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ADHD Medication in the UK The drugs for ADHD reduce symptoms by enhancing brain activity in specific areas. They also stimulate the production of neurotransmitters that are deficient in people with ADHD. In the UK the UK, stimulant drugs are the most frequently prescribed treatment for adults with ADHD. They increase activity in parts of the brain involved with concentration and impulse control. Stimulants There are two kinds of drugs that are licensed in the UK to treat adult ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulant medications. The stimulants are typically used as the first choice because they increase activity in the regions of the brain that regulate attention and behaviour. They include methylphenidate, known as Ritalin, and Lisdexamfetamine. They can be administered frequently throughout the day in a tablet with a short-acting mechanism or taken once a day in a tablet with a long-acting mechanism that is released into the bloodstream throughout the course of a day. At first the dosage of the medication may require adjustment and monitored (titrated) in order to determine the dose that is effective for you. Stimulants have a long tradition of use both medicinally and as recreational drugs. In the 1930s, amphetamines were commonly employed by truck drivers, students and sportspeople to boost their energy levels. Amphetamines are dangerous and can be abused. They are often abused because they can make people feel good and stimulate the brain in ways that result in addiction. Insomnia, difficulties sleeping and issues with digestion or stomach are some of the most common negative effects of stimulants. These problems can be reduced by adjusting the dose or timing. They are generally tolerated by adults in general. Children may experience more severe adverse effects, including weight gain, tics and irritability. Non-stimulant ADHD medication works in a different manner in comparison to stimulants and can take a while before it starts working. Clonidine and Guanfacine are called Catapres and Intuniv, are alpha agonists. They are able to stimulate the receptors of the brain to improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity, hyperactivity and behavioral issues such tics and aggression. They can be used on their own or as a supplement along with ADHD stimulant medications for children aged 6-17 years old. Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) is a non-stimulant medication for ADHD that increases levels of the neurotransmitter Noradrenaline to improve impulse control and improve concentration. It can be prescribed on its own, but is most often used in conjunction with guanfacine for children. These medications do not cause the same side effects as stimulants but can still cause headaches and sleep problems. Atomoxetine Some children are not responsive to stimulant medications like Adderall and Ritalin. Nonstimulants are available for children who aren't. They enhance the communication between brain regions, nerves and brain regions. This helps children manage impulsivity and concentrate better. Non-stimulant ADHD drugs contain different active ingredients than stimulants. They also do not contain the potential for abuse and aren't controlled substances. Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera, is a non-stimulant medication that can be used to treat ADHD among adults, children and teenagers. It is an antidepressant, and has been proven to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the amount a chemical called noradrenaline within the brain. Noradrenaline is a chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. It's also involved in impulsivity, motivation and attention. Atomoxetine, because of its unique mechanism of effect, does not have the same side-effects as other antidepressants such as Wellbutrin or Effexor. It can be prescribed to children as old as 5 and is taken orally, at least once or twice per day in tablet form. Atomoxetine produces stable 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms, and could help to reduce the symptoms at night, when the effects of stimulants fade. Both clonidine and guanfacine are available as non-stimulant ADHD medication. These are given to children who haven't been able to respond to stimulant medications or who have difficulty with its side effects. They can be paired with stimulants like Adderall XR, (amphetamines salts), to treat ADHD more effectively. Follow the advice of your doctor If you or your child is being treated with an non-stimulant ADHD medication. They may suggest starting with small doses, and then gradually increasing the dosage over time. They will also want to be aware of any other medications you or your child are taking, so they can ensure that there aren't any interactions. You'll need to schedule regular appointments with your GP and inform them of any issues or side effects. They will be able to change your dosage or advise on alternative treatments such as talking therapy. Unlicensed Medication Adult ADHD is treated using a variety of stimulant and anti-stimulant drugs. Psychologists may also prescribe drugs which are 'off-label' for the condition (these are substances that are approved for other conditions but have emerging evidence of effectiveness in adults with ADHD). These are typically antidepressants like bupropion or venflaxine, which have been shown to have a positive effect in the condition and are well-tolerated at lower doses than the ones found in the licensed treatments. Sometimes, unlicensed medications are prescribed to patients in cases where there is a special clinical need and the prescription cannot be fulfilled with a licensed alternative. Patients whose usual medication has been temporarily interrupted due to a disruption of supply, or those who require liquid versions of a licensed capsule or tablet due to allergies or intolerances can all be affected. Unlicensed medicines are often referred to as “specials”. This term can also be used to describe drugs that are “off-label” or have been prepared or provided in a manner that is not covered by the license. These might include crushing tablets to make them easier to swallow or adding a liquid to an approved capsule or tablet to form a mixture to be administered by injection or using a syringe pump to administer the medication subcutaneously (under the skin). Healthcare professionals generally use unlicensed medications as a last option and when they feel there is no licensed alternative. They will carefully evaluate a variety of options to meet the individual needs of each patient. They will also review treatment and outcomes regularly considering both clinical experience and the availability of new licensed treatments. It is essential that any medication that is not licensed to treat a patient is safe and effective. The reason for prescribing the medication should be recorded in the patient record. If a patient experiences any adverse effects from an off-label treatment they should be reported via the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. This information is used by the MHRA to update the marketing authorisation of the medication and ensure that future prescriptions are safe and effective. Talk Therapy A talk therapist will work with you to understand your symptoms and assist you to discover ways to manage them. best adhd medication for adults uk can also give you advice and support about how to alter your way of thinking and acting to feel more positive. It is crucial that you complete the recommended number of sessions as this will make you feel better. The use of medication can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters that your brain produces. These chemicals allow your neurons transmit messages, allowing you focus your mind and avoid distractions. There are two main kinds of drugs used to treat ADHD which are stimulants and non-stimulants. They function in slightly different ways but they all improve the supply of neurotransmitters within your brain. There are several medications licenced in the UK to treat ADHD. The most popular is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets (small doses that are taken between 2 and 3 times per day) and modified-release tablets (taken once a day but released throughout the day). These medications aren't a cure for ADHD however they can make it easier to focus and control an impulsive behavior. They are generally well tolerated but your doctor will monitor closely to ensure you receive the correct dose and that you don't suffer any adverse side negative effects. Medication can take a few weeks to reach the optimal level and may need to be titrated (changed frequently) in order to find the most effective dosage for you. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine, that is available by prescription only, are 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 specialist will monitor you development and decide if you should continue with atomoxetine, or switch to another treatment. Neither medications nor therapy are permanent solutions for people with ADHD. However, they can enhance your ability to cope with your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. Combining therapy with medication sessions will allow you to get the most benefit from your treatment. You'll learn coping strategies and recognize unhelpful patterns of behavior and thoughts. For some, their increased confidence and mood can last well beyond the duration of their treatment.