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Adult ADHD Medication in the UK In the UK, the NHS has guidelines for diagnosing ADHD in adults. During the pandemic, the number of referrals to the adult ADHD clinic quadrupled. Medications used to treat ADHD include stimulants as well as non-stimulants. Methylphenidate is the most common medication used to treat symptoms of ADHD and is accompanied by two amphetamine-based drugs known as lisdexamfetamine and dexamfetamine. Stimulants The most popular kind of medication used to treat adult ADHD is stimulants. These work by increasing the activity of parts of the brain responsible for the behaviour and attention. They are fast-acting and are frequently the first choice of GPs. Methylphenidate (also known as Ritalin) is the most frequently prescribed stimulant in both children and adults. This drug increases neurotransmitter levels in the brain. It increases the quality of attention, and reduces the impulsivity and hyperactivity. It also helps to reduce depression and anxiety that may be associated with ADHD. Throughout history, stimulant drugs have been used both medicinally and for recreational purposes, to enhance cognitive function, motivation, performance and mood. These include nicotine, caffeine amphetamines and cocaine, methylphenidate, and modafinil. These substances are used to control appetite and increase energy. However, they can cause negative psychological and physical effects when taken excessively. There are a number of different medications that are used to treat adults suffering from ADHD, and a psychiatrist will typically carefully adjust the dosages for each patient they visit. They will take into account any other medical issues the patient might have, as well as the impact of the medication on their sleep patterns. They will also consider the impact of the medication on the diet of a patient and lifestyle. A massive meta-analysis of the network conducted by the NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre and Stichting Eunethydis, has found that the drug called lisdexamfetamine (commonly called Adderall) is more efficient than other stimulants in decreasing symptoms of ADHD. It is recommended by NICE and is available on prescription in the UK. Despite the evidence-based research, there is still some stigma attached to the use of medications to treat ADHD, with unhelpful framings that compare it to child abuse and comparisons to controlled substances. This can make many people not want to request an assessment, or even to consider taking medication for their condition. The number of adults being treated for ADHD increased as did the number of patients referred to NHS psychiatry during the COVID-19 epidemic. In fact the number of adult ADHD referrals have now surpassed those for children. Boys are still more likely to be referred for ADHD treatment, but the number women receiving treatment has quadrupled in the past two years. Unlicensed Medication A variety of drugs are licensed for treating ADHD in children and adults, with stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate, and occasionally the more recent amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine prescribed. adhd medication adults uk are considered controlled medications since they are prone to abuse and become addictive. Your consultant psychiatrist will only prescribe these drugs if he / she believes they are the most effective option for your treatment. You will be provided with a written prescription that you can pick up at the local pharmacy. This will be for a month's supply the drug and your pharmacist should be able explain the procedure to you. In certain situations, your doctor may determine that the medications they offer aren't suitable for you and recommend a medication that is not licensed. This is an individual decision and your doctor should only prescribe unlicensed medications as a last resort. Be aware that although medication is a crucial component of treating ADHD however, talking therapy also plays a significant role. Therapy can alter your coping mechanisms and behavior patterns. Medication can manage your symptoms. Treatment for ADHD in adults has to be licensed in the UK, with a licence known as marketing authorisation (MA) which will state the specific health conditions it is approved for. This will include information about the age of people who can be prescribed the medication as well as the manner in which it must be taken. The MHRA will review any IMP before its release and the manufacturer is only permitted to market it under their MA, unless they have a special license to market paediatric medicines. This is the situation where a drug is approved for use by a child, but a psychiatrist feels it is appropriate to prescribe it for an adult. This is also called off label prescribing. It is also possible to get a'manipulated product' – where the pharmacist makes up an individual formulation for the patient by mixing ingredients, as in the event that they are unable to take tablets. Some psychiatrists have criticized the over-prescription of psychoactive drugs to treat mental health issues, such as ADHD. Licensing In the UK, there are various medications that are licensed to treat ADHD in adults. This includes a variety of stimulant medicines such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the more recent amphetamine-based medication called lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). These are typically offered to patients who have been diagnosed with the condition by a psychiatrist. The treatment is typically prescribed in capsules and patients are closely monitored by their physician to ensure that the correct dosage is determined. There are other ways to manage and treat the condition, in addition to medications. For instance, behavioural therapy can help people to understand the root cause of their symptoms and to create strategies to combat the symptoms. Additionally, changes to the environment are also helpful in helping people deal with the impact of their symptoms on day-to-day activities. This can include organising seating arrangements at school or at work and arranging for frequent breaks for movement and providing 'I need a break' cards, and reducing distractions and noise. The medications that have been licensed in the UK to treat ADHD among adults are not meant to be a cure but can improve the quality-of-life for many people. They are not a panacea and should only be a part of a complete care plan that includes psychoeducation, psychiatric treatment, and medication. Patients who are able to bear children should undergo a pregnancy test prior beginning any medication. They must also inform their GP if they fall pregnant or want to become pregnant. It is also recommended that patients consult their GP in the event of serious side-effects or don't feel that they are benefiting from the medication. A national patient safety alert regarding the shortage of methylphenidate prolong-release tablets, guanfacine extended-release tablets and lisdexamfetamine capsules was issued on the 27th of September, 2023. It was replaced by a Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) on 08 May 2024 that lifted restrictions on prescribing Elvanse capsules and advised ADHD services to resume initiations. It is a Schedule 2 controlled drug so it is prescribed by an accredited practitioner and is subject to the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. The guidelines recommend that a person with ADHD should be evaluated every year by a healthcare professional who has training and experience in managing the disorder. This can be done in primary or secondary care depending on the local arrangements. The review should include a monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate and a discussion of the need for ongoing treatment, and ongoing evaluation and monitoring of symptom improvements. Side Effects ADHD medication is generally well tolerated and safe by adults. However, it does not cure the condition. It can help reduce symptoms of behavioural disorder and improve quality of life. It can also assist with learning, work and relationships. It is important that those who are beginning treatment be aware of possible adverse effects. They should discuss them with their doctor prior to taking the medication. Some of the side effects include a change in appetite, headaches and sleepiness. Some medications can also increase the heart rate. This is generally harmless and not harmful but it's worth telling your doctor if there's an history of heart disease or problems. Stimulants boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine that are present in the brain. This alters the way the brain sends and receives messages and improves concentration and attention. They are considered first-line treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Buproprion and Atomoxetine, which are nonstimulant medications are more complex in their effect on the brain. They also take longer to start working. The latter blocks the reuptake and release of dopamine into nerve cells, which aids in concentration. According to research, approximately half of children diagnosed with ADHD will overcome their symptoms by adulthood. This may be because they learn to manage their symptoms or they are less hyperactive. A large portion of them struggle with a world that was not built to meet their needs. Nice recommends that doctors prescribe ADHD medications only when they are necessary and to continue to keep track of their patients on a regular basis. There are many other options to treat ADHD symptoms. These include lifestyle changes and psychoeducational therapy. These can be combined with medications to decrease the need for doctors to refer people suffering from ADHD to specialist services. The stigma that surrounds ADHD can make it difficult to open about medication and many adults are hesitant to reveal that they take it to their family, friends or employers. But, there is growing evidence that discussing the disorder and promoting awareness of its symptoms can help to break down barriers to treatment.