Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent condition that affects a significant number of children and young people, influencing their daily lives in various ways. Medication, while not a cure, is a vital tool in managing ADHD symptoms in adults, and its benefits can be transformative.
ADHD Medication for Adults
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that significantly impacts many adults, affecting various aspects of their everyday lives. While not a cure, medication plays a crucial role in managing ADHD symptoms, offering transformative benefits.
ADHD medication primarily assists in curbing impulsivity, enhancing attention span, and mitigating hyperactivity. This enables adults living with ADHD to navigate their daily activities more effectively. It can improve their capacity to concentrate, in both professional environments and other life areas, leading to enhanced performance and productivity. This can significantly elevate their self-esteem and overall life quality.
Furthermore, medication can facilitate improved emotional regulation, aiding in the management of feelings of restlessness and the reduction of disruptive behaviours. This can result in enhanced relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, fostering a more harmonious personal and professional environment.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that the effects of ADHD medication can differ among individuals, as everyone has unique needs and responses to treatment. Some individuals may experience side effects, which can range from mild to severe, and these need to be carefully monitored and managed under the supervision of a clinical professional.
Our ADHD Medication Process
1. Pre-medication checks and suitability
Following your assessment and diagnosis of ADHD and if you are considering medication, our team will initially contact your GP to request a medical summary and ask you to complete a short questionnaire about your health history.
Your information is reviewed by a senior clinician from our prescribing team to see if medication can be safely initiated. In some instances, the clinician may require additional information or investigations before you can start medication.
2. Initial treatment planning session
We recognise that every individual is different and there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach when it comes to ADHD medication for you. One of our prescribing team will arrange a suitable time and day for an online appointment with you to discuss the different types and options for ADHD medication.
It’s important to remember that non-medication strategies, treatment and support will also be discussed in this session. Together with the clinician, you will agree on a suitable treatment plan for you.
3. Treatment reviews
Everyone’s ADHD medication journey is different. Your clinician will typically review your medication monthly in an online session. The clinician will ask about how you think the medication is working, any side effects and discuss any potential changes in dosage or medication.
Your clinician will review your medication until it is agreed that you are on the right dose of medication for your ADHD with the least side effects. This is often referred to as ‘optimisation’.
4. Shared Care
When your medication is ‘optimised’, we will ask your GP to continue to prescribe your medication. This is known as ‘shared care’. Throughout your treatment with us, we will communicate regularly with the GP to keep them informed of your treatment and any changes in your management plan. We advise individuals to discuss their ADHD treatment and potential shared care with the GP before initiating treatment.
If the GP accepts shared care, your GP will continue to prescribe your monthly ADHD medication. As part of the shared care agreement, we will need to carry out regular medication reviews with you as per the NICE guidelines.
If your GP does not accept shared care, we can continue to prescribe medication for you every month. We will need to carry out regular medication reviews with you as per the NICE guidelines.
Different Types of ADHD Medication
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most frequently used medications for managing ADHD. They work by increasing the activities of certain brain neurotransmitters, namely dopamine and noradrenaline. Noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter that modulates our excitability responses and cognitive processes such as analysis and reasoning. It aids in reducing fatigue and irritability, curbing hyperactivity and enhancing focus, which are typical challenges for individuals with ADHD.
Dopamine, another neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role in our pleasure and motivation systems. It facilitates the transmission of information from the brain to the body, prompting us to concentrate on a specific, desirable task and heightening the sense of pleasure linked to it.
The side effects of these drugs can vary widely, from reduced appetite and weight loss to mood fluctuations and sleep disturbances. Hence, maintaining open communication with your clinician is essential, especially if you consistently experience any significant adverse effects.
Non-Stimulants
Non-stimulant ADHD medications have a longer duration of action, requiring only a single daily dose. They can be particularly beneficial for individuals who also suffer from depression due to their anti-depressive properties.
Atomoxetine, often referred to as Strattera, is one of the most frequently used non-stimulant medications. It aids individuals with ADHD by elevating noradrenaline levels, which enhances the number of messages transmitted in the brain, thereby improving concentration and impulse control. Atomoxetine is typically the go-to option when stimulants are either ineffective or not an option.
The side effects of non-stimulant ADHD medication can vary, including reduced appetite, weight loss, and sleep issues. It’s crucial to reach out to us if you consistently encounter any significant adverse effects from your medication.
Our ADHD Medication Packages
Treatment Package
(up to five appointments)
£600
Includes blood pressure monitor, initial treatment planning session and up to four titration appointments with a designated prescriber to discuss and review medication, issue and distribution of prescriptions, medication letters to your GP and shared care documentation.
Additional treatment review
£150
Additional treatment session to review medication (if needed in addition to treatment package). This appointment may include the issue of a prescription and appointment letter to your GP.
Pre-treatment consultation
(already has a previous ADHD diagnosis)
£250
If you have already been diagnosed with ADHD and are considering starting medication, this initial consultation will review your diagnosis and explore treatment options. Please note that we require evidence of a formal diagnosis from a NICE-compliant ADHD assessment, along with information from your GP, before beginning treatment. If your previous assessment does not meet our internal standards, we will be unable to proceed with medication initiation.
Medication Annual Review
£250
Includes an appointment to review your progress on your medication. We will write a letter to your GP to inform them and will advise of any management plan changes. Please note that changes to medication will require a new treatment package.
Repeat prescriptions
£50
If shared care is not accepted by your GP, we can issue monthly prescriptions to you.
Please Note: Medication costs are not included and will be charged directly by the pharmacy. Prices can vary significantly at pharmacies, but we use the Private Pharmacy Group to ensure competitive prices.
Start your journey
To discover more about our ADHD assessment and therapy services and to find out how we can help you today, get in touch with The Owl Centre.
