ADHD Medication For Adults in the UK
In the UK, a number of medicines are licensed to treat ADHD. The stimulant methylphenidate and the amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine are two of the most frequently prescribed medications. The dosage will be carefully checked in the initial stages of treatment.
What is an Licensed Medication?
A licensed medicine has undergone all of the necessary clinical trials and tests and the MHRA the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA), has given the green light for its use in Great Britain. The medication will also be clearly listed as suitable for specific conditions on its packaging or in the leaflet that comes with it. All licensed medicines are monitored, even after they're on the market, so problems can be identified quickly and any risk reduced.
Some people suffering from ADHD might be prescribed unlicensed medications, but these are rarely used on children and teenagers. adhd medication adults uk could be prescribed for other conditions that have been found to be effective (known as off-label prescribing) or it could be a specific formulation that isn't available on the market, like an oral liquid in place of tablets or something free from certain additives. It could also be an experimental drug being trialled in the UK.
The term "experimental drugs" is used to refer to medicines that have a Marketing Authorisation(MIA) (IMP) or Investigational Medicinal Products. These drugs aren't yet licensed 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.
Atomoxetine is an anti-stimulant medication that is commonly prescribed in the UK and Europe for ADHD. This is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, which is different from other ADHD medication. It increases noradrenaline, a chemical that aids in transmitting messages between brain cells. This aids concentration and also helps control impulses. It is taken in capsules at least once or twice a day.
A psychiatrist is the sole mental health professional who can diagnose ADHD in adults, and then prescribe medication to treat it. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't a disorder that can be treated by medication alone. Therapy is very often included in treatment plans for people with the disorder. Psychoeducation, which assists adolescents, children, and adults understand their diagnosis, and behavioral therapy, which teaches techniques to manage symptoms.
What is an unlicensed drug?
The term "unlicensed medicine" refers to medicines that have not been approved by the MHRA. It could be that the medicine was not developed by a UK-based company or was prescribed outside of the licence conditions (off-label). The GMC's guidance states that 'unlicensed medications are typically used when a suitably licensed product isn't available or a clinically effective treatment cannot be found using the drug that the prescriber is comfortable'.
The licence for a medicine will state the conditions it treats and the ages of patients it can be prescribed to. The licence will also outline the manner and method by which the medicine should be used. The MHRA only grants a licence if it is deemed to be safe and effective in the particular application, based on clinical trials and medical research. The manufacturers of drugs are not allowed advertise or promote any use that are not covered by the license.
In the UK, it is not illegal for medical professionals to prescribe an unlicensed medication in the event that the patient is aware about the risks and benefits. They must keep records of the use of non-licensed medications and give the patient enough information to make an informed choice regarding whether or not they wish to accept the.
Hospitals are more likely to give unlicensed drugs because they have more experience with them than doctors' surgeries. The hospital will follow procedures to ensure the safety and efficacy of the medication. This includes keeping detailed medical records of patients as well as recording any adverse reactions. They are required to adhere to MHRA guidelines regarding the safe supply of unlicensed medicines.
Doctors who prescribe specials have to be clear with patients and their parents or carers about the nature of the medication and why it is utilized and the possible side effects. They should be able to answer any questions and provide written details about any medicine they prescribe, including reasons for prescribing it.
What is a Shared-Care agreement?
In recent years, as the number of adults suspected of having ADHD increased, so did the requests for a referral to the NHS for an assessment and medication to treat the condition. Unfortunately, waiting lists for NHS assessments are long and this means that many patients are opting to pay for their own private ADHD assessments at private clinics. It is hoped that once a diagnosis has been confirmed through this process, the GP will sign a shared care agreement (SCA).
A SCA is an agreement between your psychiatrist and GP, whereby the responsibility for prescribing medication monitoring, prescribing, and basic health checks is transferred to your GP. This is a recognized and agreed method for the transfer of the responsibility of managing a patient suffering from ADHD from an institution or a specialist service setting to general practice, provided this is in accordance with NHS England guidelines.
Before transferring responsibility, the specialist and GP should agree on these SCA guidelines. This must be clearly stated on any referral form. It should also be clarified that the GP is responsible for the regular monitoring and titration of the medication.
Unfortunately, a large number of GPs do not accept SCAs. This isn't due to the lack of motivation, but because the work involved with SCAs could be outside of their primary funding, and typically an additional task on top of a busy schedule.
The doctor should be provided with good quality information on the reasons behind SCA and what the expectations of both parties are, including the roles of the patient and their carers. It is important to be clear that the decision to go ahead with SCA should be taken by the physician who initiated treatment. The GP must also be informed if the patient is not willing to take part in SCA.
If a doctor refuses to accept the 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 the psychiatrist who gave their initial diagnosis. This could result in prescriptions for medication being issued privately rather than through the NHS which, naturally, can be more costly.
What is a titration period?
The tration phase is a crucial step to find the appropriate medication for ADHD. It is the process of gradually increasing your dose until you reach a dose that maximises the benefits while minimizing negative side effects. It is a process that takes time. Your healthcare professional should work with you closely to ensure the titration procedure is as smooth as it can be.
Some patients might experience an increase in their symptoms during the titration phase. For example, hyperactive people may become more restless and irritable than usual. For this reason, it is crucial that family members are aware of any changes and offer support. It is also essential to have a healthy diet and an established routine for sleeping to minimize the negative effects of ADHD medication.
It is important to keep in mind that medication is not the only option for ADHD treatment. However it is suggested as a first-line management method in adults. Talk therapy can be beneficial in addressing depression and anxiety that can be the cause of some symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to remember that medication is only able to treat the symptoms, not alter long-standing negative coping mechanisms. Some patients choose not to use meds in the first place and instead focus on self-help treatments such as exercise, nutrition, stress reduction and sleep strategies.
It is crucial to know the side effects and how they affect your body. Some medications can cause headaches or drowsiness and can also cause a decrease in appetite. Always use your medication according to the instructions and consult your doctor in the event of any adverse reactions.
Currently, many of the drugs used to treat adult ADHD are in short supply. This has caused delays in the diagnosis process and appointments with psychiatrists. NHS England has set up an taskforce to study the issue and suggest ways of reducing waiting times for medications.
Ask your local GP what options are available for you. You might be able to get the same medications privately, or they may suggest alternatives that can provide similar results to those you're accustomed to.