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ADHD Medication For Adults in the UK In the UK there are a variety of medicines licensed for treating ADHD. The stimulant methylphenidate, and the amphetamine-based medicine lisdexamfetamine are two of the most commonly prescribed medications. The exact dosage will need to be monitored closely during the initial stages of treatment (titration) and then the stable prescriptions can be managed by your GP as part of an agreed'shared care' arrangement. What is an Licensed Medication? A licensed medicine has gone through all of the necessary tests and clinical trials, and the MHRA Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA), has given the go ahead for its use in Great Britain. The medication will also be clearly listed as suitable for a particular condition on its packaging or in a leaflet which is included with it. All licensed medicines undergo rigorous regulation and testing, even after they're being sold. This allows for problems to be detected quickly and the risk to be minimized. Certain people with ADHD may be prescribed unlicensed medications however, they are not often used on children and teenagers. Unlicensed medicines can be prescribed for other ailments that have been shown to work well (known as “off-label prescribing”) or they could be a formulation that isn't yet on the market like a liquid oral instead of a tablet. It could also be an experimental medication that is being tested in the UK. The term “experimental drugs” is used to describe Medicines that have an Marketing Authorisation(MIA) (IMP) or Investigational Medicinal Products. These medicines are not yet licensed 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 often prescribed for ADHD in the UK and Europe and that is the atomoxetine. This drug is a selective inhibitor of noradrenaline's uptake which means it performs differently than other ADHD drugs. It increases noradrenaline, which is a chemical that helps to transmit messages between neurons in the brain. This improves concentration and also helps control impulses. It is taken in capsules at least once or twice a day. Only psychiatrists are able to diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication for adults. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't a condition which can be treated by medication by itself. Therapy is often incorporated in treatment plans. Psychoeducation is a form of therapy which helps teens, children and adults comprehend their diagnosis, as well as behavioural therapy, which teaches methods to manage symptoms. What is an unlicensed medicine? The term “unlicensed medication” refers to any drug that has not been granted a license by the MHRA. It could be that the medicine has not been created by an UK company, or it was prescribed outside the terms of its licence (ie off-label). The GMC's guidelines state that 'unlicensed medicines are typically employed when a licensed product is not available, or when a clinically-effective treatment is not available with the medication that the doctor is most comfortable with'. A medicine's licence will list the conditions it treats as well as the age of patients it may be prescribed to. The licence will also state what and how the medicine is to be administered. The MHRA will only issue a licence if the drug is considered to be safe and effective for that use, which is based on medical research and clinical studies. The manufacturers of drugs are not permitted to promote or advertise any uses that are not covered under the licence. In the UK, it is not illegal for a healthcare professional prescribe an unlicensed medication as long as the patient is aware about the risks and benefits. They must keep an account of the use of unlicensed medications and give the patient enough information to make the decision. Unlicensed medications are often offered in hospitals, as there is more experience using them than in GP practices. The hospital will implement procedures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medication. This includes keeping detailed records of patients, and also noting any adverse effects. They are required to adhere to MHRA guidelines on the safe supply of unlicensed medications. Specials are prescribed by doctors who must be clear with their patients, parents or caregivers about the medication it is prescribed for, its purpose, and any potential side effects. They should be able to answer any questions and provide written details about any medication they prescribe, including the reasons for prescribing it. What is a Shared-Care agreement? The number of adults who are suspected to have ADHD has increased in recent years so have requests to be referred for an NHS assessment and receive treatment for the condition. The waiting lists for NHS assessments are long and this means that a large number of patients are turning to self-funding private ADHD assessments at specialist private clinics. The hope is that after a diagnosis has been confirmed by this process, the GP will enter into an agreement of shared care (SCA). A SCA is a contract between your psychiatrist and GP, whereby the responsibility for prescribing medication monitoring, as well as basic health checks is transferred to your GP. This is a recognised accepted method of transferring responsibility for managing ADHD patients from a specialist service 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 as well as the monitoring requirements. Unfortunately, a lot of GPs are not able to accept SCAs. It's not because they lack desire or desire, but because the work involved in SCAs is not part of their primary funding. adhd medications should be provided with high-quality information about the reasons behind SCA and what the expectations of both parties are including the roles of the patient and their caregivers. It should be clear that the decision to pursue SCA must be made by the physician who initiated treatment. The GP should be informed if the patient is not willing to participate in SCA. If a doctor doesn't want to assume the responsibility of SCA they can choose not to do so, but this could result in patients being sent back to the private ADHD assessment clinic and psychiatrist who performed their initial diagnosis. This could result in medication prescriptions being issued privately, rather than through NHS. This could be more expensive. What is a titration duration? The tration phase is a crucial element to determine the appropriate medication to treat your ADHD. It is the process of gradually increasing your dosage until you reach a dose that maximizes your benefits while minimising your side effects. It is a process that takes time. Your healthcare professional should work with you closely to ensure the titration procedure is as effortless as it can be. Certain patients may experience an increase in their symptoms during the titration phase. For uk adhd medication , people who are hyperactive might become more restless and angry than they normally are. Because of this, it is vital that family members are aware of any changes and provide assistance. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and to create a consistent sleep routine to lessen the adverse effects of ADHD medications. It is important to remember that medication isn't the only option for ADHD treatment. However, it is recommended as a first-line treatment option for adults. Talk therapy is an effective tool to treat anxiety and depression that can cause some of the symptoms of ADHD. It is essential to remember that medication only addresses symptoms and does not alter negative coping mechanisms. Some patients decide not to take any medication and instead concentrate on self-help techniques such as exercise, nutrition and stress reduction. It is important to understand the effects of side effects and how they affect your body. Certain medications can cause a decrease in appetite and cause headaches, as well as cause you to feel sleepy. Be sure to use your medications as directed, and talk to your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions. Many of the medications used to treat adult ADHD are currently out of stock because of shortages. This has led to delays in the diagnosis process as well as appointments with psychiatrists. NHS England has set up an taskforce to study the issue and suggest ways to reduce the time spent waiting for prescriptions. Despite the lack of certain popular drugs, it's still possible to get ADHD care in the NHS and it's a good idea to ask your local GP about the options available to you. You may be able get the same medications privately or they could suggest alternatives with similar results.