ADHD Medication For Adults in the UK
In the UK, a number of medicines are licensed to treat ADHD. This includes the stimulant methylphenidate as well as the amphetamine-based drug lisdexamfetamine. The exact dose will need to be monitored closely during the initial stages of treatment (titration) and then, once stable, prescriptions can be handled by your GP as part of an agreed'shared care arrangement.
What is an Licensed Medication?
A medicine that is licensed will have gone through all necessary clinical trials and tests and the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority) has granted it the approval for use in Great Britain. The medicine will also be identified as being suitable for a particular condition on its packaging or in the leaflet that is included with it. All licensed medicines are subject to rigorous regulation and testing, even after they're available for sale. This allows for problems to be detected quickly and risks to be reduced.
Some people suffering from ADHD might be prescribed unlicensed drugs, but these are rarely used for teenagers and children. Unlicensed medications can be prescribed for other ailments that have been shown to be effective (known as "off-label prescribing"), or they could be a form of treatment that is not yet available on the market, such as a liquid oral instead of a tablet. It could also be an experimental medication that is being tested in the UK.
The term "experimental drugs" is used to refer to Medicines with an IMP or Marketing Authorisation(MIA) (IMP) or Investigational Medicinal Products. These medicines are not yet approved and can only be purchased through an order from a doctor. The MHRA will have conducted a formal evaluation as part of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme.
There is one non stimulant medication that is frequently prescribed for ADHD in the UK and Europe and this is atomoxetine. It is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, and therefore works differently to other ADHD meds. It increases noradrenaline in the brain, which is a sort of chemical that sends messages between nerve cells, and this aids concentration and helps control impulses. It is typically taken as a capsule every day or twice a day.
adhd medication for adults uk is the sole mental health professional who can diagnose ADHD in adults, and prescribe medications to treat it. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't a condition that can be treated through medication alone. Therapy is often included in treatment plans. Psychoeducation is a way to assist children, teens, and adults recognize their diagnosis and the use of behavioural therapy to teach techniques to manage 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 drug was not developed by a company based in the UK or it was prescribed outside of the licence terms (off-label). The GMC's guidelines state that 'unlicensed drugs are generally utilized when a suitable licensed product is not available, or a clinically effective treatment is not available with the product that the prescriber feels most comfortable using'.
The licence for a medicine will state the health conditions it treats as well as the ages of patients it can be administered to. It will also specify the dosage and by whom. The MHRA only grants a licence when it is considered safe and effective for that particular application, based on clinical studies and medical research. The drug's manufacturers are not permitted to promote or promote any use that is not covered by the licence.
In the UK, it is not a crime to let healthcare professionals to prescribe unlicensed medicine provided that the patient is informed of the risks and benefits. They must keep a record of the use of unlicensed drugs and provide the patient with sufficient information to help them make the decision.
Hospitals are more likely to give unlicensed medicines because they have more experiences with them than GP surgeries. The hospital will have procedures in place to ensure the safety of the medication including keeping accurate patient records and ensuring that any adverse effects are recorded. They will also be required to follow the MHRA's guidance on the safe supply of non-licensed medicines.
Doctors who prescribe specials need to be transparent with patients and their parents or carers about the purpose of the medicine and the reason it is being utilized and the possible side consequences. They should be able to answer any questions and provide written details about any medication they prescribe, including the reasons for it.
What is an Shared Care Agreement?
In recent years, as the number of adults suspected of being suffering from ADHD increased as did the demand for referrals to the NHS for an assessment and medication to treat the condition. The waiting lists for NHS assessments can be long, and many patients opt to pay for their ADHD assessments at private clinics. It is hoped that once a diagnosis has been confirmed through this process the GP will sign an agreement for shared care (SCA).
A SCA is an agreement between your psychiatrist and your GP in which the responsibility for prescribing, monitoring and basic health checks for medicines is handed over to your GP. This is a recognized accepted method of transferring responsibility for managing ADHD patients from a specialist clinic or hospital to general practice.
Before transferring responsibility the specialist and GP should be in agreement on these SCA guidelines and this must be clearly stated on any referral form. It should be made clear to the GP that they are accountable for the continuous titration of the medication as well as the monitoring requirements.
Unfortunately, a lot of GPs do not accept SCAs. This isn't due to an inability to accept however, the work involved with SCAs is often outside of their core budget and is usually an additional project on top of their busy schedule.
The doctor should be provided with adequate information regarding the rationale for SCA and what the expectations of both parties, including the roles of the patient and their carer. It should be clear that the decision to proceed with SCA must be made by the doctor who is initiating treatment. The GP must also be informed if the patient is not willing to take part in SCA.
If a GP 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 result in prescriptions for medication being issued privately, rather than through the NHS which, of course, can be more costly.
What is a Titration Period?
The tration stage is a crucial step to find the right medication for ADHD. It is a process of increasing the dosage gradually until you reach the dosage that maximizes benefits and minimizes the risk of side effects. It takes time however, your healthcare professional should work closely with you to ensure that the titration process is as smooth as possible.
Certain patients might notice an increase in their symptoms during the titration phase. For example, hyperactive people might become more restless and angry than they normally are. For this reason, it is vital that family members are aware of any changes and offer assistance. To reduce the side effects of ADHD medications, it is important to live a healthy life and a consistent sleep schedule.
Medication isn't the sole treatment for ADHD, but it is usually suggested as the first line of treatment for adults. Talk therapy is an effective tool to treat depression and anxiety that could cause certain symptoms of ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that medication is only used to treat symptoms and does not alter negative coping mechanisms. Some patients decide not to take any medication and instead concentrate on self-help strategies like nutrition, exercise and stress reduction.
It is essential to read about the possible side effects of any medicine you are prescribed, and understand how the medication will affect your body. Some medications can decrease appetite and cause headaches. Others can make you drowsy. Always take your medication as directed and consult your physician if any adverse effects occur.
Presently, a lot of drugs used to treat adult ADHD are out of stock. This has caused delays in the diagnosis process and appointments with psychiatrists. NHS England has created a taskforce that will investigate the issue and offer suggestions regarding how to decrease waiting times for medications.
Ask best medication for adhd what options are available for you. You might be able to receive the same medication privately, or they could suggest alternative treatments that will produce similar results to those you're used to.
