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Adult ADHD Medication in the UK In the UK, there are guidelines to diagnose ADHD in adults. The number of referrals to the adult ADHD specialist clinic quadrupled in the course of the pandemic. The medicines used to treat ADHD include stimulants and non-stimulants. Methylphenidate is the most common medication used to treat symptoms of ADHD and is accompanied by two amphetamine-based medicines called dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine. Stimulants Stimulants are the most common treatment for ADHD in adults. They increase the activity of parts of the brain responsible for attention and behaviour. They are quick-acting and frequently the first choice considered by GPs. Methylphenidate (also called Ritalin) is the most frequently prescribed stimulant in both adults and children. This drug boosts the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, improving the quality of attention and reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity. It also helps reduce anxiety and depression, which may co-occur with ADHD. In the past, stimulant drugs were used to enhance cognition, motivation and performance. These include caffeine and nicotine amphetamines, cocaine, methylphenidate and modafinil. They are also used to reduce appetite and as energy boosters, and can have significant physical and psychological side effects when taken in excess. There are many different medications that are used to treat adults with ADHD and psychiatrists will typically carefully adjust the doses of each patient they visit. They will also consider any other medical conditions that a patient might be suffering from, and the effect of the medication on sleep patterns. They will also look at the impact of the medication on the diet of a patient and lifestyle. A massive network meta analysis carried out 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. adhd no medication is recommended by NICE, and it is available on prescription in the UK. Despite positive evidence that support the use of drugs for ADHD is still viewed as a stigma. Unhelpful framings refer to it as child exploitation and the use of controlled substances. This makes many reluctant to ask for an assessment, or even to consider taking medication for their condition. As the number of patients referred to NHS mental health services increased during the COVID-19 epidemic, 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 over the past two years. Unlicensed Medication There are many medicines that can be prescribed to treat ADHD in adults and children. These include stimulant medications like methylphenidate, and sometimes the more recent amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine. These drugs are classed as controlled drugs because they can be open to abuse and become addictive. Your psychiatrist will only prescribe these drugs if he / she believes they are the most effective solution for your treatment. You will then be given an order to take to your local pharmacy and take home. It will be for a month's supply the drug. Your pharmacist will be able to explain the procedure to you. In non stimulant adhd medication , your doctor may feel that the medicines they have available are not suitable for you and suggest an unlicensed medication. It's a case-by-case decision and your psychiatrist should only prescribe unlicensed medications as an option last resort. It is crucial to remember that, while medication is an integral part of treatment for ADHD however, talking therapy is also essential. The use of medication can help manage your symptoms but therapy can also help you change longstanding negative coping mechanisms and behavioural patterns. Medication used to treat ADHD for adults must be licensed in the UK, with a licence known as marketing authorisation (MA) that will define the specific health conditions it is approved for. This will include information on the age of people who are eligible to receive the medication and how it should be administered. The MHRA will make an official evaluation of any IMP before it is released and the manufacturer is able to advertise it under its MA unless it holds a special license for paediatric medicine. This is the situation where a drug has been approved for a child but a psychiatrist feels it may be appropriate to prescribe it to an adult, this is also called off label prescribing. A “manipulated product” is a possibility in the event that pharmacists mix ingredients to create a formulation for a patient who can't swallow tablets. Some psychiatrists have been critical of the excessive use of psychoactive drugs to treat mental health issues, such as ADHD. Licensing In the UK there is several medications that are licensed to treat ADHD in adults. This includes a variety of stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the newer amphetamine-based medicine Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). These are typically offered to patients who have been diagnosed with the condition by a psychiatrist. The treatment is typically prescribed in the form of capsules and patients must be monitored carefully by their doctor to ensure that the right dose is found. In addition to these medications in addition, there are a variety of other ways in which the disease can be managed and treated. For instance, behavioural therapies can help people understand the causes of symptoms and develop strategies to combat these. Additionally, changes to the environment are also helpful in helping people to cope with the impact of their symptoms on daily activities. This can include making seating arrangements at work or at school and distributing cards that read 'I Need a Break' and scheduling frequent breaks for movement and reducing noise and distractions. The medicines that have been approved by the UK to treat ADHD among adults are not intended to cure, but they can enhance the quality of life for a lot of people. But, they're not a magic bullet and should only be used as a part of a holistic care plan that includes psychiatric and psychoeducational care. It is important that any patient with the potential of becoming pregnant undergoes 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. Patients should also consult 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 about the shortage of extended-release guanfacine tablets, lisdexamfetamine tablets and methylphenidate tablets. On 8 May 2024, a Medicine Supply Notification was issued, which lifted the restrictions on prescribing Elvanse capsules. It is a Schedule 2 controlled drug so it is prescribed by a registered doctor 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 or secondary care, based on the local arrangement. This review should include a check for heart rate and blood pressure and a discussion of the continued need for treatment, and continuous evaluation of symptoms and monitoring improvement. Side Effects ADHD medication is safe and generally accepted by adults, but it is not a cure for the condition. It can help to reduce symptoms of behavioural disorder and improve quality of life. It can also improve learning, work and relationships. It is essential that anyone beginning treatment be aware of possible adverse side effects. They should discuss them with their doctor prior to taking the medication. Some side effects include headaches, insomnia and a change in appetite. Certain medications can also increase the heart rate. This is usually harmless and mild however, it is important to tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or issues. The effects of stimulants increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This alters the way the brain receives and transmits messages, enhancing focus and attention. These are the first-line treatment of adult ADHD. Atomoxetine and Buproprion, which are medications that do not stimulate, have a more complex action on the brain. They also take longer to begin working. The latter blocks the reuptake of dopamine into nerve cells and helps with concentration. According to research, about half of children diagnosed with ADHD will overcome their symptoms in adulthood. It could be due to the fact that they manage their symptoms or perhaps because they are less hyperactive. A large portion of them continue to struggle with a society that is not designed to meet their needs. Nice recommends that doctors prescribe ADHD medication only when they are necessary and continue to monitor their patients frequently. There are a variety of other ways to help with ADHD symptoms, including psychoeducational therapies and lifestyle changes. These can be combined with medications to decrease the need for GPs to refer adults with ADHD to specialist services. The stigma associated with ADHD can make it difficult to be open about medication and many adults are hesitant to reveal the fact that they have ADHD to family members, friends or employers. There is increasing evidence that talking about the disorder and raising awareness of its symptoms can help break down barriers to treatment.