How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
It is sometimes difficult to obtain a prescription for ADHD medication due to shortages. This affects all doctors as well as pharmacies.
You should get your assessment via the 'Right to Choose route if you wish to avoid long wait times. Your local mental health clinic will require a copy of a recent specialist ADHD review before prescribing.
Stimulants
In the UK stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. They are effective by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow the brain communicate) in the brain. They are very effective and can help with the numerous challenges that come with living with ADHD. As with all medications they can cause adverse negative effects. It is essential to inform your GP how you feel and if any adjustments are required in your treatment.
The most effective stimulant medication is used by adults, although it is also used by adolescents and children. There are many different stimulant medications available. The most commonly 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 usually started with low doses and gradually increased over several weeks. This is referred to as titration and it allows you to make adjustments as you discover the effects of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will work with you and take into account any side effects you may be experiencing to determine a dosage that is appropriate for you, while minimizing side effects.
It can take time to find the right dosage of stimulant ADHD drugs but it is important to stay on track since long-term use is necessary. Regular visits with your GP can help you find the appropriate balance.
At present, titration of ADHD medications is only undertaken by specialist psychiatrists, however this could change. In the meantime, doctors are advised to not start new patients on any stimulant medication until the shortfall is gone.
You can help in the fight for a more accurate diagnosis and better access to medication by asking your GP to refer you for an assessment of your medical condition. You can also download and print a support letter from ADHD UK that you can send to your GP.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used psychiatric medications and can be purchased from the majority of pharmacies. They are typically prescribed as tablets and are available either as an immediate-release or an extended-release drug. Extended-release medicines are usually taken once a day, in the morning. They can last up to eight hours. get redirected here will supplement their extended-release medication with an immediate-release medication in the mid to late afternoon to ensure they have a consistent supply of their medication throughout the day.
The argument that ADHD is being treated too much and that children are being "drugged up" to manage their behaviour and improve their school grades is a valid argument, but it is hard to keep going when medication is so limited. There are estimated to be 2.6 million children and adults suffering from the condition in the UK however only 200 people are taking medication. This number is likely to rise as the stigma around ADHD is gradually fading, and more people are referred for an ADHD assessment.