Adult ADHD Medication in the UK<br /><br />In the UK In the UK, the NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults. Referrals to the adult ADHD specialist clinic quadrupled in the course of the pandemic.<br /><br />Both stimulants and non-stimulants are used to treat ADHD. Methylphenidate and dexamfetamine as well as Lisdexamfetamine are amphetamine-based medicines that aid in managing ADHD symptoms.<br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br />Stimulants are among the most popular treatment for ADHD in adults. They increase activity in the parts of the brain responsible for the behavior and attention. They are quick-acting and are often the first option that is considered by GPs. Methylphenidate is more commonly referred to as Ritalin, is the most commonly prescribed stimulant for adults and children.<br /><br />This drug increases neurotransmitter levels in the brain. It increases attention span, and decreases hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can also reduce depression and anxiety, which can co-occur with ADHD.<br /><br />In the past, stimulant drugs were used to boost cognitive function, motivation, and performance. They include caffeine, nicotine amphetamines, cocaine methylphenidate, and modafinil. They are also used to reduce appetite and as energy boosters. They may have serious physical and mental negative effects when taken in excessive amounts.<br /><br />There are a number of different medications that are used to treat adults with ADHD, and a psychiatrist will usually carefully titrate the doses of each patient they visit. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-medication">Iam Psychiatry</a> will also take into consideration any other medical conditions that a patient might have, as well as the impact of the medication on sleep patterns. They will also consider the effects of medications on the patient's diet and lifestyle.<br /><br />A massive meta-analysis of the network, conducted by NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre) and Stichting Eunethydis has found that lisdexamfetamine, commonly known as Adderall is more effective than any other stimulant at reducing the symptoms of ADHD. It is recommended by NICE and is available on prescription in the UK.<br /><br />Despite the evidence-based findings however, there's a stigma associated with the use of medications to treat ADHD, with unhelpful framings 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.<br /><br />As the number of people referred to NHS psychiatry increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, also did the number of adults receiving treatment for ADHD. In fact adults' ADHD referrals are now surpassing those for children. Boys are still more likely to receive ADHD treatment however the number of women receiving treatment has quadrupled in just the last two years.<br /><br />Unlicensed Medication<br /><br />A variety of drugs are licensed for treating ADHD in children and adults, with stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and sometimes the newer amphetamine based medication lisdexamfetamine being prescribed. These drugs are classified as controlled medications due to the fact that they can be addictive and abuse. Your consultant psychiatrist will only prescribe these drugs if he or she believes they are the most effective option for your treatment. You will be given an approved prescription in writing that you can get at the local pharmacy. It will be for a month's supply of the drug. Your pharmacist will be able to explain it to you.<br /><br />In some instances, your doctor may feel that the medications available to them are not suitable for you, and may recommend an unlicensed drug. This will be a case by case decision and your psychiatrist should only recommend unlicensed medication as a last resort. Remember that while medication is a crucial component of treating ADHD however, talking therapy also plays a crucial role. Medicine can aid in managing your symptoms, but therapy can help change longstanding negative coping mechanisms and behavior patterns.<br /><br />Medication used to treat ADHD for adults must be licensed in the UK and have a license known as marketing authorisation (MA) which will specify the specific health conditions it's approved for. This will include the age of people who can be treated and how the medication should be administered. The MHRA will review any IMP prior to its release and the manufacturer is permitted to promote it under their MA, unless they have a special license to market paediatric medicines.<br /><br />This is the situation where a drug is approved for children but a psychiatrist feels it's appropriate to prescribe it for an adult, this is also called off label prescribing. It is also possible to have"manipulated products" - where the pharmacist creates the formulation for a specific patient by mixing ingredients, for example if they can't swallow tablets. Some psychiatrists have been critical of the over-prescription of psychoactive drugs to treat mental health issues, including ADHD.<br /><br />Licensing<br /><br />In the UK, there are a range of medications that are licensed to treat ADHD in adults. This includes a range of stimulant medicines such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the newer amphetamine-based drug lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). They are typically offered to patients diagnosed with the condition after consulting a psychiatrist. The treatment is prescribed in capsules, and the patient must be closely monitored by their doctor to determine the right dosage.<br /><br /><br /><br />In addition to these medicines, there are a number of other methods by which the disease can be treated and controlled. For instance the use of behavioural therapy can help people to understand the root cause of their symptoms as well as come up with strategies to manage the symptoms. Environmental modifications can also aid people in coping with the impact their symptoms affect their daily lives. This could include arranging seating arrangements at work or school and arranging for frequent movement breaks and providing 'I need a break' cards, as well as cutting down on distractions and noise.<br /><br />The medications that are approved to treat ADHD in adults in the UK are not designed to be a cure, but they can greatly improve the quality of life of many people with the condition. However, they are not an all-purpose cure and should only be used as a part of a holistic care plan that includes psychiatric and psychoeducational care.<br /><br />Patients who are able to bear children should take a pregnancy test prior taking any medication. They must also inform their GP if they fall pregnant or want to become pregnant. Patients should also speak to their GP for any adverse effects or if they do not think they are gaining.<br /><br />A national patient safety alert concerning the shortage of methylphenidate prolonged-release tablets, extended-release guanfacine tablets and lisdexamfetamine capsules was issued on the 27th of September, 2023. It was replaced by an Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) on 08 May 2024 that lifted prescribing restrictions for Elvanse capsules and advised ADHD services to resume initiations.<br /><br />It is a Schedule 2 controlled drug so it requires the prescription of an authorized physician 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, based on local arrangements. This review should include monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate, a discussion on the need to continue treatment, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of symptoms improvements.<br /><br />Side Effects<br /><br />ADHD medication is safe and generally accepted by adults, however it does not cure the condition. It can help reduce symptoms of behavioural disorder and improve quality of life. It can also improve the quality of work, relationships and learning.<br /><br />It is essential that those who are beginning treatment be aware of possible side effects. They should discuss them with their doctor prior to taking the medication. The side effects can include an increase in appetite, headaches and sleepiness. Certain medications may increase heart rate. It is usually mild and harmless, but is worth noting to your doctor if you have any history of heart problems or cardiovascular disease.<br /><br />Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This alters the way that the brain transmits and receives messages, which improves focus and attention. These medications are first-line treatments of adult ADHD. Nonstimulant medications such as buproprion and atomoxetine are also available, but they perform more complex effects on the brain and take longer to start working. The latter works by blocking dopamine reuptake by nerve cells, and helps in the improvement of concentration.<br /><br />According to research, about half of children diagnosed with ADHD will be free of symptoms in adulthood. It could be because they manage their symptoms, or simply because they become less hyperactive. But many struggle to cope with an environment that isn't made to accommodate them. This is why Nice suggests that doctors prescribe ADHD drugs only when they are needed and keep a close eye on patients.<br /><br />There are many other methods to alleviate ADHD symptoms, including psychoeducational and lifestyle modifications. These therapies can be used together with medications to decrease the necessity of referring adults who have ADHD to specialist services.<br /><br />Many adults are hesitant to tell their friends, families or employers that they are taking ADHD medication due to the stigma associated with it. There is increasing evidence that speaking out about the condition can help break down barriers to treatment.<br /><br />