ADHD Medication For Adults in the UK
In the UK There are many medications are approved to treat ADHD. The stimulant methylphenidate and the amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine are two of the most frequently prescribed drugs. The dose will be closely monitored in the early stages of treatment.
What is an Licensed Medication (L.M.)?
A medicine that is licensed has passed all the required clinical trials and tests and the MHRA the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA), has given the go ahead for its use in Great Britain. The medication will also be clearly identified as being suitable for a particular condition on its packaging or in the leaflet that is provided with it. All licensed medicines undergo strict supervision even after they have been placed being sold. This allows for issues to be identified quickly and risks to be reduced.
Unlicensed medicines are often prescribed to people with ADHD, but they are rarely given to children or teenagers. The medication that is not licensed may be used for other conditions that have been proven to work well with it (known as off-label prescribing) or it could be a specific formula that isn't available on the market, such as an oral liquid in place of a tablet or something without certain additives. It may be an experimental medication that is being evaluated in the UK.
The term "experimental drugs" is used to refer to medicines with an Marketing Authorisation(MIA) (IMP) or Investigational Medicinal Products. These medicines haven't been granted a license yet and therefore can only be sold with a doctor's prescription. They'll have been through an official assessment by the MHRA as part of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) and thus pharmaceutical quality is assured.
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication that is commonly prescribed in the UK and Europe for ADHD. This medication is a specific inhibitor of noradrenaline uptake and therefore works in a different way than other ADHD medication. It increases noradrenaline, which is a chemical that helps to transmit messages between brain cells. This improves concentration and helps to control impulses. It is usually taken as a capsule once or twice daily.
A psychiatrist is the only mental health professional who can diagnose ADHD in adults, and prescribe medication to treat it. adhd medication list is important to keep in mind that ADHD isn't just a disorder that can be treated with medication by itself. Therapy is often incorporated in treatment plans. Psychoeducation is a form of therapy which helps children, teenagers and adults understand their diagnosis, as well as the behavioural therapy, which helps teach techniques to manage symptoms.
What is an Unlicensed Medication?
The term "unlicensed medicine" refers to any medicine that has not been granted a license by the MHRA. This may be because the drug was not developed by a UK company, or because it has been prescribed outside the conditions of its licence (ie off-label). The GMC's guidance states that 'unlicensed medicines are usually employed when a licensed product isn't readily available or when a clinically effective treatment cannot be found with the product that the prescriber is at ease'.
The label of a medicine will include the conditions it treats and the ages it can be administered to. It will also indicate how it should be used and by whom. The MHRA will only grant permission when the drug is believed to be safe and effective for the application, based on medical research and clinical studies. The drugs' manufacturers are not permitted to promote or market any use that isn't covered by the licence.
It is not illegal in the UK for healthcare professionals to prescribe an unlicensed medication provided they can explain the advantages and risks of this to the patient. They must also keep records of the use of unlicensed medication and provide the patient with enough information to make an informed choice on whether or not to accept it.
Hospitals are more likely to give unlicensed medicines because they have had more experience with them than doctors' surgeries. The hospital will have procedures in place to ensure the safety of the medication which includes keeping detailed patient records and making sure that any adverse effects are documented. They will be required to follow MHRA guidelines for the safe supply of unlicensed medicines.
Specials are prescribed by doctors who must communicate with their patients, their parents or caregivers about the medication, its purpose and any potential side effects. They must be able to answer any questions asked and always provide written details of any medicine that they prescribe, and the reason for it.
What is a Shared-Care Agreement?
In recent years, as the number of people suspected of having ADHD increased and so did the requests for referrals to the NHS for an assessment and medication to treat the condition. Unfortunately, waiting lists for NHS assessments are lengthy and this means that a lot of patients are opting to pay for their own private ADHD assessments at specialist private clinics. The hope is that after the diagnosis is confirmed by this process, the GP will sign an agreement for shared care (SCA).
A SCA is an agreement between your psychiatrist and your GP where the responsibility of prescribing, monitoring and the basic health checks for medication is assigned to your GP. This is a well-known and agreed method of transferring the responsibility for managing a patient with ADHD from a hospital or a specialist service setting to general practice, provided this is in accordance with NHS England guidelines.
These SCA guidelines should be discussed between the specialist and the GP before responsibility is passed over, and this should be clearly written on any referral form. It should also be clarified that the GP is responsible for the continuous monitoring and titration of the medication.
Unfortunately, a lot of GPs aren't keen on accepting SCAs. This isn't due to a lack of desire, but because the work involved in SCAs could be outside of their core budget and is often an additional task on top of a busy schedule.
The GP should be provided with good quality information on the rationale for SCA and what the expectations of both parties, including the roles of the patient and their carers. It is also important to be clear that a decision regarding SCA should be taken by the prescriber who initiated treatment and the doctor should be informed that they do not want to take part in the SCA.
If a GP does not want to assume the responsibility of SCA they can refuse to do so, however this can lead to patients being sent back to the private ADHD assessment clinic and psychiatrist who carried out their initial diagnosis. This could result in prescriptions for medication being issued privately rather than through the NHS which, of course, is more expensive.
What is a titration period?
The tration time is a crucial step in finding the right medication to treat your ADHD. It is a process of increasing your dosage gradually until you reach the level that maximizes the benefits and minimizes adverse effects. It is an process that takes time. Your healthcare professional must work with you closely to ensure that the titration process is as effortless as it can be.
Certain patients may experience worsening of their symptoms during the phase of titration. People who are hyperactive, for instance might become restless and irritable. Because of this, it is crucial that loved ones are aware of any changes in behavior and provide support. It is also essential to maintain a healthy diet and an established routine for sleeping to lessen the adverse effects of ADHD medication.
Medication is not the only treatment for ADHD however it is generally suggested as the first line of treatment for adults. Talk therapy is beneficial in addressing depression and anxiety, which can trigger certain symptoms of ADHD. It is important to remember that medication is only used to treat symptoms and doesn't alter negative coping mechanisms. Some patients prefer not to use meds at all and instead concentrate on self-help methods such as exercise, nutrition, stress reduction and sleep strategies.
It is essential to read about the possible side effects of any medicine you are prescribed, and understand how the medication will affect your body. Certain medications can cause headaches or drowsiness, and also reduce appetite. Always follow the directions for your medication and speak to your doctor in the event of any adverse reactions.
Today, many of the drugs used to treat adult ADHD are out of stock. This has resulted in delays in diagnosis and appointments with psychiatrists. NHS England has created a taskforce that will investigate the issue and provide recommendations on how to reduce waiting times for medications.
Ask your local GP what alternatives are available to you. You may be able get the same medications privately or they could suggest alternatives with similar results.