ADHD Medication For Adults in the UK
In the UK, a number of medications are approved for treating ADHD. These include the stimulant methylphenidate as well as the amphetamine based medication lisdexamfetamine. The exact dosage will need to be carefully monitored in the beginning stages of treatment (titration) and then, once stable, prescriptions will be administered by your GP as part of a shared care' arrangement.
What is what is Licensed adhd medication list (L.M.)?
A licensed medicine has gone through all of the necessary tests and clinical trials, and the MHRA the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has given the green light for its use in Great Britain. The medicine will also be listed as suitable for specific conditions on its packaging or in the leaflet that comes with it. All licensed medicines are carefully monitored even after they've been placed on the market, which means that any issues can be spotted quickly and any risks reduced.
Unlicensed medications are sometimes prescribed to patients with ADHD, but they are not often prescribed to adolescents or children. The unlicensed medication may be used for other conditions which have been found to be effective (known as off-label prescribing) or it could be a particular formulation that isn't available on the market, like an oral liquid instead of tablets or something without certain additives. It could also be an experimental drug that is being tested in the UK.
Experimental drugs are referred to as Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs) or Medicines with a Marketing Authorisation (MIA)(IMP). These medicines are not yet approved and can only be purchased with an order from a doctor. The MHRA will conduct a formal assessment as part of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme.
There is one non stimulant medication that is commonly prescribed for ADHD in the UK and Europe, and this is the atomoxetine. This is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, and so differs from other ADHD meds. It boosts the levels of noradrenaline within the brain which is a kind of chemical that transmits messages between nerve cells which improves concentration and helps control impulses. webpage is taken as a capsule 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 a condition that can be treated with medication alone, and therapy is often incorporated into treatment plans for those suffering from the disorder. This may include psychoeducation, which helps children, teenagers and adults make sense of their diagnosis, as well as behavioral therapy, which teaches strategies to manage symptoms.
What is an Unlicensed Medication?
The term 'unlicensed medicine' is a reference to any drug that has not been granted a licence by MHRA. It could be because the medicine was not developed by a UK-based company or was prescribed outside of the licence conditions (off-label). The GMC's guidelines state that 'unlicensed medications are typically used when a suitably licensed product isn't readily available or when an effective treatment that is clinically proven cannot be found using the product with which the prescriber feels comfortable'.
The license of a medicine will include the conditions it treats along with the ages it is able to treat. The licence will also specify the manner and method by which the medicine is to be administered. The MHRA only grants a licence if it is deemed safe and effective in that particular application, based on clinical trials and medical research. The manufacturers of the drugs are not allowed to promote or advertise any use that isn't covered by the licence.
In the UK, it is not illegal to let healthcare professionals to prescribe unlicensed medication provided that the patient is aware about the risks and benefits. They must also keep an account of the use of unlicensed drugs and provide the patient with enough information to make an informed decision.
Unlicensed medications are often administered in hospitals, as there is more experience using them than in GP practices. The hospital will follow procedures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication. This includes keeping detailed records of patients, and recording any adverse reactions. They are required to adhere to MHRA guidelines on the safe supply of unlicensed medications.
Doctors who prescribe specials must to be transparent with patients and their parents or caregivers about the nature of the medication and why it is used and the potential side consequences. They should be able to address any questions and provide written details about any medication they prescribe, including the reasons for prescribing it.
What is an Shared Care Agreement?
As the number of adults who are suspected of having ADHD has been increasing in recent years, so have requests to be referred for an NHS assessment and receive medication for the condition. Unfortunately, the waiting lists for NHS assessments are long, and this means that a large number of patients are opting to pay for their own private ADHD assessments at private clinics. The hope is that after a diagnosis has been confirmed by this process, the GP will sign an agreement of shared care (SCA).
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 recognized accepted method of transferring responsibility for managing ADHD patients from a specialist clinic or hospital to a general practice.
These SCA guidelines should be discussed between the specialist and the GP before responsibility is handed over, and this should be clearly written on any referral form. It should be clear to the GP that the GP is responsible for the continual titration of the medication and for the monitoring requirements.
Unfortunately, many GPs are not able to accept SCAs. This isn't because they lack desire however, it is because the work involved in SCAs is outside their core funding.
The GP should be provided with high-quality information about the reasons behind SCA and what the expectations of both parties are, including the role of the patient and their caregivers. It is also important to be clear that a decision regarding SCA should be made by the prescriber who initiated treatment and the doctor should be informed that they do not want to take part in the SCA.
If a physician does not want to accept responsibility for SCA, they can refuse. However, this can result in patients being sent back to the private ADHD clinic and psychiatrist that gave their initial diagnosis. This could mean that prescriptions for medication are issued privately rather than through the NHS which, of course, can be more costly.
What is a titration period?
The tration phase is a crucial stage to find the appropriate medication for ADHD. It involves increasing the dosage gradually until you reach a level that maximises benefits and minimises side effects. It is an ongoing process that can take time. Your healthcare professional should work with you closely to ensure that the titration process is as effortless as it can be.
Some patients may experience worsening of their symptoms during the titration phase. Hyperactive people, for example can become agitated and irritable. Because of this, it is crucial that family members are aware of any changes in behavior and provide assistance. To reduce the side effects from ADHD medication, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle and a consistent sleep schedule.
The use of medication isn't the only treatment for ADHD, but it is typically recommended as the first option for management in adults. Talk therapy is a helpful tool to address depression and anxiety that can be the cause of some symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to keep in mind that medication is only used to treat symptoms and doesn't alter negative coping mechanisms. Some patients decide not to take any medication and instead focus on self-help strategies such as exercise, nutrition and stress reduction.
It is important to go about the potential side effects of any medicine you are prescribed and know how the medication will affect your body. Some medications can cause headaches or drowsiness as well as decrease appetite. Always take your medication as directed and speak to your doctor for any adverse effects that occur.
Today, many of the drugs used to treat adult ADHD are in short supply. This has caused delays in the diagnosis process as well as appointments with psychiatrists. NHS England has set up an taskforce to study the issue and recommend ways to reduce the time spent waiting for medication.
Ask your local GP what alternatives are available to you. You might be able to get the same medications privately or they might suggest alternative medications with similar results.