How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain a prescription for ADHD medication due to the shortage of. This affects all doctors as well as pharmacies.
If you wish to avoid waiting, you should choose the 'Right to Choose" method to access your assessment. Before prescribing ADHD medication the local mental health clinic may require a current ADHD specialist review.
Stimulants
In the UK, stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow the brain communicate) in the brain. They are extremely effective and can help with the numerous challenges that come with living with ADHD. As with all medications they can have side effects. It is important to inform your GP what you are feeling and if modifications are required in your treatment.
Stimulant medication works best for adults, but can be used by children and adolescents. There are many different stimulant drugs available. adhd without medication used include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) amphetamine salts, and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also the atomoxetine (Prozac) however, it is only licensed for use in children aged 8 and up.
They are typically started with low doses and then gradually increased over several days. This is known as titration and it permits you to make adjustments as you become aware of the effects of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will work with you and consider any side effects you may be experiencing to determine a dosage that is suitable for you while minimizing the side effects.
It can take a while to find the right dosage of stimulant ADHD medications, but it's important to stay on track as long term use is necessary. Regular visits to your GP will help you find the appropriate balance.
Presently only psychiatrists are able to titrate ADHD medications. However, this may change. In the meantime, GPs are advised not to start new patients on any stimulant medication until the shortage is over.
You can support the fight for a more accurate diagnosis and easier access to medications by asking your GP to refer you to an evaluation of your medical needs. You can also download and print a support letter from ADHD UK that you can give to your GP.
Stimulants are the most widely used psychiatric medications and can be purchased from many pharmacies. They are typically prescribed as tablets and can be taken either as an immediate-release or an extended-release drug. Extended- adhd no medication are usually used once per day, in the morning. They can last for up to eight hours. Many people will take a second dose of their extended-release medication along with an immediate-release drug in the afternoon, between mid and late afternoon, to ensure they have a steady supply of their medication throughout the day.
The argument that ADHD is a condition that requires a lot of medication and that children are "drugged up" to control their behaviour and improve their school grades has merit, but it is hard to keep going when medication is so limited. In the UK there are 2.6 million adults and children suffering from the condition. However only 200,000 of them are on medication. This figure is likely to rise as the stigma surrounding the condition fades and more people are being referred for an ADHD assessment.