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ADHD Medication For Adults in the UK In the UK there are a variety of medicines are licensed to treat ADHD. The stimulant methylphenidate as well as the amphetamine-based drug lisdexamfetamine, are two of the most commonly prescribed drugs. The exact dose will need to be monitored closely in the beginning 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 (L.M.)? A licensed medicine will have gone through all necessary clinical studies and tests, and the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority) has given it the go ahead for use in Great Britain. The packaging of the medicine or the leaflet included with it will clearly state whether it is suitable for a particular condition. All licensed medications are monitored even after they've been placed on the market, which means that any issues are quickly identified and risks minimized. Unlicensed drugs are sometimes prescribed to patients with ADHD however, they are seldom prescribed to children or teenagers. The medication that is not licensed may be prescribed for other conditions that have been found to work well with it (known as off-label prescribing) or it could be a specific formula that isn't available on the market, such as an oral liquid instead of a tablet or something free from certain additives. It could also be an experimental drug being trialled 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 a prescription from a doctor. They'll have been through a formal assessment by the MHRA as part of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS) and therefore the quality of pharmaceuticals is guaranteed. T here is one non stimulant medication that is commonly prescribed for ADHD in the UK and Europe, and this is Atomoxetine. This is a selective noradrenaline-reuptake inhibitor, which is different from other ADHD medication. It increases noradrenaline, a chemical that helps to transmit messages between brain cells. This improves concentration and also helps control impulses. It is taken in capsules once or twice daily. Only a psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication for adults. It is important to remember that ADHD isn't a condition that can be treated through medication by itself. Therapy is often incorporated in treatment plans. Psychoeducation is a way to assist children, teens, and adults recognize their diagnosis, as well as behavioural therapy which teaches techniques for managing symptoms. What is an unlicensed medication? The term 'unlicensed medicines' refers to drugs that are not licensed by the MHRA. It could be that the medication was not created by a UK company, or it has been prescribed outside the terms of its licence (ie off-label). The GMC's guidelines say that 'unlicensed drugs are generally used when a suitable licensed product is not available or a clinically effective treatment is not available with the product the prescriber is most comfortable with'. The licence for a medicine will state the health conditions it treats as well as the ages of patients it can be prescribed to. It will also indicate how it should be taken and by whom. The MHRA will only grant an approval if the drug is considered to be safe and effective for the usage, built on research in medical science and clinical studies. The drug's manufacturers are not permitted to promote or promote any use that is not covered by the licence. It is not illegal in the UK for a healthcare professional to prescribe a non-licensed medication, as long as they can explain the advantages and risks of this to the patient. They must keep records of the use of unlicensed drugs and provide the patient with sufficient information to make the decision. Unlicensed medications are often offered in hospitals, as there is more experience using these medications than in GP clinics. The hospital will have procedures in place to ensure the safety of the medication, which includes keeping detailed patient records and making sure that any adverse reactions are documented. They will also be required to follow the MHRA's guidance on the safe supply of medicines that are not licensed. Doctors who prescribe specials must to be transparent with patients and their parents or carers about what the medicine is and the reason it is being used, and the possible negative side consequences. They should be able to address any questions and provide written details about any medication they prescribe, including reasons for prescribing it. What is what is a Shared Care Agreement? The number of people who are suspected to have ADHD has increased in recent years, so are requests to be referred for an NHS assessment and also to receive treatment for the condition. The waiting lists for NHS assessments are long, and this means that a large number of patients are reverting to self-funding private ADHD assessments at private clinics. It is hoped that once a diagnosis has been confirmed by this process, the GP will enter into an agreement for shared care (SCA). A SCA is a contract between your psychiatrist and your GP, whereby the responsibility for prescribing medications monitoring, as well as basic health checks is transferred to your GP. This is a recognized and agreed method of transferring the responsibility of managing a patient with ADHD from the hospital or specialist service setting to general practice, provided it is in line with NHS England guidelines. These SCA guidelines should be agreed between the doctor and the GP before responsibility is handed over, and this should be clearly stated on any referral form. It should be made clear to the GP that he or she is accountable for the continuous titration of the medication and the monitoring requirements. Unfortunately, a lot of GPs are reluctant to accept SCAs. This isn't because of the lack of motivation however, the work involved in SCAs could be outside of their core funding and it is typically an additional task on top of their busy schedule. The GP should be provided with good quality information on the rationale for SCA and what the expectations of both parties are, including the role of the patient and their caregivers. It should be made clear that the decision to pursue SCA must be made by the physician who initiated treatment. The GP must also be informed if the patient is not willing to participate in SCA. If a physician does not want to accept responsibility for SCA and/or SCA, they are able to refuse. However, have a peek at this website can result in patients being referred back to the private ADHD clinic and psychiatrist that gave their initial diagnosis. This could result in prescriptions for medication being issued privately rather than through the NHS which, naturally, is more expensive. What is a titration duration? The tration period is an important step to determine the appropriate medication to treat your ADHD. It is the process of gradually increasing your dosage until you reach a dosage that maximizes your benefits while minimising your side effects. It takes time, but your healthcare professional should work closely with you to ensure that the titration process is as smooth as possible. Certain patients may experience worsening of their symptoms during the phase of titration. For example, those who are hyperactive may be more agitated and irritable than usual. It is important that loved ones be aware of any changes in behavior and offer support. It is also essential to have a healthy diet and to create a consistent sleep routine in order to reduce the negative effects of ADHD medications. It is important to remember that medication isn't the only option for ADHD treatment. However it is suggested as a first-line treatment option in adults. Talk therapy is beneficial in addressing anxiety and depression, which can be the cause of some symptoms of ADHD. It is crucial to remember that medication only addresses the symptoms, not alter longstanding negative coping mechanisms. Some patients choose not to take medication at all and instead focus on self-help therapies like nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and sleep strategies. It is important to understand the side effects and how they will affect your body. Certain medications can cause a decrease in appetite and cause headaches. Others can make you drowsy. Always take your medication as directed and speak to your doctor for any adverse effects that occur. Many of the medications used to treat adult ADHD are currently out of stock due to shortages. This has resulted in delays in the diagnosis process as well as appointments with psychiatrists. NHS England has set up a taskforce to investigate the issue and suggest ways of reducing waiting times for medications. Ask your local GP what options are available for you. You might be able to receive the same medication privately, or they might suggest alternatives that can provide similar results to those you're used to.