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ADHD Medication in the UK The drugs for ADHD reduce symptoms by increasing the activity of the brain in certain areas. They also increase the production of neurotransmitters that are deficient in people with ADHD. Stimulant medications are the most frequently prescribed medication for adult ADHD in the UK. They work by increasing activity in the parts of the brain involved with 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. stimulants, which boost brain activity in areas that regulate attention and behavior are usually the first option. They include methylphenidate (often called Ritalin) and lisdexamfetamine (brand names that include Vyvanse). These tablets can be taken a few times a day as a short-acting tablet or once a week in the form of a long-acting medication that releases into the bloodstream throughout the day. In the beginning, the dose of the medication might need to be adjusted and monitored (titrated), to find the dosage that is most effective for you. Stimulants are widely used as medical drugs and recreational drugs. In the 1930s truck drivers, students, and athletes used amphetamines in order to boost their energy. Amphetamines are dangerous and can be abused. They are used to make people feel great and can stimulate the mind in ways that lead to addiction. The loss of appetite, the difficulty sleeping and problems with digestion or stomach are among the most frequent side effects of stimulants. These issues can be cured by altering the dosage or timing. Most adults tolerate them well. Children can experience more serious side effects, like tics, weight gain and irritability. Non-stimulant ADHD medication functions in a different way than stimulants and may take a while to start working. Clonidine and Guanfacine (brand names Catapres and Intuniv) are alpha agonists, both of which are able to stimulate certain receptors in the brain. This helps improve concentration, reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, as well as reduce behavioural issues such as aggression and tics. They can be taken alone or as a complement along with ADHD stimulant medications for children aged 6-17 years old. Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) is another non-stimulant medication for ADHD that increases levels of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline to improve impulse control and concentration. It is available as a standalone medication however it is often combined with guanfacine in children. These medications do not cause the same side effects as stimulants, but they can still cause headaches and sleep problems. Atomoxetine Some children are not responsive to stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin. For these children the nonstimulants, or medications, can be utilized. They improve the signaling between nerves and the regions of the brain, helping kids concentrate more easily and manage the impulsivity. Non-stimulant ADHD medicines use different active ingredients to stimulants and do not have a potential for abuse, so they aren't controlled substances. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is one of the latest non-stimulant medications that treat ADHD in children, adults and teenagers. It's an antidepressant which has been proven to decrease symptoms of ADHD by increasing the levels of a chemical present in the brain called noradrenaline. Noradrenaline transmits messages between brain cells and is involved in attention, impulsivity and motivation. Due to its unique mechanism of action, atomoxetine isn't able to suffer from the same adverse effects that other antidepressants do, such as Wellbutrin and Effexor. It is available to children as young 5 years old. It is taken either once or twice a day in tablet form. Atomoxetine provides stable, 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms, which means it may help reduce problems at night, when the effects of certain stimulants fade. The FDA has also approved guanfacine XR and clonidine XR, both of which are also available as non-stimulant ADHD medications. These are typically prescribed to kids who haven't responded to stimulant medication or have issues with their side effects. They can be administered by themselves or in conjunction with stimulants, such as Adderall XR (amphetamine salts) to offer an effective treatment for ADHD. Follow the instructions of your doctor Follow your doctor's instructions if your child or you is taking non-stimulant ADHD medicine. They will likely suggest starting with a low dose and gradually increasing the dosage over time. They will also inquire about any other medications that you or your child is taking so they can ensure that there aren't any interactions. You will need to make regular appointments with your GP and inform them of any issues or side effects. They may alter your dosage or suggest alternative treatments such as talking therapy. Unlicensed Medication The treatment for ADHD in adults is a range of stimulant and non-stimulant medications. The psychiatric physician can also prescribe medications that are off-label (these are drugs which are licensed for another condition but have emerging evidence for effectiveness in adult ADHD). These medications are usually antidepressants, such as bupropion and venflaxine, which have been shown to have some beneficial effect in the condition and are well tolerated at lower doses than those used in the licensed treatments. Sometimes, unlicensed medications are prescribed to patients when there is a genuine medical need that is unique to the patient and the prescription cannot be met with an alternative licensed medicine. This includes patients whose usual medication is not available due to supply disruption or other reasons, as well as patients requiring a liquid formulation of an approved capsule or tablet due to reasons like intolerance or allergy. Unlicensed medications are often referred to as “specials”. This term can also be used to refer to medicines that are “off-label” or are prepared or supplied in a way that is not covered by the license. These might include crushing tablets to make them easier to swallow or adding a liquid to a licensed tablet or capsule to make a mixture suitable to be administered by injection or using a syringe pump to administer medication subcutaneously (under the skin). Healthcare professionals generally employ unlicensed drugs as a last option and when they feel there is no alternative that is licensed. They will carefully consider several options to meet the unique requirements of every patient. They will also review the outcomes and treatment routinely, in light of their clinical experience and the availability of new licensed treatments. It is crucial that any medicine that is not licensed to treat a patient is safe and effective, and the reason for prescribing it is recorded in the patient's medical record. Inform about any adverse effects that a patient might experience from an off-label medication by using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. The information provided will be used to update the medicine's MHRA marketing authorisation and also to ensure that future prescriptions for the drug are safe and effective. Talk Therapy A therapist for talk will work with you to understand your symptoms and help you find ways to manage them. They will also provide advice and support about how to change your way of thinking and acting to feel more positive. It is important to complete the amount of sessions your therapist suggests as this will help in you feeling better. Medicines can reduce the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that your brain produces. These are substances that allow your neurons to transmit messages, and assist you in focusing your thoughts and stay clear of distractions. There are two major types of medication used to treat ADHD that are stimulants and non-stimulants. I Am Psychiatry of them increase the availability neurotransmitters within your brain. There are a number of medicines licensed in the UK to treat ADHD. The most common medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets that are used in small doses, 2 to 3 times per day. Also, as modified-release tablets that are taken every week but released over the duration of the day. These aren't an effective treatment for ADHD however they can help to concentrate and control the impulsive behavior. They are generally well-tolerated however, your doctor will closely monitor your progress to ensure that you receive the right dose and do not experience any adverse side consequences. Medication can take a few weeks to reach your optimal level and may have to be titrated (changed on an ongoing basis) in order to find what works best for you. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, which is available on prescription only, can be more effective than stimulants and do not have the same potential for addiction. They have a stronger evidence basis, however they aren't as well-tolerated. Some people suffer from problems with their appetite, memory, or sleep. Your doctor will be able to monitor your progress and determine whether you should continue with atomoxetine or change to another treatment. Therapy and medication are not permanent solutions for those with ADHD. They can help you cope with your symptoms, and live a fulfilling lifestyle. You will make the most of your treatment if you combine treatment with regular visits to your therapist, as this will give you a chance to learn strategies for coping and recognize unhelpful patterns in your behavior and thinking. For certain people, their improved confidence and mood can persist beyond the conclusion of their treatment.