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https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/adult-adhd-medication/
ADHD Medication in the UK The medications for ADHD reduce symptoms by increasing brain activity in specific regions They also boost the production of neurotransmitters that are insufficient in people with ADHD Stimulant medications are the most widely prescribed medication for adult ADHD in the UK They work by increasing activity in parts of the brain that are involved in attention and impulse control Stimulants In the UK there are two types of medication that are approved for adults ADHD treatment including stimulants and nonstimulant drugs The stimulants are typically used as the first choice because they boost activity in areas of the brain that control attention and behavior These include methylphenidate also known as Ritalin and the lisdexamfetamine These tablets can be taken several times per day as a shortacting pill or every week in the form of a longacting medication that releases into the bloodstream throughout the day The dose of the medication could need to be adjusted regularly in the early days as it is adjusted and monitored titrated to find a dose that works best for you Stimulants have a longstanding history of use both medically and as recreational drugs During the 1930s amphetamines were commonly used by truck drivers students and athletes as energy enhancers Amphetamines can be very hazardous and have a great chance of abuse They are used to make people feel great and can stimulate the mind in ways that lead them to addiction The loss of appetite the difficulties sleeping and problems with digestion or stomach are some of the most frequent negative effects of stimulants These problems can be reduced by adjusting the dosage or timing They are generally accepted by most adults Children may experience more severe adverse effects including the tics weight gain and irritability Nonstimulant ADHD medication works differently than stimulants and may take a while before it starts working Clonidine and Guanfacine also called Catapres and Intuniv are alpha agonists They work by stimulating receptors in the brain to improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity impulsivity and behavioral issues such as aggression and tics They can be used as a complement to ADHD stimulant medications or used on their own by children aged 617 Atomoxetine brand name Strattera is another nonstimulant medication for ADHD that increases levels of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline in order to improve impulse control and concentration Iam Psychiatry can be prescribed alone but is most often combined with guanfacine in children These medications do not cause the same adverse effects as stimulants but can cause headaches and insomnia Atomoxetine While stimulant medicines such as Ritalin and Adderall are typically recommended for kids with ADHD Some children dont respond to these medications There are alternatives to stimulants for children with ADHD They enhance the communication between nerves and the regions of the brain assisting children focus more easily and manage their impulsivity Nonstimulant ADHD medications use different active ingredients than stimulants They also do not have the potential for abuse and are not controlled substances Atomoxetine also known as Strattera is a nonstimulant medicine that can be used to treat ADHD in children adults and teens It is an antidepressant that has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the amount a chemical known as noradrenaline that is present in the brain Noradrenaline passes messages between brain cells and is involved in impulsivity attention and motivation atomoxetine due to its unique mechanism of effect is not associated with the same adverse effects as other antidepressants such as Wellbutrin or Effexor It can be prescribed to children as young as five and is administered orally once or twice a day in tablet form Atomoxetine provides stable 24hour control of ADHD symptoms It can help reduce the effects in the evening when the stimulants have worn off Both guanfacine and Clonidine are available as nonstimulant ADHD medication They are typically prescribed to kids who havent responded to stimulant medication or have issues with their side effects They can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants such as Adderall XR amphetamine salts to offer an effective treatment of ADHD If you or your child is being treated with an nonstimulant ADHD medication ensure you follow the instructions of your doctor carefully Theyll likely recommend starting with small doses and then gradually increasing the dosage over time Theyll also ask about any other medications you or your child are taking so they can make sure there are no interactions Youll need to schedule regular appointments with your GP and inform them of any side effects or concerns Theyll be able to alter your dosage or give advice alternative treatments such as talking therapy Unlicensed Medication The treatment for ADHD in adults is a range of stimulant and nonstimulant medications Psychologists can also prescribe drugs that are offlabel these are medications that are licensed for another condition but are being evaluated for effectiveness in adult ADHD These medications are typically antidepressants such as bupropion or venflaxine They have been proven to have some beneficial effect on the condition and are well tolerated at lower doses than those found in licensed treatments Sometimes unlicensed medicines are prescribed to a patient when there is a medical need that is so specific that the prescription is not met with a licensed alternative This is for patients whose normal medication is not available due to supply disruption or other reasons as well as patients requiring liquid formulations of a licensed tablet or capsule for reasons such as intolerance or allergy Unlicensed medicines can be described as specials This term can also be used to describe medicines that are offlabel or are prepared or supplied in a manner that is not covered by the licence These might include crushing tablets to make them easier to swallow or adding liquid to the capsule or tablet that is licensed to make a mixture suitable to be administered via injection or using a syringe pump to administer the medication subcutaneously under the skin Healthcare professionals will generally only utilize unlicensed medicines as a last option and when they believe there is no licensed alternative They will carefully examine a wide selection of options to meet the needs of each patient They will also review treatment and outcomes regularly taking into account clinical experience as well as the availability of new treatments that are licensed It is important that any medicine not licensed to treat patients is safe and effective and the reason for prescribing it should be recorded in the patients medical record If a patient experiences any adverse effects from an offlabel treatment they should be reported via the MHRAs Yellow Card scheme The information provided will be used to update the medicines MHRA marketing authorisation and so to ensure that future prescriptions for the drug are safe and effective Talk Therapy A therapist who works with you to assist you understand your symptoms and find ways to manage They will be able to provide guidance and assistance on ways to change your way of thinking and act to feel more positive about life It is essential to complete the number of sessions that your therapist suggests since this will be key in your feeling more positive Medicines can reduce the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters in your brain These are chemicals that allow your neurons to transmit messages to help you focus your thoughts and ignore distractions There are two main kinds of medications used to treat ADHD which are stimulants and nonstimulants All of them increase the availability neurotransmitters within your brain There are a variety of medications licensed in the UK to treat ADHD The most common medication is methylphenidate It is available as immediaterelease tablets that are taken in small doses 2 to 3 times per day Also as modifiedrelease tablets that are taken every week but released throughout the time of the day These medications are not a cure but can help you control your an impulsive behaviour and help you focus They are generally well tolerated but your doctor will closely monitor you to ensure that you receive the correct dose and do not experience any adverse negative effects It could take a few weeks for the medication to reach its maximum level You may also need to adjust your dosage change your dose regularly to determine what works best Nonstimulant medicines like atomoxetine that is available by prescription only can be more efficient than stimulants and do not have the same potential for addiction They are more effective but not as well tolerated Some patients may have issues with appetite memory or sleep Your doctor will track your progress and determine whether you should keep taking the atomoxetine drug or switch to a different treatment Neither medications nor therapy are permanent solutions for those with ADHD They can help you cope with your symptoms and lead a more fulfilling life Combining medication with regular therapy sessions will allow you to get the most benefit from your treatment Youll learn coping strategies and identify unhelpful patterns of behaviour and thought For some their improved confidence and mood can last beyond the end of their treatment
