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.
Right To Choose ADHD Medication
Right to Choose Adult ADHD Medication Process
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 3 - Titration Appointments
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. You will also be requested to provide your measurements at every appointment – Blood Pressure, Pulse, Weight and Height (children only).
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’.
Step 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 annual medication reviews with you as per the NICE guidelines.
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.
Are you a Patient?
If you’re a patient looking for information about how to start an assessment through Right to Choose, you’ll find all the information you need here.
