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Adult ADHD Medication in the UK In the UK, the NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults. Referrals to the adult ADHD specialist clinic quadrupled during the time of the pandemic. The medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. Methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine are amphetamine-based medicines which help to manage ADHD symptoms. Stimulants The most common type of medication used to treat adult ADHD is stimulants. These work by increasing activity in the parts of the brain that regulate attention and behaviour. They are quick-acting and are frequently the first choice of GPs. Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is the most commonly prescribed stimulant in both adults and children. This drug boosts the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. It increases the quality of attention, and reduces hyperactivity and impulsivity. It can also reduce depression and anxiety that may be associated with ADHD. In the past, stimulant drugs were used to boost cognitive function, motivation, and performance. These include nicotine, caffeine amphetamines and cocaine, modafinil and methylphenidate. They also serve as appetite suppressants and energy boosters, and can have significant physical and psychological adverse effects when used in excess. A psychiatrist will take care to adjust the doses for each patient. They will also take into consideration any other medical conditions a patient may have, and the impact of the medication on sleep patterns. They will also take into consideration 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 in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is recommended by NICE and is available in the UK by prescription. Despite the evidence-based research that supports it, there is a certain stigma associated with the use of medication 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 seek an assessment or to even consider taking medication for their condition. As the number of patients 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 now surpass those for children. Boys remain more likely to be referred, but the number of women who receive treatment for ADHD has quadrupled over the past two years. Unlicensed Medication A variety of drugs are licensed for treating ADHD in adults and children including stimulant drugs like methylphenidate and sometimes the newer amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine prescribed. These drugs are classed as controlled medications since they are susceptible to abuse and can be addictive. Your doctor will prescribe these medications if he or believes that they are the most effective choice for your treatment. You will then be given an order to take to your local pharmacy and take home. It is for a month's supply the drug. Your pharmacist should be able explain the procedure to you. In certain situations, your doctor may determine that the medications they offer aren't suitable for you and recommend a medication that is not licensed. This is a decision that will be made on an individual basis. Your psychiatrist 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, talking therapy is equally important. Medicine can aid in managing your symptoms but therapy can work at changing the long-standing negative coping mechanisms and behavior patterns. 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 state the specific health conditions it is approved for. This will include information about the age of people who are eligible to receive the medication and the method by which it should be taken. The MHRA will evaluate any IMP prior to its release and the manufacturer is allowed to promote it under their MA, except if they have a specific license to market paediatric medications. This is where a medicine is approved for a child but a psychiatrist feels it's appropriate to prescribe it to an adult, this is also called off label prescribing. It is possible to manipulate a product when pharmacists mix ingredients to create a formula for a patient who is unable to take tablets. Some psychiatrists have voiced their displeasure at the excessive use of psychoactive drugs to treat mental health problems, including ADHD. Licensing In the UK there are several medications that are licensed to treat ADHD in adults. This includes a range of stimulant medicines such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the newest amphetamine-based medicine called lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Typically, they are given to patients diagnosed with the condition following consultation with a psychiatrist. The treatment is usually prescribed in the form of capsules and patients are closely monitored by their physician to ensure that the correct dosage is determined. In addition to these drugs, there are a number of other ways that the illness can be treated and managed. For instance, behavioural therapy can help people understand the causes of symptoms and develop strategies to overcome these. Changes in the environment can also aid people in coping with the impact their symptoms have on their day-to-day lives. This could include arranging seating arrangements at work or school or at home, scheduling frequent breaks in movement, and distributing “I need a break” cards, and cutting down on distractions and noise. The medications that are approved to treat ADHD in adults in the UK are not intended as a cure, but can significantly improve the quality of life of many people with the condition. But, they're not an all-purpose cure and should only be used as part of a comprehensive care package that includes psychoeducation and psychiatric care. It is crucial that any patient of childbearing potential takes an examination for pregnancy prior to starting medication and inform their GP immediately in the event that they become pregnant or want to become pregnant. It is also recommended that patients should consult their GP in the event of significant side effects or do not feel that they are benefiting from the medication. On the 27th of September, 2023, a nationwide patient safety alert was issued about the shortage of extended-release Guanfacine tablets, lisdexamfetamine tablets and methylphenidate tablets. It was replaced by an Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) on May 8, 2024. The MSN lifted restrictions on prescribing Elvanse capsules and advised ADHD services to resume the initiation of treatment. It is a Schedule 2 controlled drug so it requires the prescription of an accredited doctor and is subject to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. The guidelines recommend that an ADHD patient be evaluated every year by a healthcare professional with expertise and training in managing the disorder. This can be done in primary care or secondary care, based 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 continued treatment, and continuous monitoring and evaluation of symptoms improvements. Side Effects ADHD medication is safe and generally tolerated by adults, but it does not cure the condition. It can help reduce symptoms of behavioural disorders and improve quality of life. It can also enhance learning, work and relationships. It is important that anyone who is beginning treatment be aware of possible side effects. They should discuss them with their physician prior to beginning the medication. Some of the side effects include sleeplessness, headaches and a change in appetite. Certain medications may also raise the heart rate. It is generally harmless and not harmful however, it is important to inform your doctor if there is any history of heart disease or heart problems. Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain. adhd medication for adults uk changes the way the brain processes and transmits messages, increasing focus and attention. They are regarded as the first line treatment for adults with ADHD. Nonstimulant medications such as buproprion and atomoxetine also available, but they have more complex actions on the brain and take longer to start working. The latter works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine by nerve cells and aids in concentration. Research suggests that about half of children who are diagnosed with ADHD are able to overcome their symptoms as they grow older. This could be because they learn to manage their symptoms, or because they are less hyperactive. Many of them are still struggling with a world that was not built to meet their needs. Nice suggests doctors prescribe ADHD medications only when they are needed and monitor their patients regularly. There are many other options to treat ADHD symptoms. These include lifestyle changes and psychoeducational therapy. These therapies can be used in conjunction with medications to decrease the need to refer adults who suffer from ADHD to specialist services. Many adults are hesitant tell their friends, families or employers that they are taking ADHD medication due to the stigma that comes with it. There is increasing evidence that revealing the existence of the condition can help break down barriers for treatment.