ADHD Medication For Adults in the UK
In the UK there are a variety of medicines licensed for treating ADHD. This includes the stimulant methylphenidate and the amphetamine-based medication called lisdexamfetamine. The dosage will be carefully monitored in the beginning stages of treatment.
What is a Licensed Medication?
A licensed medicine has gone through all of the necessary tests and clinical trials and the MHRA, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA), has granted the green light for its use in Great Britain. non stimulant adhd medication will also be clearly declared suitable for use in specific conditions on its packaging or in a leaflet which comes with it. All licensed medications are regulated even after they've been placed on the market, so problems are quickly identified and any risk reduced.
Unlicensed medications are sometimes prescribed to those suffering from ADHD however, they are rarely given to teenagers or children. Unlicensed medications may be prescribed for other conditions that have been proven to be effective (known as "off-label prescribing"), or they could be a formulation not yet available on the market, such as a liquid oral instead of a tablet. It could also be an experimental medicine that is being tested in the UK.
Experimental drugs are referred to as Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs) or Medicines with a Marketing Authorisation (MIA)(IMP). These medicines haven't been granted a licence yet and can therefore only be sold on the prescription of a doctor. The MHRA will have conducted a formal evaluation as part of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme.
Atomoxetine is an anti-stimulant medication that's often prescribed in the UK and Europe for ADHD. This is a selective noradrenaline-reuptake inhibitor, and therefore is different from other ADHD meds. It increases the amount of noradrenaline in the brain, which is a sort of chemical that passes messages between nerve cells which aids concentration and aids in controlling impulses. It is typically taken as a capsule once or twice daily.
Only psychiatrists are able to diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication for adults. It is crucial to understand that ADHD isn't just a condition that can be treated by medication alone, and therapy is very often included in treatment plans for those suffering from the disorder. Psychoeducation, which aids adolescents, children, and adults comprehend their diagnosis, as well as behavioural therapy, which teaches strategies to manage symptoms.
What is an unlicensed medicine?
The term "unlicensed medication" refers to any medicine that has not been granted a licence by the MHRA. It could be that the medicine has not been created by an UK company, or because it has been prescribed in violation of the restrictions of its licence (ie off-label). The GMC's guidelines state that 'unlicensed drugs are generally employed when a licensed product is not available or when a clinically-effective treatment is not available with the medication that the doctor is most comfortable with'.
A medical license will specify the health conditions it treats and the age of the patients it can be prescribed to. It will also specify the dosage and by whom. The MHRA will only issue permission if the drug is considered to be safe and effective for that use, which is built on research in medical science and clinical studies. The drugs' manufacturers are not allowed to promote or promote any use that isn't covered by the licence.
It is not illegal in the UK for healthcare professionals to prescribe an unlicensed medication, as long as they can explain the advantages and risks of doing so to the patient. They must also keep records of the use of unlicensed medication and provide the patient with sufficient information to make an informed choice about whether they want to accept the.
The majority of unlicensed medications are offered in hospitals, where there is more experience of using them than in GP surgeries. The hospital will have procedures to ensure the safety and efficacy of the medication. This includes keeping thorough medical records of patients as well as recording any adverse effects. They must also follow the MHRA's guidance on the safe supply of non-licensed medicines.
Specials are prescribed by doctors who must inform their patients, parents or caregivers about the medication, its purpose and any possible side effects. non stimulant adhd medication should be able to address any questions and provide written details about any medicine they prescribe, as well as the reasons for it.
What is what is a Shared Care Agreement?
As the number of adults who are suspected of having ADHD has increased in recent years so have requests to be referred for an NHS assessment and also to receive medication for the condition. Unfortunately, the waiting lists for NHS assessments are long, and this means that a large number of patients are turning to self-funding private ADHD assessments at private clinics. After a diagnosis has been confirmed, the GP could sign an agreement of shared-care (SCA) with the patient.
A SCA is an agreement between your psychiatrist and your GP, whereby the responsibility for prescribing medication monitoring, as well as basic health checks are transferred to your GP. This is a recognised and accepted method of shifting the responsibility of managing ADHD patients from a specialist service or hospital to general practice.
These SCA guidelines should be agreed between the specialist and the GP before responsibility is handed over and this should be clearly written on any referral form. It is important to communicate to the GP that they are accountable for the continuous adjustment of the medication and for the monitoring requirements.
Unfortunately, a lot of GPs are hesitant to accept SCAs. It's not because they are not interested however, it is because the work involved in SCAs isn't part of their regular funding.
The GP should be provided with good quality information on the reasons behind SCA and what the expectations of both parties are, including the role of the patient and their carers. It should also be made clear that a decision on SCA must be made by the doctor who initiated treatment and the doctor should be informed whether they wish to take part in the SCA.
If a doctor does not wish to take on the responsibility of SCA they may choose not to do so, but this could result in patients being reverted back to the private ADHD assessment clinic and psychiatrist who carried out their initial diagnosis. This could lead to medication prescriptions being issued privately, rather than via the NHS. This can be more expensive.
What is a titration time?
The tration phase is an important step to determine the appropriate medication to manage your ADHD. It is the process of increasing the dosage gradually until you reach a dosage that maximizes benefits and minimizes adverse effects. It is an process that takes time. Your healthcare professional must work with you closely to ensure the titration procedure is as easy as it can be.
Certain patients may experience worsening of their symptoms during the time of titration. For example, hyperactive people may become more restless and angry than they normally are. It is important that loved ones be aware of any changes in behavior and offer support. To lessen the negative side effects of ADHD medications it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a regular sleep schedule.
It is important to note that medication isn't the only option for ADHD treatment. However it is recommended as a first-line management method in adults. Talk therapy is a useful tool to address underlying depression and anxiety that could cause some of the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that medication only treats the symptoms and does not alter negative coping mechanisms. Some patients prefer not to take medication at all and instead focus on self-help therapies like exercise, nutrition as well as stress reduction and sleep strategies.
It is crucial to look over the adverse effects of any medication you are prescribed, and to understand how the medication will affect your body. Certain medications can reduce appetite and cause headaches. Others can cause you to feel sleepy. Be sure to take your meds as directed and speak to your doctor if there are any adverse reactions.
A lot of the drugs used to treat adult ADHD are currently out of stock because of supply issues. This has led to delays in diagnosis and appointments with psychiatrists. NHS England has set up a taskforce to investigate the issue and suggest ways of reducing waiting times for medication.
Ask your local GP what options are available for you. You may be able to obtain the same medications privately or they could suggest alternatives that provide similar results.