ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help manage hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. There are two types of medication - stimulants or non-stimulants.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication in Europe and the UK. They include the methylphenidate family of drugs (including Ritalin) and the amphetamine salts.
GPs are advised to maintain 28 day prescribing and NOT increase quantities during the supply disruption. GPs are advised to consider alternative bioequivalent products.
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In the UK both stimulants as well as nonstimulants are both approved for treating ADHD. Since they are the most well-known medications, stimulants are typically prescribed first. adhd medication names increase the brain's activity and releasing chemicals that control attention and act. This includes methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin, and amphetamine-based medications such as lisdexamfetamine, or Elvanse. The stimulants are available in short-acting as well as long-acting versions. These are also known as immediate release or modified release.
A non-stimulant drug that has recently been approved to treat ADHD is atomoxetine (Strattera). This medication improves concentration and working memory problems and has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms in adults.
However, there are people who are not enthusiastic about taking a drug and prefer alternative or natural remedies. Fortunately, there are a number of options to address this, from coaching and psychoeducation to self-help strategies and peer support groups. These are often combined with oral medication to maximise the effects.
It is vital to remember that the use of supplements and other treatments should always be discussed with a GP prior to beginning. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency declares that it is unlawful to market any product that claims to treat ADHD without a valid authorization.
Find a psychiatrist that specializes in mental health in your area and has experience diagnosing adults with ADHD. The doctor can provide you with a an official diagnosis that you can use for insurance purposes, or if you need to prove your condition in another way.
Once you've been diagnosed, your psychiatrist can recommend a medical trial of the drugs that are licensed in the UK. This will be overseen by a clinical professional such as a psychiatric nurse. This process, referred to as titration, involves altering your medication regularly to determine the appropriate dosage that minimizes the symptoms, while still being tolerable.
During this time, open communication with your psychiatrist is essential and it must be made clear that you are able to end the study at any point. Unfortunately, some neurodiverse groups may have a moralistic interpretation of the need for medication for ADHD. This could result in people being divided into 'good' people who don't take medications and 'bad' individuals who require medications to manage their symptoms.
Taking ADHD medication is always a personal choice and no one should be forced to do so. Talk therapy is a very effective treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD. It should be the first option for treatment. However, it does not cure ADHD. It only manages symptoms and does not change negative ways of coping. Medication is an effective and safe option for many people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to use medication, it will only be prescribed by a physician and should be based solely on your needs.