number of women who receive treatment for ADHD has quadrupled over the last two years.
Unlicensed Medication
There are a variety of medications that are prescribed to treat ADHD in both adults and children. These include stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate, and occasionally the more recent amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are classed as controlled drugs because they can be open to abuse and become addictive. Your psychiatrist will only prescribe them if they believe they are the best option for you as part of your treatment. You will receive a written prescription that you can pick up at the local pharmacy. Your pharmacist will explain to you that this is for a monthly supply of drug.
In some instances, your doctor might decide that the medications they have available are not suitable for you and suggest an unlicensed medication. This will be an individual decision and your psychiatrist should only use unlicensed medication as a last resort. It is crucial to remember that even though medication is an integral part of treatment for ADHD, talking therapy is equally important. Therapy can change your coping mechanisms as well as behavior 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 will include information on the age of those who can be prescribed the medication and the method by which it should be taken. The MHRA will assess any IMP before its release and the manufacturer is allowed to promote it under their MA, in the event that they do not have a special license to market paediatric medicines.
Off label prescribing occurs when a psychiatrist believes that it is appropriate to prescribe a medication for an adult even though it was prescribed for use by a child. It is possible to manipulate a product, where a pharmacist mixes ingredients to create a formula for a patient that is unable to take tablets. There can be an unpopularity around using unlicensed medications to treat ADHD in adults, with some psychiatrists expressing concern about the over-prescribing of psychoactive medications for mental health issues.
Licensing
In the UK, there are several medications that are authorised to treat ADHD in adults. There are several stimulant medications, including methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the newer amphetamine based medication lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Typically, these are offered to patients who have been diagnosed with the condition following consultation with a psychiatrist. The treatment is prescribed in capsules, and the patient should be closely monitored by their physician to determine the right dosage.
There are other options to manage and treat the illness, in addition to medications. For instance the use of behavioural therapy can help individuals to understand the causes of their symptoms and to create strategies to combat them. Environment-related changes can aid people in coping with the impact their ailments have on their day-to-day lives. This includes setting up seating arrangements at work or school and distributing cards that read 'I Need a Break' and scheduling frequent breaks for movement and decreasing noise and distractions.
The medications that are approved to treat ADHD in adults in the UK are not designed to be a cure, but can significantly improve the quality of life for many people suffering from the condition. They are not a panacea and should only be a part of a complete care package that includes psychoeducation, psychiatric treatment and medications.
It is important that any patient of 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 side effects or if they don't feel they are benefiting.
A national alert for patient safety concerning the shortage of methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets, guanfacine extended release tablets and lisdexamfetamine capsules was issued on 27 September 2023. It was replaced by a Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) on May 8, 2024. The MSN lifted prescribing restrictions for Elvanse capsules and advised ADHD services to resume the initiation of treatment.
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 suggest that people suffering from ADHD should be reviewed every year by a health expert with experience and training in managing the disorder, either in primary or secondary treatment based on the local arrangement. This review should include the monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate as well as a discussion about the need for ongoing treatment, and continuous monitoring and evaluation of symptoms improvements.
Side Effects
ADHD medication is generally well tolerated and safe for adults. However, it will not cure this condition. It can help to reduce symptoms of behavioural disorder and improve quality of life. adhd medication for adults uk helps improve the quality of work, relationships and learning.
It is crucial that those who are beginning treatment be aware of possible side effects. They should discuss them with their physician prior to starting the medication. Some side effects include sleeplessness, headaches and a change in appetite. Some medications can increase heart rate. It is generally harmless and not harmful, but it is worth telling your doctor if there is an history of heart disease or problems.
The effects of stimulants increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This alters the way that the brain transmits and receives messages and improves attention and focus. They are considered to be the first-line treatment for adults suffering from ADHD. Nonstimulant medications such as buproprion and atomoxetine are also available, but they have more complex effects on the brain and take longer to begin working. The latter is a drug that blocks dopamine reuptake in nerve cells and assists with concentration.
According to research, about half of the children diagnosed with ADHD will overcome their symptoms by adulthood. It may be due to how they manage their symptoms, or simply because they become less hyperactive. Many of them struggle with a society that is not designed for their needs. This is why Nice suggests that doctors prescribe ADHD medications only when they are needed and keep a close eye on patients.
There are a number of other methods to alleviate ADHD symptoms, including psychoeducational and lifestyle modifications. These can be utilized in conjunction with medication to reduce the need for doctors to refer people suffering from ADHD to specialist services.
Many adults are hesitant tell their friends, families or employers that they use ADHD medication because of the stigma associated with it. There is increasing evidence that talking about the disorder and raising awareness of its symptoms can help to overcome barriers to treatment.