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ADHD Medication Tips From The Best In The Business
ADHD Medication For Adults in the UK

In the UK there are a variety of medications are approved to treat ADHD. These include the stimulant methylphenidate, as well as the amphetamine-based medication lisdexamfetamine. The exact dosage will need to be carefully monitored in the beginning stages of treatment (titration) and then stable prescriptions can be handled by your GP as part of an agreed'shared care arrangement.

What is a Licensed Medication?

A licensed medicine will have undergone all the appropriate clinical trials and tests and the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority) has given it the go ahead to be used in Great Britain. The packaging of the medicine or the leaflet included with it will clearly indicate whether it's suitable for a particular condition. All licensed medicines are subject to rigorous regulation even after they have been placed available for sale. This allows problems to be identified quickly and the risk to be minimized.

Unlicensed medications are sometimes prescribed to patients with ADHD however they are not often prescribed to teenagers or children. Unlicensed medications can be prescribed for other conditions that have been proven to work well (known as "off-label prescribing") or they could be a formula that is not yet available on the market like an oral liquid instead of tablets. It could be an experimental medicine that is being evaluated in the UK.

The term "experimental drugs" is used to describe Medicines that have an Marketing Authorisation(MIA) (IMP) or Investigational Medicinal Products. These medicines have not been granted a license yet and can therefore only be sold on an order from a doctor. The MHRA will conduct a formal assessment as part of the Early Access to Medicines Scheme.

There is a non-stimulant medication that is frequently prescribed for ADHD in the UK and Europe and this is the atomoxetine. This is a selective noradrenaline inhibitor, which differs from other ADHD medication. It increases noradrenaline, which is a chemical that helps transmit messages between nerve cells in the brain. This helps improve concentration and also helps control impulses. It is usually taken in capsules once or twice per day.

Only a psychiatrist can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication for adults. It is crucial to remember that ADHD isn't just a disease which can be treated by medication alone. Therapy is often included in treatment plans. This may include psychoeducation, which helps children, teenagers and adults make sense of their diagnosis, as well as behavioural therapy, which teaches techniques to manage symptoms.

What is an unlicensed medicine?

The term "unlicensed medicine" refers to drugs that are not licensed by the MHRA. It could be that the drug was not developed by a company based in the UK or was prescribed outside of the licence terms (off-label). The GMC's guidelines say that 'unlicensed drugs are generally employed when a licensed product is not available, or when a treatment that is clinically effective cannot be found with the medication that the doctor is most comfortable with'.

The licence for a medicine will state the conditions it treats as well as the ages of patients it can be given to. The licence will also outline the manner and method by which the medicine should be used. The MHRA only grants a license when it is considered safe and effective for that specific use, based upon clinical studies and medical research. The manufacturers of the drugs are not allowed to promote or promote any use that isn't covered by the licence.

In the UK, it is not illegal to let a healthcare professional prescribe an unlicensed drug provided that the patient is aware about the risks and benefits. They must also keep records of the use of medications that are not licensed and give the patient enough information to make an informed choice on whether or not to take it.


The majority of unlicensed medications are offered in hospitals, where there is more experience of using them than in GP practices. The hospital will have procedures in place to ensure the safety of the medication including keeping accurate patient records and making sure that any adverse reactions are recorded. They must also adhere to the MHRA's guidelines on the safe supply of non-licensed medicines.

Doctors who prescribe specials must to be clear with patients and their parents or caregivers about the purpose of the medicine, why it is being used, and the possible side consequences. adhd medications should be able to address any questions and provide written details about any medication they prescribe, including reasons for prescribing it.

What is a Shared-Care Agreement?

In recent years as the number of people suspected of having ADHD increased and so did the requests for referrals to the NHS for an assessment and treatment to treat the condition. The waiting lists for NHS assessments can be long and a lot of patients choose to pay privately for ADHD assessments at private clinics. It is hoped that once the diagnosis is confirmed by this process, the GP will sign a shared care agreement (SCA).

A SCA is a contract between your psychiatrist and your GP and GP, in which the responsibility for prescribing medications, monitoring, and basic health checks is transferred to your GP. This is a recognized and accepted method of shifting responsibility for managing ADHD patients from a specialist clinic or hospital to general practice.

These SCA guidelines must be negotiated between the doctor and the GP before the responsibility is handed to the GP and should be clearly in any referral form. It should also be clarified that the GP retains responsibility for continuous monitoring and titration of the medication.

Unfortunately, a large number of GPs are not able to accept SCAs. It is not because they are not interested or desire, but because the work involved in SCAs is not part of their primary funding.

The doctor should be provided with good quality information on the rationale for SCA and what the expectations of both parties are, including the roles of the patient and their carer. It should be clear that the decision to proceed with SCA must be made by the prescriber initiating treatment. The GP should be informed of the patient's refusal to be willing to participate in SCA.

If a GP does not desire to assume the responsibility of SCA they can refuse to do so, however this can lead to patients being reverted back to the private ADHD assessment clinic and psychiatrist who carried out their initial diagnosis. This could result in prescriptions for medications being given privately, instead of through the NHS. This could be more expensive.

What is a titration time?

The tration period is a crucial element in determining the best medication to help manage your ADHD. It is the process of gradually increasing your dose until you reach a level that maximises the benefits of your medication while minimizing adverse effects. It takes time, but your healthcare professional should work closely with you to ensure that the titration process is as smooth as possible.

Some patients might experience an increase in their symptoms during the titration period. For example, hyperactive people may become more restless and anxious than normal. Because of this, it is essential that loved ones are aware of any changes in behavior and provide support. To minimize the adverse effects of ADHD medications it is crucial to lead a healthy lifestyle and a regular sleep schedule.

The use of medication isn't the only treatment for ADHD, but it is typically suggested as the first line of treatment for adults. Talk therapy is an effective tool to treat depression and anxiety that could cause some of the symptoms of ADHD. It is essential to remember that medication only treats the symptoms and doesn't alter the negative coping mechanisms. Some patients decide not to take any medication, instead focusing on self-help techniques such as nutrition, exercise and stress reduction.

It is essential to read about the possible side effects of any medicine you are prescribed and know how the medication will affect your body. Some medications can cause headaches or drowsiness, and can also cause a decrease in appetite. Make sure you take your meds as directed and speak to your doctor if there are any adverse reactions.

Presently, a lot of drugs used to treat adult ADHD are out of stock. This has caused delays in the diagnosis process and appointments with psychiatrists. NHS England has set up an inquiry taskforce to look into the issue and suggest methods to speed up the process of waiting for medications.

Ask your local GP what alternatives are available to you. You may be able to get the same medications privately, or they may recommend alternatives that will have similar results to the ones you're accustomed to.

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