ADHD UK Medication
ADHD medications are controlled drugs and must be prescribed by a specialist clinician. They are referred to as stimulants. They include the methylphenidate family (Ritalin, Concerta etc) amphetamine salts as well as Atomoxetine.
Other non-medical treatments, such as talk therapy are also recommended. The use of medication can ease symptoms but they don't change long-standing negative coping strategies.
Methylphenidate
Methylphenidate is the most frequently prescribed ADHD medication in the UK. It is also used to treat narcolepsy and various other psychiatric disorders. It is available in immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules. The extended-release version is slower to dissolve and has long-lasting effects. It is prescribed for a limited time period and the dosage is determined by the individual's symptoms.
In general, stimulant drugs stimulate brain regions that regulate attention and behavior. They are often called "cognitive enhancers", and they help people focus, pay attention and stay on task. Methylphenidate works by increasing activity in areas of the brain that are underactive for people suffering from ADHD. It also functions as a central nervous system stimulant that can improve the way your body uses energy. It is also marketed as Ritalin.
A recent study has revealed that the number of prescriptions for methylphenidate has increased eightfold in the UK over the last two decades. This is a major public health issue that could suggest that ADHD is being misdiagnosed in the UK. Researchers examined the data from the Clinical Practice Research Database, which includes information on all NHS patients registered in England with a GP from 1992 until 2013. The study focuses on drugs approved by the British National Formulary for ADHD and classified as CNS Stimulants. This includes methylphenidate (methylphenidate immediate-release and methylphenidate extended release) and atomoxetine as well as dexamphetamine (and its derivative of lisdexamfetamine) and modafinil. Pemoline, which is no longer available in the UK due to liver toxicity was not included in the study.
The study found that methylphenidate was the most common medication prescribed to children 5 and under, with nearly quarter of children being prescribed it. This is despite the fact that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines recommend that medication should only be prescribed as a first-line treatment in children with severe symptoms of ADHD. They suggest that parents instead look into psychological interventions.
The results suggest that the increase in prescriptions of methylphenidate may be due in part to the availability and accessibility of mental health services. However it could also reflect an greater awareness of ADHD among younger people and the desire to seek treatment and diagnose. There are also likely to be instances of inappropriate prescribing methylphenidate for adolescents and young adults.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. It can also be used to treat the comorbidity symptoms of anxiety. It isn't a stimulant, and has a low abuse potential. It has been proven to be effective in clinical studies and is a viable option for children who have not been able to respond to stimulants. However the long-term safety of atomoxetine isn't yet known.
Atomoxetine is different from other ADHD medication. It increases the amount of a chemical called noradrenaline within the brain. This chemical is responsible for transmitting messages between nerve cells, and increasing its levels can enhance concentration and help control impulses. It is available in capsule form and is taken a single each day. It is typically taken in conjunction with other treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychological therapy and educational assistance.
In one study, atomoxetine proved to be more effective than placebo in improving ADHD symptoms. This drug is well tolerated and has a lower side risk than stimulants, especially in children. Furthermore, a cost-effectiveness analysis showed that treatment algorithms that included the initial use of atomoxetine are less costly than those using dexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
This drug can cause serious side effects including suicidal feelings. Speak to your doctor immediately if you child exhibits these signs. In addition, atomoxetine could interact with certain medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like phenelzine. If your child is taking MAOIs ask your doctor for an alternative.
Some people may experience fatigue, stomach pain or a loss of appetite. These side effects are usually moderate, but they can be extreme in certain cases. Atomoxetine is linked to a serious, but rare condition known as hepatic dysfunction which can lead to liver failure. This can be fatal in a few cases. It is important to consult your doctor if you have been diagnosed with liver problems or other health issues in the past.
Tell your doctor all of the medications you are taking, including supplements and herbal remedies. This includes prescription and non-prescription medications such as vitamins, minerals, and vitamins. It is crucial to inform your doctor if taking any other ADHD medication, like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate. Inform your doctor if you or your child is pregnant, breastfeeding or is considering becoming pregnant.
Dexamfetamine
Dexamfetamine is a stimulant that is used to treat ADHD in adults. It can help improve concentration and attention, decrease anxiety and impulsive behavior, and boost mood. It can be taken orally or as a solution or capsule. It is essential to take it as prescribed by your physician. If you take too much or stop abruptly may cause problems. You should not operate machinery or drive if you are taking this medication. Also, don't carry the medication around without a prescription. Always have evidence that you have been prescribed the medication. You should also carry your medication to work or to school with you in the event that it's required during the day.
Dexamfetamine should be used with caution in patients with epilepsy, as it can lower the threshold for convulsions. It should not be used in patients who have an history of blood vessel or cardiac disorders like coronary heart disease or high blood pressure. It is not recommended to be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is excreted in breast milk, which means it could pose a threat for the baby.
If symptoms of ADHD get worse, a consultation with the doctor is recommended. This can help determine whether the condition is controlled with medications and whether the medications are suitable. This will allow the doctor to change dosages or switch to different treatments, if required.
A doctor will begin the patient with a low dosage and increase it gradually to ensure they get the correct level of medication. It is recommended for you to take your tablets at the same time every day, usually with food. This will help to keep track of the tablets and decrease the chance of missing a dose.
In addition to taking medication, individuals with ADHD can benefit from psychoeducation and therapy. This can help children, teenagers and adults to understand their condition and learn to manage it. Therapy can also assist them in managing additional issues, such as depression or anxiety. Psychoeducation is a mix of professional and educational materials, while therapeutic therapy can be either behavioural or cognitive.
Modafinil
Modafinil is a wakefulness-promoting prescription drug that reduces extreme sleepiness that accompanies conditions such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) and shift work sleep disorder. Modafinil is available off-label for adults over 18 years old to treat signs of ADHD. non prescription adhd medication is not approved for such use and should be taken only under the supervision of a doctor. It can only be purchased with a prescription and should be stored in a safe area away from children. It is crucial to adhere to the directions on the prescription label and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part of the medication that you don't understand.
The NHS website describes Modafinil as an anti-sleep central nervous system stimulant. It is prescribed to treat narcolepsy however, it is also used off-label to help people with Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis remain awake, as well as those who suffer from fatigue caused by obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea or shift work. Executives, students and military personnel who need to be alert are also common users.
A recent survey of UK students revealed that one-in-five students had taken an "smart drug" to boost their concentration during exams. Jack Rivlin, 24, editor of the student newspaper The Tab in Farringdon, London and told BBC Newsbeat that he had purchased modafinil from an offshore website for PS130 last term to aid in his revision.
He admits that modafinil has helped him keep up with his notes and pass his test even though that he doesn't believe it makes him more intelligent. It's important to keep in mind that these drugs are not magic bullets and they can cause serious side effects.
In addition to its wakefulness-promoting effects, modafinil can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems in some patients, especially those with heart disease. Modafinil can also interfere with certain medications such as antidepressants and sedatives. It is also possible to become dependent on the drug and experience withdrawal symptoms if it is suddenly stopped.
Modafinil, which is also known as methylphenidate or atomoxetine is classified as a class B drug. This means that it is illegal to distribute, possess, or sell. If you're arrested, you could face up to five-years in prison.