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Adult ADHD Medication in the UK In the UK there are guidelines to diagnose ADHD among adults. Referrals to the adult ADHD specialist clinic quadrupled during the time of the pandemic. Both stimulants and non-stimulants are used to treat ADHD. Methylphenidate is the most commonly used medication used to treat symptoms of ADHD and is accompanied by two amphetamine-based medications known as dexamfetamine and Lisdexamfetamine. Stimulants The most commonly used kind of medication used to treat adult ADHD is stimulants. These medications work by increasing the activity in the brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. They are fast-acting and are frequently the first choice that is considered by GPs. Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is the most frequently prescribed stimulant in both children and adults. This drug increases neurotransmitter levels in the brain. It improves attention span, and decreases the amount of impulsivity and hyperactivity. It can also help reduce anxiety and depression, which can co-occur with ADHD. Through adhd and medication , stimulant drugs have been used medicinally and for recreational purposes, to enhance cognition, motivation, performance, and mood. These include nicotine and caffeine amphetamines modafinil, methylphenidate, cocaine and methylphenidate. These substances are used to suppress appetite and boost energy levels. However, they may also cause serious physical and psychological effects if taken in excess. A psychiatrist will take care to adjust the dosages for each patient. They will consider any other medical issues the patient might have, and the effect of the medication on their sleep patterns. They will also consider the effects of medication on the patients' lifestyle and diet. 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 efficient than other stimulants in reducing symptoms of ADHD. It is recommended by NICE and is available in the UK by prescription. Despite the evidence-based research however, there's a stigma associated with the use of medications to treat ADHD that is based on unhelpful framings that make it appear like child abuse, and even comparisons to controlled substances. This may make some people unwilling to seek an assessment, or to think about taking medication for their condition. As the number of people referred to NHS mental health services increased during the COVID-19 epidemic, as did the number of adults receiving treatment for ADHD. In fact, adult ADHD referrals have now overtaken those for children. Boys are still more likely to receive ADHD treatment, but the number women receiving it has quadrupled over the last two years. Unlicensed Medication A variety of medications are approved to treat ADHD for children and adults, with stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate and, sometimes, the newer amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine prescribed. These are classified as controlled medications because they are addictive and abused. Your psychiatrist will only prescribe these drugs if he or she believes they are the most effective option for your treatment. Then, you will be given an order to visit your local pharmacy and take home. This will be for a month's supply of the drug and your pharmacist will be able to explain the procedure to you. In certain instances, your doctor might decide that the drugs available to them are not suitable for you and suggest an unlicensed medication. This is a decision which will be taken on an individual basis. Your doctor should only recommend non-licensed medications as a last option. Keep in mind that while medication is a crucial component of treating ADHD however, talking therapy also plays a vital role. Medication can help to manage your symptoms but therapy can work at changing long-standing negative coping mechanisms as well as behavioural patterns. In the UK the medication used to treat ADHD among adults must have an authorisation to market (MA), which specifies the specific conditions under which it is approved. This will include the ages of the people who are treated and the method by which the medication is to be used. The MHRA will provide an official assessment of any IMP before it is made available and the manufacturer is able to advertise it under its MA, unless it has a specific licence for paediatric medicine. Off label prescribing happens when a psychiatrist believes that it is appropriate to prescribe a medication for an adult even if it was approved for children. It is also possible to get”manipulated” products – in which the pharmacist makes up an individual formulation for the patient by mixing ingredients, as in the event that they are unable to take tablets. There's some stigmas associated with the use of unlicensed drugs to treat ADHD in adults, with psychiatrists expressing concern about the over-prescribing of psychoactive medications for mental health issues. Licensing In the UK there are a variety of medicines are available to treat ADHD among adults. This includes a range of stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the newer amphetamine-based drug lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). These are typically offered to patients who have been diagnosed with the condition by a psychiatrist. The treatment is typically prescribed in capsules and patients should be closely monitored by their doctor to ensure that the appropriate dose is found. In addition to these medications, there are a number of other ways that the condition can be treated and managed. For instance, behavioural therapies can help people understand the causes of their symptoms and devise strategies to overcome these. Changes in the environment can also aid people in coping with the impact that their symptoms can affect their daily 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 making it easier to avoid distractions and noise. The medications that have been licensed in the UK to treat ADHD in adults aren't intended to cure, but they can enhance the quality of life for a lot of people. However, they are not an instant cure, and should only be used as a part of a comprehensive care package that includes psychoeducation and psychiatric care. Patients who are able to bear children should undergo a pregnancy test prior to beginning any medication. They should also inform their GP in the event that they fall pregnant or wish to fall 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. A national patient safety alert regarding the shortage of methylphenidate extended-release tablets, guanfacine extended release tablets, and lisdexamfetamine capsules was issued on the 27th of September, 2023. This was replaced by a Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) on 08 May 2024 that lifted prescribing restrictions for Elvanse capsules and advised ADHD services to resume initiations. It is a Schedule 2 controlled drug so it requires the prescription of an authorized practitioner and is subject to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. The guidelines recommend that an ADHD patient be assessed annually by a healthcare professional who has the expertise and experience in managing the disorder. This can be done in primary care or secondary care, based on the local arrangements. This review should include monitoring for blood pressure and heart rate as well as a discussion on the ongoing need for treatment, and continuous monitoring and evaluation of symptom improvement. Side Effects ADHD medication is generally safe and well accepted by adults, however it is not a cure for the condition. It can help reduce behavioural symptoms and improve people's quality of life. It can also enhance learning, work and relationships. However, it's crucial for anyone considering treatment to be aware of the potential adverse reactions and discuss them with their doctor before they begin taking the medication. Some of the side effects include a change in appetite, headaches, and sleepiness. Certain medications can increase heart rate. This is usually minor and harmless but is worth mentioning to your doctor if there is a history of heart problems or cardiovascular disease. Stimulants increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This alters the way that the brain receives and transmits messages, enhancing focus and attention. They are considered first-line treatments for adult 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 works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine into nerve cells and helps with concentration. According to research, approximately half of children diagnosed with ADHD will be free of symptoms by the time they reach adulthood. This could be because they learn to manage their symptoms or they are less active. Many of them struggle with a society not designed to meet their needs. That's why Nice recommends that doctors prescribe ADHD drugs only when they are needed and keep monitoring patients on a regular basis. There are other methods to treat ADHD symptoms. These include psychoeducational therapy and lifestyle changes. These therapies can be utilized together with medications to decrease the need to refer people who suffer from ADHD to specialist services. The stigma associated with ADHD can make it difficult to open about medication and many adults are reluctant to disclose that they take it to family members, friends or employers. But, there is growing evidence that discussing the disorder and raising awareness of its symptoms can help overcome barriers to treatment.