ADHD UK Medication
ADHD medication are controlled and are prescribed by a specialist physician. These are referred to as stimulants and comprise the methylphenidate family (Ritalin, Concerta etc), the amphetamine salts and atomoxetine.
Talk therapy and other non-medical treatments is generally recommended as well. The use of medication can ease symptoms but they can't alter 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 several other psychiatric conditions. It comes in both immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules. Extended-release tablets take longer to dissolve and delivers long-lasting effects. It is prescribed for a limited period of time and the dosage is determined by the patient's symptoms.
In general, stimulant medicines stimulate brain areas that regulate attention and behavior. They are sometimes called "cognitive enhancements" and assist people to pay attention, concentrate and stay on task. Methylphenidate increases activity in areas of the brain which are underactive in ADHD patients. It is also a central nervous system stimulant that can improve the way that your body utilizes energy. It is marketed as Ritalin.
A recent study has revealed that the number of prescriptions for methylphenidate has increased eightfold in the UK over the past two decades. This is an important health issue for the public and suggests that there could be an overdiagnosis of ADHD in the UK. Researchers studied the data from the Clinical Practice Research Database, which includes information on all NHS patients registered in England with a GP from 1992 to 2013. The study focused on drugs approved by the British National Formulary for ADHD and classified as CNS Stimulants. This includes atomoxetine, methylphenidate (including immediate-release methylphenidate and methylphenidate prolonged release), dexamphetamine and its derivative lisdexamfetamine as well as modafinil. Pemoline is no longer available in the UK because of liver toxicity was not included in the study.
Researchers found that methylphenidate was the most frequently prescribed drug for children 5 years old and younger. About a quarter of these children are prescribed this medication. Despite the fact that National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NIHCE) guidelines recommend medication only as an initial treatment option for children with severe ADHD symptoms and this is exactly what was observed. In addition, they suggest parents to consider psychological intervention instead.
The results suggest that the rise in prescriptions for methylphenidate could be partly due to the availability of mental health services however, it could also be due to the increased recognition of ADHD among younger people and a greater desire to seek treatment and diagnosis. Additionally there could be some cases of inappropriate prescribing of methylphenidate for adolescents and young adults.
Atomoxetine
Atomoxetine is a selective noradrenaline-reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat ADHD in children and adolescents. It is also a treatment for anxiety disorders that are comorbid. It is not a stimulant, and has a low potential for abuse. It has been shown to be effective in clinical trials and is an option for children who have not been able to respond to stimulants. The long-term safety of this product is not known.
Atomoxetine is different from other ADHD medications. It increases the amount of a chemical known as noradrenaline in the brain. This chemical transmits messages between nerve cells, and increasing its levels can boost concentration and help control impulses. It is available in capsule form and is taken once a day. The medication is usually used in conjunction with other treatments, like psychological therapy, educational support and cognitive behavioural therapy.
In one study, atomoxetine was found to be more effective at treating ADHD symptoms than placebo. It is well-tolerated and has a lower side risk than stimulants, especially in children. Additionally, a recent cost-effectiveness analysis showed that treatment strategies that included the initial use of atomoxetine are less costly than those using dexamfetamine or methylphenidate.
This medication can cause serious side effects including suicidal thoughts. If your child experiences these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. A lot of medicines such as monoamine inhibitors of oxidase (MAOIs) such as phenelzine, may interact with atomoxetine. If Read Home Page is taking MAOIs, you should stop the medication and ask your physician to recommend a suitable alternative.
Some people may experience a feeling of fatigue, a loss of appetite or stomach pain. These side effects are usually mild, but they can be extreme in certain cases. Atomoxetine has been linked with a rare but serious condition called hepatic impairment, which can lead to liver failure. In certain cases, this can be fatal. It is essential to speak with your doctor if you have had liver problems or any other health issues in the past.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including complementary and herbal treatments. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines including vitamins and minerals. It is crucial to inform your doctor if you take any other ADHD medications, such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate. Inform your doctor if you or your child is nursing, pregnant or is considering becoming pregnant.
Dexamfetamine
Dexamfetamine is a stimulant that is used to treat ADHD in adults. It is able to improve concentration and attention, as well as reduce the impulsive behavior, and improve mood. It can be taken in the form of a capsule, solution or orally. It is essential to take it regularly and in the manner prescribed by your doctor. Taking too much or stopping abruptly could cause problems. It is not recommended to operate or drive when you take this medication. Also, don't carry the medication without having a prescription. Always carry proof that you have been prescribed it. You should carry your medication to school or at work in case you need it during the day.
Dexamfetamine should be taken with caution in patients who have a history of epilepsy as it may lower the convulsive threshold. It should not used in patients with an history of heart or blood vessel conditions, like coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. It is not recommended to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It is excreted into breast milk, and so it could pose a threat to the baby.
If symptoms of ADHD get worse, a consultation with the prescriber is advised. This can help determine if the problem is controlled through medication and if the dosages are appropriate. This will allow the doctor who prescribes to adjust dosages or switch treatments as needed.
A doctor will start the patient at a lower dose and gradually increase it until they are sure they receive the appropriate level of medication for them. It is also recommended to take the tablets at the same time each day, and ideally with food. This will make it easier to remember to take them and reduce the chances of missing doses.
In addition to taking medication, people with ADHD may benefit from psychoeducation and therapy. This can help children as well as adults to manage their condition. Therapy can help them deal with other issues like depression or anxiety. Psychoeducation combines education materials and support from a qualified professional, whereas therapeutic therapies can be behavioral 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 can be used off-label for people who are more than 18 years old to treat signs of ADHD. However, it's not specifically approved for this use and should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor. It can only be purchased with a prescription, and should be kept in a safe place from children. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for clarification if you do not comprehend any aspect of the medication.
The NHS website describes Modafinil as an anti-sleep central nervous system stimulant. It is prescribed to treat narcolepsy but has been widely employed off-label to aid people with Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis remain alert and also those suffering from fatigue caused by obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea or shift work. It is also a popular option for executives, students and military personnel who have to be alert.
In a recent survey one-in-five UK students admitted taking a "smart-drug" to help improve their focus during exams. Jack Rivlin, 24, editor of student paper The Tab in Farringdon, London, told BBC Newsbeat that he had purchased modafinil from an offshore site for PS130 last year to aid in his revision.
He admits that modafinil has helped him keep track of his notes and pass his test, even though he claims that he doesn't believe it will make him smarter. It's important to remember that these drugs aren't magical bullets, and they could have 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. It may also interact with certain medications, including antidepressants and some sedatives. You could also develop withdrawal symptoms and become dependent on the drug if you suddenly stop taking it.
Like methylphenidate and atomoxetine, modafinil is classified as a Class B drug, which means that it's illegal to possess or supply. If you're caught, you could be sentenced to up to five years in prison.