ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help manage symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. There are two types of medications - stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed ADHD medication in Europe and the UK. They include the methylphenidate family of drugs (including Ritalin) and the amphetamine salts.
GPs should NOT increase their prescriptions during the interruption of supply. GPs are encouraged to also consider alternative bioequivalent products.
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In the treatment of ADHD, there are two medications that are approved to be used in the UK - stimulants and non-stimulants. These medications that work by enhancing the activities of the brain chemicals that control attention and take action, are usually offered first, as they are the most well-established. medication for adhd include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medication such as the lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Stimulants can come in short or long acting formulations that are referred to as immediate release and modified release respectively.
A non-stimulant medicine that has recently been approved to treat ADHD is atomoxetine (Strattera). This medication will improve concentration and working memory problems and has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms in adults.
Certain people are more interested in alternative or natural treatments rather than using drugs. There are many options to help them overcome this problem, including psychoeducation as well as self-help strategies, coaching, and peer support groups. These are often combined to maximize the benefits of oral medications.
It is important that you always consult your GP before starting any other treatment or supplement. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency declares that it is illegal to market any product that claims to treat ADHD without being properly authorised.
Find a psychiatrist who specializes in mental health within your area and has expertise in diagnosing adults with ADHD. The psychiatrist will be able to give you an official diagnosis that can be used for insurance purposes or should you require proof of your condition for any other reason.
After being diagnosed, your psychiatrist can recommend a licensed UK medication for a trial. A clinical professional, such as psychiatrist nurses will supervise the trial. This process, called titration, involves altering your medication at regular intervals to find the right dosage that reduces your symptoms while remaining tolerable.
During this period, open communication with your psychiatrist is vital and it must be made clear that you have the option to end the trial at any point. Unfortunately, certain communities of neurodiversity can have unhelpful moralistic interpretations of the need for medication for ADHD. This could result in people being divided into 'good' individuals who don't take medications and 'bad' people who need them to manage their symptoms.
The decision to take ADHD medication is always a choice for the individual and nobody should be compelled to do so. Talk therapy can be a very effective treatment for adult ADHD and it should always be the first line of treatment however, it isn't a cure and will only treat your symptoms and not change the long-standing negative coping mechanisms. However, medication is a very secure and effective treatment option for the majority of people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to take meds, they will only ever be prescribed by a psychiatrist, and the decision should be based on your personal needs.