ADHD Medication For Adults in the UK
In the UK there are a range of medicines licensed for treating ADHD. These include the stimulant methylphenidate, as well as the amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine. The dosage will be carefully checked in the initial stages of treatment.
What is an Licensed Medication (L.M.)?
A licensed medicine will have been through all the necessary clinical tests and trials, and the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority) has given it the go ahead to use it in Great Britain. The packaging of the medicine or the leaflet that comes along with it will clearly indicate whether it is suitable for a particular condition. All licensed medicines are regulated even after they've been placed on the market, meaning that any problems are quickly identified and any risk reduced.
Certain people with ADHD may be prescribed medications that are not licensed, but these are rarely used on children and teenagers. The unlicensed medication may be used to treat other conditions which have been proven to work well with it (known as off-label prescribing) or it could be a specific formula that isn't yet available on the market, for instance an oral liquid instead of a tablet or something free from certain additives. It could also be an experimental medicine being trialled in the UK.
Experimental drugs are known as Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs) or Medicines with a Marketing Authorisation (MIA)(IMP). These medicines are not yet approved and can only be purchased with an order from a doctor. The MHRA will have conducted a formal evaluation as part of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme.
There is a non-stimulant medication that is frequently prescribed for ADHD in the UK and Europe, and this is Atomoxetine. This medication is a specific blocker of noradrenaline's absorption and therefore works in a different way than other ADHD medication. It boosts the levels of noradrenaline within the brain, which is a sort of chemical that sends messages between nerve cells and this aids concentration and helps control impulses. It is taken in capsule form every day, either once or twice.
A psychiatrist is the only mental health professional who can diagnose ADHD in adults and prescribe medications to treat it. It 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 can assist children, teens, and adults recognize their diagnosis as well as the use of behavioural therapy to teach techniques for managing symptoms.
What is an Unlicensed Medication?
The term 'unlicensed medicines' refers to medications that have not been licensed by the MHRA. It could be that the medicine has not been created by an UK company, or it was prescribed outside the restrictions of its licence (ie off-label). The GMC's guidance states that 'unlicensed medicines are usually used when a suitable licensed product is not available or an effective treatment that is clinically proven cannot be found using the product that makes the prescriber feel at ease'.
The label of a medicine will specify the conditions it treats, along with the age ranges that it can be administered to. The licence will also specify the manner and method by which the medicine is to be administered. The MHRA will only grant an approval if the drug is considered to be safe and effective for the usage, built on research in medical science and clinical studies. The drug's manufacturers are not permitted to promote or advertise any use that isn't covered by the licence.
In the UK it is not a crime to let a healthcare professional prescribe an unlicensed medication provided that the patient is informed of the risks and benefits. They must also keep a record of the use of unlicensed drugs and provide the patient with sufficient information to make a decision.
Hospitals are more likely to give unlicensed medicines due to their more experience with them than GP surgeries. The hospital will have procedures in place to ensure the security of the medication, which includes keeping detailed patient records and making sure that any adverse reactions are documented. They will also be required to adhere to the MHRA's guidelines on the safe supply of medicines that are not licensed.
Doctors who prescribe specials must to be open with patients and parents or caregivers about the nature of the medication, why it is being used and the potential side consequences. They should be able to answer any questions and provide written information about the medicine they prescribe, including reasons for prescribing it.
What is what is a Shared Care Agreement?
In recent years, as the number of people suspecting of having ADHD increased as did the demand for a referral to the NHS for an assessment and treatment to treat the condition. Unfortunately, waiting lists for NHS assessments are long, and this means that a lot of patients are reverting to self-funding 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 of shared care (SCA).
A SCA is an agreement between your psychiatrist and your GP and GP, in which the responsibility for prescribing medication monitoring, as well as basic health checks are transferred to your GP. It is a well-known accepted method of transferring the responsibility for managing ADHD patients from a specialist service or hospital to a general practice.
Before responsibility is transferred, the specialist and GP should agree on these SCA guidelines. This should be clearly stated in any referral form. It must also be stated that the GP is responsible for the ongoing titration and monitoring requirements of the medication.
Unfortunately, many GPs are reluctant to accept SCAs. This isn't due to a lack of desire, but because the work involved with SCAs can be outside of their primary budget and is usually an additional project in addition to their busy schedule.
The GP should be provided with good quality information on the rationale for SCA and what the expectations of both parties are, including the role of the patient and their caregivers. It is also important to be clear that a decision on SCA should be taken by the doctor who initiated treatment. In addition, the doctor should be informed that they do not want to participate in the SCA.
If a physician does not want to accept responsibility for SCA and/or SCA, they are able to refuse. However, this may result in patients being sent back to the private ADHD clinic and psychiatrist that gave their initial diagnosis. This can mean that medication prescriptions are issued privately rather than through the NHS which, of course, can be more costly.
What is a titration period?
The tration period is an important step in determining the best medication to treat your ADHD. It involves gradually increasing your dosage until you reach a dosage that maximises the benefits while minimizing side effects. It is a process that takes time. Your healthcare professional should collaborate closely with you to ensure the titration procedure is as effortless as it can be.
Some patients may experience worsening of their symptoms during the time of titration. People who are hyperactive, like can become agitated and angry. For this reason, it is crucial that family members are aware of any changes and offer support. It is also important to have a healthy diet and a consistent sleep routine to lessen the negative effects of ADHD medication.
It is important to note that medication is not the only option for ADHD treatment. However it is recommended as a first-line treatment option for adults. Talk therapy can be beneficial in addressing depression and anxiety that can be the cause of certain symptoms of ADHD. add adhd medications is important to remember that medication is only able to treat the symptoms, not change long-standing negative coping mechanisms. Some patients choose not to take medication in the first place and instead focus on self-help therapies like exercise, nutrition and stress reduction strategies.
It is crucial to look about the potential adverse effects of any medication you are prescribed, and to understand how the medication affects your body. Some medications can cause headaches or drowsiness, as well as decrease appetite. Always follow the directions for your medication and speak to your doctor in the event of any adverse reactions.
Today, many of the medications used for treating adult ADHD are out of stock. This has caused delays in diagnosis and appointments with psychiatrists. NHS England has set up an inquiry taskforce to look into the issue and recommend ways of reducing waiting times for medication.
Despite the dearth of certain popular medications, it is still possible to get ADHD treatment through the NHS and it's a good idea to ask your local GP about your options. You might be able to get the same medications privately or they might suggest alternative medications that provide similar results.