ADHD Medication For Adults in the UK
In the UK there are a variety of medications that are approved for treating ADHD. This includes the stimulant methylphenidate and the amphetamine based medication Lisdexamfetamine. The dosage will be closely checked in the initial stages of treatment.
What is a Licensed Medication (L.M.)?
how to get adhd medication uk that is licensed has been through all the necessary clinical studies and tests and the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority) has granted it approval for use in Great Britain. The medication will also be clearly identified as being suitable for specific conditions on its packaging or in a leaflet which comes with it. All licensed medicines are monitored even after they've been placed on the market, which means that any issues are quickly identified and any risk reduced.
Unlicensed medicines are often prescribed to patients with ADHD however they are rarely given to teenagers or children. The medication that is not licensed may be used for other conditions which have been proven to work well with it (known as off-label prescribing), or it might be a specific formula that isn't available on the market, for instance an oral liquid in place of tablets or a product free from certain additives. It could also be an experimental medicine being trialled in the UK.
The term "experimental drugs" is used to describe Medicines with an Marketing Authorisation(MIA) (IMP) or Investigational Medicinal Products. These medicines haven't been granted a licence yet and so can only be sold with a doctor's prescription. They will have undergone an assessment in a formal manner by the MHRA as part of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) and thus the quality of the pharmaceutical is guaranteed.
There is one non stimulant medication that is frequently prescribed for ADHD in the UK and Europe and this is Atomoxetine. It is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, which differs from other ADHD meds. It increases noradrenaline which is a chemical that helps transmit messages between neurons in the brain. This aids concentration and aids in controlling impulses. It is taken in capsule form once or twice daily.
Only a psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication for adults. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't just a disease which can be treated by medication by itself. Therapy is often incorporated in treatment plans. Psychoeducation is a way to aid children, teens and adults recognize their diagnosis, as well as the use of behavioural therapy to teach techniques for managing symptoms.
What is an unlicensed medicine?
The term 'unlicensed medicine' is a reference to any drug that has not been granted a licence by MHRA. This could be due to the fact that the drug was not created by an UK company, or because it has been prescribed in violation of the conditions of its licence (ie off-label). The GMC's guidance states that 'unlicensed medications are typically used when a suitable licensed product is not available or a clinically effective treatment cannot be found using the drug that makes the prescriber feel comfortable'.
The label of a medicine will include the conditions it treats, as well as the age ranges that it can be administered to. It will also indicate how it should be taken and by whom. The MHRA only grants a license only if it is to be safe and effective in the specific use, based upon clinical trials and medical research. The manufacturers of drugs are not permitted to promote or advertise any uses that are not covered under the licence.
It is not illegal in the UK for healthcare professionals to prescribe an unlicensed medication in the event that they can explain the risks and benefits of prescribing it to the patient. They must keep records of the use of medications that are not licensed and provide the patient with enough information to make an informed choice regarding whether or not they wish to accept it.
Hospitals tend to provide unlicensed drugs due to their more experience with them than GP surgeries. The hospital will have procedures to ensure the safety and efficacy of the medication. This includes keeping detailed medical records of patients and also recording any adverse effects. They must also adhere to the MHRA's guidelines for the safe supply of unlicensed medicines.
Specials are prescribed by doctors who must communicate with their patients, their parents or caregivers of the medication it is prescribed for, its purpose, and any possible side effects. They must be able to answer any questions that they are asked, and should always provide written information about any medicine that they prescribe, along with the reasons for prescribing it.
What is a Shared Care Agreement?
The number of people who are suspected to have ADHD has been increasing in recent years, so have the demand to be referred to an NHS assessment and receive treatment for the condition. The waiting lists for NHS assessments can be very long and a lot of patients choose to pay for their ADHD assessments at private clinics. The hope is that after a diagnosis has been confirmed by this process, the GP will sign an agreement for shared care (SCA).
A SCA is a contract between your psychiatrist and GP which means that the responsibility for medication prescribing, monitoring, and basic health checks are transferred to your GP. It is a well-known, agreed method of transferring the responsibility of managing ADHD patients from a specialist or hospital to a general practice.
Before responsibility is transferred, the specialist and GP should be in agreement on these SCA guidelines and this must be clearly stated on any referral form. It should be clear to the GP that they are responsible for the continual monitoring of the medication and for the monitoring requirements.
Unfortunately, many GPs are not able to accept SCAs. This isn't because of an inability to accept but rather because the work involved in SCAs can be outside of their core funding, and typically an additional task in addition to their busy schedule.
The doctor should be provided with good quality information on the reasons behind SCA and what the expectations of both parties are including the role of the patient and their carers. It should be made clear that the decision to pursue SCA should be made by the physician who initiated treatment. The GP should also be informed that the patient isn't willing to take part in SCA.
If a GP refuses to take responsibility for SCA, they can refuse. However, this may result in patients being sent back to the private ADHD clinic and psychiatrist who made their initial diagnosis. This can lead to medication prescriptions being issued privately, rather than via the NHS. This can be more costly.
What is a Titration Period?
The tration phase is an important step to find the right medication for ADHD. It is the process of gradually increasing your dose until you reach a dose that maximizes the benefits while minimizing adverse effects. It takes time however, your healthcare specialist should work closely with you to ensure the titration process goes as smooth as is possible.
Some patients might experience an increase in their symptoms during the titration time. Hyperactive people, for example can become agitated and irritable. Because of this, it is crucial that family members are aware of any changes and provide assistance. To minimize the adverse effects from ADHD medications it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a regular sleep schedule.
The use of medication isn't the only treatment for ADHD, but it is usually suggested as the first option for management in adults. Talk therapy is an effective tool to address underlying depression and anxiety that could cause some of the symptoms of ADHD. It is essential to keep in mind that medication only addresses symptoms and does not change the negative coping mechanisms. Some patients prefer not to take medication in the first place and instead focus on self-help therapies like nutrition, exercise and stress reduction strategies.
It is crucial to look about the potential side effects of any medicine you are prescribed and know how the medication will affect your body. Certain medications can cause a decrease in appetite and cause headaches. Others can cause you to feel sleepy. Make sure to always use your medications as directed, and talk to your doctor if there are any adverse reactions.
Presently, a lot of drugs used to treat adult ADHD are in short supply. This has caused delays in the diagnosis process as well as appointments with psychiatrists. NHS England has created a taskforce that will investigate the issue and provide recommendations on how to reduce waiting times for medication.
Ask your local GP what options are available for you. You may be able to get the same medications privately, or they could suggest alternative treatments that will produce similar results to what you're accustomed to.