ADHD Medication For Adults in the UK
In the UK there are a variety of drugs that are licensed to treat ADHD. This includes the stimulant methylphenidate and the amphetamine-based medication Lisdexamfetamine. The exact dosage will need to be carefully monitored in the beginning stages of treatment (titration) and then stable prescriptions can be managed by your GP as part of an agreed'shared care' arrangement.
What is a Licensed Medication?
A licensed medicine has gone through all of the necessary clinical trials and tests and the MHRA the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has given the go ahead for its use in Great Britain. The medicine will also be clearly listed as suitable for specific conditions on its packaging or in the leaflet that is provided with it. All licensed medicines are carefully regulated, even after they're on the market, meaning that any problems can be spotted quickly and any risk reduced.
Unlicensed drugs are sometimes prescribed to those suffering from ADHD however, they are rarely given to adolescents or children. Unlicensed medicines can be prescribed for other conditions that have been proved to work well (known as "off-label prescribing") or they could be a formulation that is not yet available on the market for example, an oral liquid instead of a tablet. It could be an experimental medicine that is being studied in the UK.
Experimental drugs are known as Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs) or Medicines with a Marketing Authorisation (MIA)(IMP). These drugs aren't yet licensed and can only be purchased with an order from a doctor. They will have undergone a formal assessment by the MHRA as part of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) and therefore the quality of pharmaceuticals is guaranteed.
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication that's often prescribed in the UK and Europe for ADHD. This medication is a specific inhibitor of noradrenaline uptake which means it performs differently than other ADHD medication. It increases noradrenaline in the brain, which is a sort of chemical that passes messages between nerve cells and this aids concentration and helps control impulses. It is taken in capsule form at least once or twice a day.
Only a psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication for adults. It is crucial to remember that ADHD isn't a condition that can be treated with medication by itself. Therapy is often included in treatment plans. Psychoeducation is a form of therapy which assists children, teenagers and adults comprehend their diagnosis, as well as behavioral therapy, which teaches strategies to manage symptoms.
What is an Unlicensed Medication?
adhd medication pregnancy " refers to any drug that has not been granted a license by the MHRA. It could be that the medication was not created by a UK-based company or it was prescribed in violation of the terms of licence (off-label). The GMC's guidance states that 'unlicensed medicines are usually used when a suitable licensed product is not available or when a clinically effective treatment can't be found using the product that makes the prescriber feel at ease'.
The license of a medicine will specify the conditions it treats, along with the ages it can be administered to. It will also specify how it should be used and by whom. The MHRA will only issue permission when the drug is believed to be safe and effective for the use, which is founded on medical research and clinical trials. 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 medicine as long as the patient is informed of the risks and benefits. They must keep an account of the use of non-licensed drugs and provide the patient with enough information to make an informed decision.
Hospitals are more likely to give unlicensed medications due to their more experiences with them than GP surgeries. The hospital will have procedures in place to ensure the safety of the medication, which includes keeping detailed patient records and making sure that any adverse effects are recorded. They will also have to follow the MHRA's guidance on the safe supply of non-licensed medicines.
Doctors who prescribe specials must to be open with patients and parents or carers about the nature of the medication and the reason it is being used, and the possible side consequences. They must be able answer any questions that they are asked and always write down the details of any medication they are prescribing, along with the reasons for it.
What is a Shared Care Agreement?
The number of adults who are suspected to have ADHD has been increasing in recent years, so are requests to be referred for an NHS assessment and to receive medication for the condition. Unfortunately, waiting lists for NHS assessments are lengthy and this means that many patients are opting to pay for their own private ADHD assessments at specialist private clinics. It is hoped that once the diagnosis is confirmed by this process, the GP will sign an agreement for shared care (SCA).
A SCA is an agreement between your psychiatrist and your GP where the responsibility for prescribing, monitoring and the basic health checks for medicines is handed over to your GP. It is a well-known accepted method of transferring the responsibility of managing ADHD patients from a specialist clinic or hospital to a general practice.
Before responsibility is transferred, the specialist and GP must agree on the SCA guidelines and this should be clearly stated on any referral form. It is important to communicate to the GP that the GP is accountable for the continuous adjustment of the medication and for the monitoring requirements.
Unfortunately, a lot of GPs are not able to accept SCAs. It is not because they are not interested or desire, but because the work involved in SCAs is outside their core funding.
The doctor should be given adequate information regarding the reasons behind SCA and what the expectations of both parties are including the role of the patient and their carer. It should be clear that the decision to go ahead with SCA should be taken by the prescriber initiating treatment. The GP must also be informed if the patient is not willing to take part in SCA.
If a GP does not desire to assume the responsibility of SCA they can choose not to do so, however this can lead to patients being sent back to the private ADHD assessment clinic and psychiatrist who made their initial diagnosis. This can mean that medication prescriptions are issued privately, rather than through the NHS, which of course could be more expensive.
What is a Titration Period?
The tration stage is a crucial step to find the right medication for ADHD. best adhd medication for adults with anxiety involves increasing the dosage gradually until you get to the level that maximises benefits and minimises side effects. It takes time, but your healthcare professional should be in close contact with you to ensure that the process of titrating is as smooth as it can be.
Some patients may experience worsening of their symptoms during the time of titration. People who are hyperactive, for instance can become agitated and angry. For this reason, it is vital that loved ones are aware of any changes and provide support. adhd medication pregnancy is also crucial to eat a balanced diet and to create a consistent sleep routine in order to reduce the side effects of ADHD medication.
Medication is not the only treatment for ADHD, but it is generally suggested as the first line of treatment for adults. Talk therapy is an effective method to deal with anxiety and depression that can cause some of the symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that medication only addresses symptoms and does not alter negative coping mechanisms. Some patients choose not to use meds at all and instead concentrate on self-help methods such as nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and sleep strategies.
It is important to understand the side effects and how they affect your body. Certain medications can cause a decrease in appetite and cause headaches. Others can make you drowsy. Make sure you follow the directions for taking your medication, and talk to your doctor if there are any adverse reactions.
Today, many of the treatments for adults with ADHD are in short supply. This has caused delays in diagnosis and appointments with psychiatrists. NHS England has set up an taskforce to study the issue and suggest ways to reduce the time spent waiting for prescriptions.
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 with similar results.