How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
It is sometimes difficult to get prescriptions for ADHD medication due to the shortage of. This is a problem for all doctors and pharmacies.
If you'd like to avoid waiting, you must choose the 'Right to Choose" pathway to access your assessment. Before prescribing adhd without medication or a treatment, your local mental health service might require a recent ADHD specialist review.
Stimulants
In the UK in the UK, stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the quantity of various neurotransmitters in the brain. These are chemicals that enable the brain to communicate. They are extremely efficient and can ease many of the difficulties that come along with living with ADHD. However, as with all medications, they can cause negative side effects. Therefore, open communication is essential with your GP about how you are experiencing and any changes to treatment that may be necessary.
Stimulant medication is best utilized by adults, however it can be utilized by children and adolescents. They are available in a variety of forms - the most common being methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) amphetamine salts and dexamfetamine dimesylate (Dexamethasone). There is also atomoxetine or Prozac, but it is only approuvé for children over eight years old.
They are typically started at low dosages and gradually increased over a couple of days. This is known as titration. It allows for adjustments to be made as you begin to know the effect of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will take into consideration the adverse effects encountered and work with you to find the dose that is most effective for you, while minimizing side effects.
It could take a while to find the correct dosage of stimulant ADHD medication, but it is vital to remain on track as long-term use is necessary. Making regular appointments with your GP and keeping in contact with them about any side effects will ensure that the proper balance is achieved.
At present, only psychiatrists can titrate ADHD medications. However, this may change. In the meantime, doctors are advised not to start new patients on any stimulant medication until the shortfall is gone.
You can help support the fight for a better diagnosis and access to treatment by writing to your GP asking them to refer you for an assessment. You can also download and print the letter of support from ADHD UK to give to your GP.
Most pharmacies sell stimulants, which are widely prescribed psychiatric drugs. They are typically prescribed as tablets and can be used either as an immediate-release or an extended-release drug. Extended-release medicines are prescribed every day in the morning and can last up to eight hours. Many people take their extended-release medication with an instant-release drug between mid-late afternoon and the evening to ensure they have a steady supply of their medication throughout the day.
The argument that ADHD is over-medicalised and that children are "drugged up" to control their behaviour and improve their school grades has some merit however it is difficult to sustain when medication is so in short supply. In the UK, there are 2.6 million adults and kids who suffer from the condition. However only 200,000 of them are on medication. This number is likely to increase as the stigma associated with ADHD diminishes and more people are referred for an ADHD assessment.