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ADHD Medication in the UK The drugs for ADHD reduce symptoms by increasing brain activity in specific areas. They also increase the production of neurotransmitters that are insufficient in people with ADHD. Stimulant medicines are the most widely prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD in the UK. They increase activity in the parts of the brain that are involved in concentration and impulse control. Stimulants There are two kinds of medication licensed for use in the UK to treat adult ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulant drugs. Stimulants are often used as the first choice because they boost activity in the regions of the brain that help control attention and behavior. They include methylphenidate, known as Ritalin, and the lisdexamfetamine. These tablets can be taken several times throughout the day as a pill that acts quickly or once a week in the form of a long-acting pill that releases into the bloodstream throughout the day. At first the dosage of the medication might require adjustment and monitored (titrated), to find the dosage that is most effective for you. Stimulants have a long tradition of use both medicinally and as recreational drugs. In the 1930s, truck drivers, students, and athletes used amphetamines to increase their energy levels. Amphetamines pose a risk and can be abused. They are abused because they make people feel happy and can stimulate the brain in ways that can result in addiction. The most common side-effects of stimulants are loss of appetite, trouble sleeping and issues with the digestive system or stomach. These issues can be cured by altering the dosage or timing. Most adults tolerate them well. Children can experience more serious side effects, such as tics, weight gain and irritability. Non-stimulant ADHD medication works differently to the stimulants and can take a while before it starts 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, decrease hyperactivity and impulsivity, as well as reduce behavioural issues like tics and aggression. They can be taken alone or as a complementary treatment alongside ADHD stimulant medications in children aged between 6 and 17 years old. Atomoxetine also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant drug that enhances impulse control and concentration by increasing the levels of noradrenaline in the brain. It can be prescribed on its own, but is usually used in conjunction with guanfacine for children. watch this video don't have the same negative side effects as stimulants but can still cause headaches and sleep problems. Atomoxetine While stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall are usually recommended for children with ADHD However, some children do not respond to these medications. For these kids the nonstimulants, or medications, can be utilized. They boost signaling between nerves and regions of the brain, which help children focus more easily and manage their impulsivity. Nonstimulant ADHD medications use different active ingredients than stimulants. They also do not have the potential to be abused and aren't controlled substances. Atomoxetine (Strattera) is one of the newest non-stimulant drugs that treat ADHD in children, adults and teenagers. It's an antidepressant, which has been proven to decrease symptoms of ADHD by increasing the amount of a chemical that is present in the brain known as noradrenaline. Noradrenaline transmits messages between brain cells and is involved in attention, impulsivity, and motivation. Because of its unique mechanism of action, atomoxetine doesn't have the same negative side effects as other antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and Effexor. It can be prescribed to children as old as 5 and is administered orally, every day, either once or twice in tablet form. Atomoxetine offers a stable, 24 hour control of ADHD symptoms. It can help reduce the effects in the evening when stimulants have worn off. The FDA has also approved guanfacine XR as well as Clonidine XR, both which are also available as non-stimulant ADHD medication. They are typically prescribed to children who haven't responded to stimulant medication or have trouble with their side effects. They can be used in conjunction with stimulants such as Adderall XR, (amphetamines salts) to treat ADHD more effectively. Follow the instructions of your doctor if you or your child is receiving treatment with a nonstimulant ADHD medication. They will likely suggest starting with small doses, and then gradually increasing them. They'll also ask about any other medications that you or your child are taking to check for interactions. You'll need to attend regular appointments and let your GP know if you're experiencing any concerns or reactions from the medication. They may alter your dosage, or suggest alternative treatments like talk therapy. Unlicensed Medication Adult ADHD is treated using various stimulant and anti-stimulant medicines. Psychologists may also prescribe drugs that are off-label for the condition (these are medications that are licensed for different conditions, but are showing evidence of effectiveness in adults with ADHD). These are usually antidepressants such as Venflaxine or bupropion. They have shown some benefit in the condition, and are tolerated at smaller doses. Unlicensed medications can be prescribed to patients if there is a real medical need that is not satisfied by a licensed medicine. This is the case for patients whose regular medication is not available due to disruption in supply or other reasons, as well as patients requiring the use of a liquid version of a licensed tablet or capsule due to intolerance or allergy. Unlicensed medicines are often called'specials' however, this can also be applied to medicines that are not on the label, or that are prepared or sold in a manner which is not covered by the license of the medicine. This could include crushing tablets to make them easier to swallow or adding liquid to an approved capsule or tablet to create a mix to be administered via injection, or using a syringe pump in order to inject medication subcutaneously (under the skin). In general healthcare professionals will make use of unlicensed medications as a last resort and when they feel that no licensed alternative is available. They will carefully weigh the various options available to meet the unique needs of every patient. They will also evaluate the results and treatment regularly, in light of their clinical experience and the availability of new licensed treatments. It is crucial that any medication not licensed to treat a person is safe and efficient. The reason for prescribing the medicine should also be recorded in the patient record. If a patient experiences any side effects due to an off-label medication, they must be reported to the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. This information is used to update the medication's MHRA marketing authorization, and also to ensure that any future prescriptions of the drug are safe and effective. Talk Therapy A therapist who works with you will work with you to understand the symptoms you are experiencing and help find ways to manage them. They will also be able to offer guidance and advice on how you can change the way you think and act in order to feel more optimistic about life. It is crucial to finish the amount of sessions your therapist recommends as this will be key in your feeling more positive. The use of medication can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the number of neurotransmitters in your brain. These are chemicals that allow your brain to transmit messages and help you focus your thoughts and ignore distractions. There are two main kinds of medications used to treat ADHD which are stimulants and non-stimulants. They function in slightly different ways but all increase the availability of neurotransmitters in your brain. There are a variety of medications licensed in the UK to treat ADHD. The most commonly used is methylphenidate. It is available in tablets that are immediate-release (small doses taken two to three times per day) and modified-release tablets (taken every day, but released throughout the day). These aren't an answer, but they can assist you to control the impulsive behavior and focus. They are generally well-tolerated however, your doctor will closely monitor you to ensure that you get the correct dose and do not experience any adverse consequences. It could take a few weeks to get the medication to its optimal level. You may also have to titrate (change your dose regularly) to determine what works best. Non-stimulant medicines like atomoxetine, which is available on prescription only, can be more efficient than stimulants, and are not as prone to the potential for addiction. They are more effective but not as well tolerated. Some people may have issues with memory, appetite or sleep. Your doctor will track your progress and determine whether or not you should continue with Atomoxetine or switch to another treatment. Neither medications nor therapy are permanent solutions for people with ADHD. However, they can improve your ability to deal with your symptoms and lead a happy life. You can benefit the most from your treatment if you combine treatments with regular sessions with your therapist because this gives you the chance to discover ways to cope and identify problematic patterns in your behaviour and thinking. For some, their improved confidence and mood may persist beyond the conclusion of their treatment.