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ADHD Medication in the UK Treatments for ADHD help to reduce symptoms by increasing activity in specific areas of the brain. They also increase the production of neurotransmitters which are deficient in people with ADHD. In the UK, stimulant medications are the most frequently prescribed medication for adults with ADHD. They are effective by enhancing activity in areas of the brain involved in the control of impulses and attention. Stimulants In the UK There are two types of medication that are approved for adult ADHD treatment that are approved for treatment of ADHD: stimulants and nonstimulant medicines. Stimulants are often considered the first option because they increase activity in areas of the brain that help regulate attention and behaviour. They include methylphenidate (often known as Ritalin) and Lisdexamfetamine (brand names like Vyvanse). These tablets can be taken a few times throughout the day as a pill that acts quickly or every week as a long-acting medication that releases into the bloodstream throughout the day. The dose of the medication could need to be adjusted regularly in the beginning, as it is adjusted and monitored (titrated) to find the dosage that is effective for you. Stimulants have a long history of use both medicinally and as recreational drugs. During the 1930s amphetamines were frequently used by truck drivers, students and athletes for their energy boosters. Amphetamines are dangerous and can be abused. They are often abused because they can make people feel good and can stimulate the brain in ways that could lead to addiction. The most frequently reported side-effects of stimulants are a loss of appetite, sleep disturbances and problems with the digestive system or stomach. Modifications in the dosage or timing of the medication usually reduce these problems. The majority of adults are tolerant. However, children can experience more significant side-effects, including anxiety, weight loss and irritability. Non-stimulant ADHD medications function differently than stimulants and can take a while before they begin to show results. Clonidine and guanfacine (brand names Catapres and Intuniv) are both alpha agonists which work by stimulating certain receptors in the brain to improve concentration, reduce the impulsivity and hyperactivity, and reduce behavioral issues like tics and aggression. They can be used in addition to ADHD stimulant medication or taken on their own by children aged between 6 and 17. Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) is a different non-stimulant medication for ADHD that boosts levels of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline to improve impulse control and improve concentration. It can be prescribed as its own, but is typically combined with guanfacine in children. These drugs are less likely to cause the same adverse effects as stimulants, but may still trigger a variety of symptoms, including headaches and trouble sleeping. Atomoxetine While stimulant medications such as Ritalin and Adderall are generally recommended for kids with ADHD Some children don't respond to these medications. There are alternatives to stimulants for these children. They boost signaling between nerves and regions of the brain, which help children to concentrate better and control their impulsivity. Nonstimulant ADHD medications contain different active ingredients to stimulants and don't have a potential for abuse, so they aren't controlled substances. Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant drug that can be used to treat ADHD in children, adults and teens. It is an antidepressant that has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms by increasing the amount a chemical known as noradrenaline that is present in the brain. Noradrenaline is a chemical that transmits messages between brain cells. It also plays a role in impulsivity, motivation and attention. Because of its unique mechanism of action, atomoxetine does not suffer from the same adverse effects as other antidepressants like Wellbutrin and Effexor. It is available to children as young as 5 years old. It is taken once or twice daily in tablet form. Atomoxetine provides stable 24-hour control of ADHD symptoms. It can reduce the severity of problems at night when the stimulants have worn off. The FDA has also approved guanfacine XR and Clonidine XR both of which are also available as non-stimulant ADHD medications. These are available to children who have not responded to stimulant medication or who have difficulty with its side effects. They can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulants like Adderall XR (amphetamine salts), for an effective treatment for ADHD. If you or your child is being treated with a non-stimulant ADHD medication, make sure you follow your GP's directions carefully. They will probably suggest starting off with low doses, and then gradually increasing them. They'll also ask about any other medications that you or your child is taking so they can check for interactions. You'll have to make regular appointments and inform your GP know if you're experiencing any concerns or side effects from the medication. They may change the dosage, or suggest alternative treatments like talking therapy. Unlicensed Medication The treatment for ADHD in adults is a mix of non-stimulant and stimulant drugs. Psychiatrists can also prescribe medicines that are 'off label' (these are medications that are licensed for a different condition but have emerging evidence for their effectiveness in adults with ADHD). These medications are typically antidepressants such as Venflaxine or bupropion. They have been shown to provide some benefits in the condition, and are well tolerated in smaller doses. Sometimes, unlicensed medications are prescribed to a patient in cases where there is a medical need that is unique to the patient and the prescription cannot be met with an alternative licensed medicine. This is the case for patients whose regular medication is unavailable due to supply disruption, as well as patients requiring liquid formulations of a licensed tablet or capsule due to intolerance or allergy. Unlicensed medicines are often described as'specials' however this term could also be applied to medicines that are off-label or that are prepared or supplied in a way that isn't covered by the medicine's licence. For instance, some examples include crushing tablets to make them easier for patients to swallow. Others could include adding liquid to tablets or capsules licensed by the FDA to make a mixture that can be administered via injection. In general healthcare professionals will use unlicensed medication as a last resort and when they feel that no licensed alternative is available. They will carefully evaluate several options to meet the unique requirements of each patient. They will also regularly review treatments and outcomes taking into consideration both clinical experience and new licensed treatments. It is important that any medicine not licensed to treat a patient is safe and effective, and the reason for prescribing it is documented in the patient's record. If a patient experiences any side effects from an off-label treatment, they should be reported through the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. IamPsychiatry will be used to update the medicine's MHRA marketing authorisation, and so to ensure that any future prescriptions of the drug are safe and effective. Talk Therapy A talk therapist works with you to help identify your issues and find ways to manage. They can also give you guidance and advice on how to change your way of thinking and acting to feel more positive. It is essential to complete the amount of sessions your therapist recommends as this will make your feeling more positive. Medicines can reduce the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in your brain. These chemicals allow your neurons pass on messages, helping you focus your mind and stay clear of distractions. There are two types of medication used to treat ADHD which are stimulants and non-stimulants. They function in different ways, but all increase the availability of neurotransmitters in your brain. In the UK there are a variety of medications that can be utilized to treat ADHD. The most popular medication is methylphenidate. It is available in immediate-release tablets that are taken in small doses 2 to 3 times daily. Or as modified-release tablets that are taken every week but released over the course of the day. These aren't an answer, but they can assist you to control an impulsive behaviour and help you focus. They are usually well-tolerated but your specialist will monitor you closely to ensure that you are receiving the correct dose and do not suffer from any adverse consequences. It could take a few weeks for the medication to reach its ideal level. It is also possible to titrate (change your dose regularly) to determine what is most effective. Non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine which is available on prescription only, are more efficient than stimulants, and are not as prone to the potential for addiction. They have a stronger evidence base, but they aren't as well-tolerated. Some people suffer from problems with their appetite, memory or sleep. Your doctor will track your progress and decide whether to continue using atomoxetine or switch to a different treatment. Neither medications nor therapy are permanent solutions for those suffering from ADHD. However, they can improve your ability to manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life. Combining therapy with medication sessions will help you gain the most from your treatment. You'll learn coping strategies and recognize unhelpful patterns of behaviour and thought. For some, their increased confidence and mood may last well beyond the duration of their treatment.