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Adult ADHD Medication in the UK In the UK there are guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults. In the course of the pandemics, referrals to the adult ADHD clinic quadrupled. Medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulants. Methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine are two amphetamine-based medications that help manage ADHD symptoms. Stimulants Stimulants are the most common medication used to treat ADHD in adults. These drugs work by increasing the activity in the brain regions that regulate behavior and attention. They are fast-acting and are frequently the first choice of GPs. Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is the most commonly prescribed stimulant in both adults and children. The drug boosts neurotransmitter levels in the brain. It improves attention span, and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. It also helps reduce anxiety and depression, which can co-occur with ADHD. In the past, stimulant substances have been used both medicinally as well as recreationally to improve cognition, motivation, performance and mood. These include caffeine and nicotine, amphetamines modafinil, methylphenidate, and cocaine. They are also used as appetite suppressants and energy boosters, and can have serious physical and mental negative effects when taken in excessive amounts. There are a variety of different medications that are used to treat adults suffering from ADHD and psychiatrists will typically be careful to adjust the doses on each person they visit. They will consider any other medical conditions that the patient might have, and the effect of the medication on their sleeping patterns. They will also consider the impact of the medication on a patient's diet as well as 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 in decreasing 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 medication to treat ADHD, with unhelpful framings that make it appear like child abuse and comparisons to controlled substances. This may make some people not want to request an assessment or to consider taking medications to treat their condition. As the number of people referred to NHS mental health services increased during the COVID-19 pandemic as did the number of adults receiving treatment for ADHD. Adult ADHD referrals are now more than those for children. Boys are still more likely to be referred, but the number of women who receive treatment for ADHD has quadrupled in the last two years. Unlicensed Medication A variety of medications are licensed for treating ADHD for children and adults, with stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and sometimes the newer amphetamine-based drug lisdexamfetamine being prescribed. These drugs are classed as controlled medications since they are prone to abuse and become addictive. adhd uk medication will prescribe them if they think they are the best option for you as part of your treatment. You will receive an approved prescription in writing which you can pick up at the local pharmacy. The pharmacist will explain to you that this is for a monthly supply of the drug. In certain instances your doctor might decide that the drugs they have available are not suitable for you and recommend a medication that is not licensed. This is a choice that will be made on a case-by-case basis. Your doctor should only use nonlicensed medications as a last option. It is crucial to remember that even though medication is a crucial component of treatment for ADHD and ADD, therapy with a therapist is also vital. Therapy can change your coping mechanisms and behavior patterns. Medication can manage your symptoms. In the UK the medication used to treat ADHD for adults requires a marketing authorisation (MA) that specifies the specific conditions for which it's approved. It will also include information about the age of those who are eligible to receive the medication and how it should be administered. The MHRA will assess any IMP prior to its release and the manufacturer is only allowed to promote it under their MA, except if they have a specific licence to market paediatric medicines. This is the situation where a drug has been approved for a child but a psychiatrist believes it's appropriate to prescribe it to an adult. This is also called off label prescribing. It is also possible to get”manipulated” products – in which the pharmacist makes up a formulation for an individual patient by mixing ingredients, for instance if they can't swallow tablets. Some psychiatrists have voiced their displeasure at the over-prescription of psychoactive medications to treat mental health problems, including ADHD. Licensing In the UK there is a range of medicines that are approved to treat ADHD in adults. These include a number of stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the more recent amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Typically, they are given to patients suffering from the condition following consultation with a psychiatrist. The treatment is usually prescribed in capsules, and patients are monitored carefully by their doctor to ensure that the right dosage is determined. There are other ways to treat and manage the condition, aside from medications. For example, behavioural therapy can help patients understand the cause of their symptoms and develop strategies to overcome these. Additionally, adhd medication to the environment can be beneficial in helping people cope with the impact of their symptoms in daily activities. This includes arranging seating arrangements at work or school 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 medicines that have been licensed in the UK to treat ADHD in adults aren't meant to be a cure but can improve the quality-of-life for many people. However, they are not a magic bullet and should only be used as part of an integrated care package that includes psychiatric and psychoeducational care. It is crucial that anyone with the potential of becoming pregnant undergoes a pregnancy test before starting medication, and that they inform their GP immediately if they become pregnant or want to become pregnant. Patients should also talk to their GP in the event of any adverse effects or if they don't believe they are benefiting from. On 27 September 2023, a national safety alert was issued regarding the lack of extended-release guanfacine tablets, lisdexamfetamine tablets, and methylphenidate tablets. It was replaced by a Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) on May 8, 2024. The MSN lifted restrictions on prescribing Elvanse capsules and urged ADHD services to resume the initiation of treatment. It is a Schedule 2 controlled drug so it must be prescribed by an authorized practitioner and is subject to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. The guidelines recommend that an ADHD patient is evaluated annually by a healthcare provider with expertise and training in managing the disorder. This can be done in primary or secondary care, depending on the local arrangements. This review should include the monitoring of heart rate and blood-pressure as well as a discussion about the need for ongoing treatment, and ongoing evaluation and monitoring of symptom improvement. Side Effects ADHD medication is generally well-tolerated and safe by adults. However, it will not cure this condition. It can ease the symptoms of behavioural, and improve the quality of life of people. It can also help with learning, work and relationships. Having said that, it's crucial for anyone considering treatment to be aware of potential adverse reactions and discuss them with their doctor before they begin taking the medication. Some of the side effects include headaches, insomnia and changes in appetite. Certain medications can increase heart rate. It is usually mild and harmless, but it is worth noting to your doctor if you have a previous history of heart issues or cardiovascular disease. The effects of stimulants increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This changes the way the brain receives and sends messages, improving attention and focus. They are considered first-line treatments for adult ADHD. Buproprion and Atomoxetine, which are non-stimulant drugs, have a more complex action on the brain. They also take longer to start working. adhd uk medication of dopamine by nerve cells, which aids in concentration. According to research, about half of children diagnosed with ADHD will grow out of symptoms by adulthood. This may be because they are able to manage their symptoms or because they become less hyperactive. But many continue to struggle in the society that was not designed specifically for them. That's why Nice recommends doctors prescribe ADHD drugs only when they are needed and keep monitoring patients on a regular basis. There are other ways to treat ADHD symptoms. These include lifestyle changes and psychoeducational therapy. These can be used alongside medication to reduce the need for doctors to refer people suffering from ADHD to specialist services. The stigma that surrounds ADHD can make it difficult to speak openly about medication and many adults are reluctant to admit that they are taking it to their friends, family or employers. However, there is growing evidence that talking about the disorder and promoting awareness of its symptoms can help to break down barriers to treatment.