ADHD Medication For Adults in the UK
In the UK There are many medications are approved for treating ADHD. The stimulant methylphenidate and the amphetamine-based drug lisdexamfetamine, are two of the most commonly prescribed drugs. The dosage will be closely monitored in the beginning stages of treatment.
What is an Licensed Medication?
A licensed medicine will have gone through all necessary clinical tests and trials, and the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority) has granted it the approval for use in Great Britain. The packaging of the medicine or the leaflet that comes with it will clearly indicate whether it is suitable for a particular condition. All licensed medicines undergo strict supervision and testing, even after they're on the market. see here allows for issues to be quickly identified and the risk to be minimized.
Unlicensed drugs are sometimes prescribed to patients with ADHD however they are seldom prescribed to children or teenagers. Unlicensed medicines can be prescribed for other ailments that have been shown to work well (known as "off-label prescribing"), or they could be a form of treatment not yet available on the market, such as an oral liquid instead of a tablet. It could be an experimental drug that is being studied in the UK.
The term "experimental drugs" is used to describe Medicines with an IMP or Marketing Authorisation(MIA) (IMP) or Investigational Medicinal Products. These medications are not yet approved and can only be purchased through an order from a doctor. They will have been subject to an assessment in a formal manner by the MHRA as part of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) and so pharmaceutical quality is assured.
Atomoxetine is a medication that's not stimulant that is commonly prescribed in the UK and Europe for ADHD. It is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, and so differs from other ADHD medication. It increases noradrenaline in the brain which is a type of chemical that sends messages between nerve cells, and this aids concentration and assists in controlling impulses. It is usually taken in capsules once or twice daily.
Only psychiatrists are able to diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication for adults. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't just a disorder which can be treated by medication alone. Therapy is often incorporated in treatment plans. Psychoeducation, which assists adolescents, children, and adults make sense of their diagnosis, as well as behavioral therapy, which teaches strategies to manage symptoms.
What is an unlicensed medicine?
The term 'unlicensed medicine' refers to any medicine that has not been granted a licence by the MHRA. It could be that the drug was not developed by a UK-based business or was prescribed outside of the terms of licence (off-label). The GMC's guidelines say that 'unlicensed medicine is usually employed when a licensed product is not available, or when a treatment that is clinically effective cannot be found with the product the prescriber is most comfortable with'.
A medical license will specify the health conditions it treats as well as the ages of patients it can be given to. It will also state the dosage and by whom. The MHRA only grants a license only if it is safe and effective for that specific use, based upon clinical trials and medical research. The drugs' manufacturers are not permitted to promote or advertise any use that is not covered by the licence.
It is not illegal in the UK for healthcare professionals to prescribe a non-licensed medication provided they explain the advantages and risks of this to the patient. They must keep records of the use of unlicensed medications and provide the patient sufficient information to help them make an informed decision.
Unlicensed medications are often administered in hospitals, where there is more experience using them than in GP surgeries. The hospital will have procedures in place to ensure the safety of the medication including keeping detailed patient records and making sure that any adverse effects are documented. They will be required to follow MHRA guidelines regarding the safe supply of unlicensed medicines.
Specials are prescribed by doctors who must communicate with their patients, parents or caregivers about the medicine it is prescribed for, its purpose, and any possible side effects. They should be able to answer any questions and provide written information on any medicine they prescribe, including the reasons behind it.
What is a Shared-Care Agreement?
The number of adults who are suspected to have ADHD has increased in recent years so have demanded to be referred for an NHS assessment and also to receive medication for the condition. Unfortunately, the waiting lists for NHS assessments are long, and this means that a large number of patients are reverting to self-funding private ADHD assessments at private clinics. If a diagnosis is confirmed, the GP could sign a shared-care agreement (SCA) with the patient.
A SCA is an agreement between your psychiatrist and your GP where the responsibility of prescribing, monitoring and the basic health checks for medications is handed over to your GP. This is a recognised and agreed method of transferring responsibility for managing a patient with ADHD from a hospital or specialist service to general practice, provided it is in line with NHS England guidelines.
Before responsibility is transferred the specialist and GP must agree on the SCA guidelines. This must be clearly stated on any referral form. It should also be clarified that the GP is responsible for the ongoing titration and monitoring requirements of the medication.
Unfortunately, a large number of GPs do not accept SCAs. It's not because they lack desire or desire, but because the work involved in SCAs is not part of their primary funding.
The doctor should be given adequate information regarding the motivation behind SCA and what the expectations of both parties, including the roles of the patient and their caregivers. It should also be clear that a decision on SCA must be made by the doctor who initiated treatment and the doctor should be informed if they are not willing to participate in the SCA.
If a doctor does not want to assume the responsibility of SCA they can refuse to do so, but this could result in patients being sent back to the private ADHD assessment clinic and psychiatrist who carried out their initial diagnosis. This can lead to prescriptions for medication being issued privately, rather than via the NHS. This could be more costly.
What is a Titration Period?
The tration period is a crucial step in determining the best medication to treat your ADHD. It is the process of gradually increasing your dose until you reach a dose that maximises the benefits of your medication while minimizing adverse effects. It is an process that takes time. Your healthcare professional should be in close contact with you to ensure the titration procedure is as smooth as it can be.
Some patients may experience an increase in their symptoms during the titration period. People who are hyperactive, like, may become restless and angry. For this reason, it is crucial that loved ones are aware of any changes and offer support. It is also important to have a healthy diet and to create a regular sleep routine in order to reduce the side effects of ADHD medication.
It is important to remember that medication isn't the only option for ADHD treatment. However, it is recommended as a first-line treatment option in adults. Talk therapy is a helpful tool to treat anxiety and depression that can cause some of the symptoms of ADHD. It is important to keep in mind that medication only addresses the symptoms, not alter longstanding negative coping mechanisms. Some patients opt not to use meds at all and instead focus on self-help therapies like exercise, nutrition and stress reduction strategies.
It is important to understand the side effects and how they affect your body. Some medications can decrease appetite and cause headaches. Others can make you drowsy. Always use your medication according to the instructions and consult your physician if any adverse effects occur.
A lot of the drugs used to treat adult ADHD are currently in short supply because of supply issues. This has caused delays in the diagnosis process and a backlog in appointments with psychiatrists. NHS England has created a taskforce to study the issue and offer suggestions on how to reduce the time it takes to get medication.
Despite the shortage of some well-known medications, it's still possible to get ADHD care in the NHS and it's a good idea to ask your local GP about the options available to you. You may be able get the same medications privately or they might suggest alternative medications that provide similar results.