How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
The supply of ADHD medications is sporadic and it may be difficult to get an order due to a shortage. This affects all doctors and pharmacies.
You should access your evaluation via the 'Right to Choice option if you wish to avoid lengthy wait times. Before prescribing ADHD medication or a treatment, your local mental health clinic may require a current ADHD specialist review.
Stimulants
In the UK in the UK, stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters within the brain - chemicals that allow the brain to communicate. They are highly effective and can help with the many challenges that arise from living with ADHD. However, like all medications they can have side effects so open communication with your GP about how you're feeling and any changes to treatment that might be required.
Stimulant medication works best for adults, but can also be utilized by adolescents and children. There are a myriad of stimulant drugs available. dealing with adhd without medication I Am Psychiatry used include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine salts and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also an atomoxetine (Prozac) however, it is only approved for use by children 8 and over.
They are usually introduced at low doses and gradually increased over several weeks. 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 assist you in finding a dose that works well for you, while minimizing any side effects.
It could take a while to determine the proper dosage of stimulant ADHD medications however it is essential to remain on track as long-term use is required. Making regular appointments with your GP and staying in constant contact with any side effects will ensure that the ideal balance is reached.
At present, only psychiatrists are able to titrate ADHD medications. However, this could change. In the meantime, GPs are advised to not start new patients on any stimulant medication until the shortage is gone.
You can support the fight for a more accurate diagnosis and easier access to medications by asking your GP to refer you for an assessment of your medical condition. You can also print and download the letter of support from ADHD UK to give to your GP.
Most pharmacies sell stimulants which are widely prescribed psychiatric medications. They are prescribed as tablets, and can either be taken as an immediate-release drug or an extended-release one. Extended-release medicines are usually used once per day in the morning. They can last up to eight hours. Many people supplement their extended-release medication with an immediate-release medication during the afternoon, between mid and late afternoon, to ensure that they have a constant supply of their medication throughout the day.
The argument that ADHD is being treated too much and that children are being "drugged up" to control their behaviour and improve their school grades has some merit but it is hard to keep going when medication is so limited. In the UK, there are 2.6 million adults and kids who suffer from the condition. However, only 200,000 are on medication. The number of people diagnosed with ADHD is likely to increase as the stigma associated with ADHD diminishes and more people are referred to an ADHD assessment.