ADHD Medication For Adults in the UK
In the UK there are a variety of medicines licensed for treating ADHD. The stimulant methylphenidate as well as the amphetamine-based drug lisdexamfetamine, are two of the most frequently prescribed drugs. The exact dosage will need to be monitored closely during the early stages of treatment (titration) and then, once stable, prescriptions will be administered by your GP as part of a shared care' arrangement.
What is an Licensed Medication?
buy adhd medication online that is licensed has been through all the necessary clinical tests and trials and the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority) has given it the go ahead to be used in Great Britain. The packaging of the medicine or the leaflet that comes along with it will clearly indicate the appropriateness of the medicine for a specific condition. All licensed medicines are carefully controlled and monitored, even after they've entered the market, so problems can be identified quickly and any risk reduced.
Unlicensed medications are sometimes prescribed to those suffering from ADHD however they are seldom prescribed to adolescents or children. The unlicensed medication may be used for other conditions that have been proven to be effective (known as off-label prescribing) or it could be a specific formula that isn't available on the market, like an oral liquid instead of a tablet or something free from certain additives. It could also be an experimental drug currently being evaluated in the UK.
Experimental drugs are referred to as Investigational Medicinal Products (IMPs) or Medicines with a Marketing Authorisation (MIA)(IMP). These drugs aren't yet licensed and can only be purchased with the prescription of a physician. They will have undergone an official assessment by the MHRA as part of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) and therefore the quality of pharmaceuticals is guaranteed.
Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication that is often prescribed in the UK and Europe for ADHD. This is a selective noradrenaline-reuptake inhibitor, and so works differently to other ADHD medication. It increases the amount of noradrenaline in the brain which is a type of chemical that passes messages between nerve cells and this aids concentration and assists in controlling impulses. It is taken in capsule form at least once or twice a day.
A psychiatrist is the only mental health professional who can identify ADHD in adults, and then prescribe medication to treat it. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't just a disorder that can be treated through medication alone. Therapy is often included in treatment plans. This may include psychoeducation, which assists children, teenagers and adults comprehend their diagnosis, as well as behavioural therapy, which teaches techniques to manage symptoms.
What is an unlicensed drug?
The term "unlicensed medicine" is a reference to any drug that has not been granted a license by the MHRA. It could be because the medicine was not developed by a UK-based business or it was prescribed outside of the licence conditions (off-label). The GMC's guidance states that 'unlicensed medicines are usually used when a suitable licensed product isn't readily available or when a clinically effective treatment can't be found using the product with which the prescriber feels at ease'.
A medical license will specify the health conditions it treats as well as the age of the patients it can be given to. It will also specify how it should be used and by whom. The MHRA will only grant permission when the drug is believed to be safe and effective for the use, which is based on medical research and clinical studies. The drug's manufacturers are not permitted to promote or advertise any use that is not covered by the licence.
It is not illegal in the UK for healthcare professionals to prescribe a medication that is not licensed in the event that they are able to explain the dangers and benefits of doing so to the patient. They must keep records of the use of medications that are not licensed and give the patient enough information to make an informed decision about whether they want to take it.
Hospitals tend to provide unlicensed medications because they have more experience with them than doctors' surgeries. The hospital will have procedures in place to ensure the security of the medication, which includes keeping detailed patient records and ensuring that any adverse effects are recorded. They will also be required to adhere to the MHRA's guidelines for the safe supply of non-licensed medicines.
Doctors who prescribe specials must to be transparent with patients and their parents or carers about what the medicine is and why it is used, and the possible negative side effects. They should be able to answer any questions and provide written details about any medication they prescribe, including the reasons for it.
What is what is a Shared Care Agreement?
The number of adults who are suspected of having ADHD has increased in recent years, so are demanded to be referred for an NHS assessment and to receive medication for the condition. The waiting lists for NHS assessments can be long, and many patients opt to pay privately for ADHD assessments at private clinics. The hope is that once a diagnosis has been confirmed by this process, the GP will enter into an agreement of shared care (SCA).
A SCA is an agreement between your psychiatrist and GP, whereby the responsibility for prescribing medications, monitoring, and basic health checks is transferred to your GP. This is a recognized and accepted method for the transfer of the responsibility of managing a patient with ADHD from a hospital or specialist service to general practice, provided that it is in accordance with NHS England guidelines.
These SCA guidelines should be agreed between the specialist and the GP before the responsibility is handed to the GP and should be clearly stated on any referral form. It should also be clarified that the GP is responsible for the continuous monitoring and titration of the medication.
Unfortunately, a lot of GPs aren't keen on accepting SCAs. This isn't because of the lack of motivation however, the work involved in SCAs can be out of their normal funding and it is usually an additional project in addition to their busy schedule.
The GP should be provided with high-quality information about the motivation behind SCA and what the expectations of both parties are including the roles of the patient and their carers. It should also be made clear that a decision on SCA must be made by the doctor who initiated treatment. The doctor should be informed that they do not want to take part in the SCA.
If a GP refuses to take responsibility for SCA, they can refuse. However, this may result in patients being referred back to the private ADHD clinic and psychiatrist who made their initial diagnosis. This could mean that prescriptions for medication are issued privately, rather than through the NHS which, naturally, could be more expensive.
What is a titration duration?
The tration phase is an important step in finding the right medication to help manage your ADHD. It involves increasing the dosage gradually until you reach the level that maximises benefits and minimises side effects. It takes time however, your healthcare professional should be in close contact with you to ensure the titration process goes as smooth as possible.
Some patients may experience a worsening of their symptoms during the titration phase. Hyperactive people, for example can become agitated and angry. For this reason, it is crucial that family members are aware of any changes and provide assistance. To reduce the side effects of ADHD medication it is essential to lead a healthy lifestyle and a consistent sleep schedule.
Medication isn't the sole treatment for ADHD however it is typically recommended as the first line of management in adults. Talk therapy is a helpful tool to address underlying depression and anxiety that could cause certain symptoms of ADHD. It is important to remember that medication is only able to treat the symptoms, not change longstanding negative coping mechanisms. Some patients opt to not take any medication and instead concentrate on self-help strategies like fitness, nutrition and stress reduction.
It is essential to be aware of the adverse effects and how they affect your body. Certain medications can cause headaches or drowsiness, and also reduce appetite. Make sure to always use your medications as directed and speak to your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
A lot of the drugs used to treat adult ADHD are currently in short supply due to supply issues. This has resulted in delays in the diagnosis process and a backlog in appointments with psychiatrists. NHS England has set up a taskforce to investigate the issue and recommend methods to speed up the process of waiting for medications.
Despite the lack of certain popular medications, it is still possible to get ADHD treatment through the NHS, and it's a good idea to ask your local GP about options for you. You may be able take the same medications privately, or they could suggest alternatives that can provide similar results to the ones you are used to.