How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
The availability of ADHD medication is variable and it can sometimes be difficult to obtain an order due to shortages. This affects all doctors as well as pharmacies.
If you wish to delay waiting, choose the 'Right to Choose" method to access your evaluation. Your local mental health service will require a copy of a recent specialist ADHD review before prescribing.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the drugs most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD in the UK. They help by increasing the quantity of various neurotransmitters in the brain - chemicals that enable the brain to communicate. They are very efficient and can aid in overcoming the many challenges that come with living with ADHD. However, like all medications they can have side effects so open communication is essential with your GP regarding how you're feeling and any changes to treatment that may be needed.
Stimulant medication is best used by adults, although it can be used by children and adolescents. They are available in a variety of different forms - the most popular being methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin), amphetamine salts and dexamfetamine dimesylate (Dexamethasone). There is also atomoxetine (Prozac) however, it is only licensed for use by children 8 and over.
They are usually started with low doses and increased gradually over a few weeks. This is called titration and allows for adjustments to be made as you come to know the effect of the medication on your child or adult. adhd and medication will collaborate with you and consider any adverse effects you might be experiencing to determine a dosage that is appropriate for you while minimizing negative effects.
It may take some time to determine the proper dosage of stimulant ADHD medications, but it is vital to keep on track since long-term use is necessary. Regular appointments with your GP can assist you in finding the appropriate balance.
Currently titration of ADHD medication is currently carried out by psychiatrists who specialize in this area, but this may change. In the meantime, general practitioners have been advised not to prescribe stimulant medication to new patients until the shortage has ended.
You can join the fight for a more accurate diagnosis and better access to medication by asking your GP to refer you for a medical assessment. You can print and download the letter of support from ADHD UK to give to your GP.
The majority of pharmacies sell stimulants, which are commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs. They are typically prescribed as tablets and are available either as an immediate-release or extended-release drug. Extended-release medicines are prescribed once a morning in the morning and can last up to eight hours. Many people take a second dose of their extended-release medication along with an immediate-release drug in the late afternoon to mid afternoon to ensure they have a consistent supply of their medication throughout the day.
The argument that ADHD is a condition that requires a lot of medication and that children are 'drugged up' to control their behaviour and improve their school grades has merit, however it is difficult to keep going when medication is so limited. In the UK, there are 2.6 million adults and children with the condition. However, only 200,000 are on medication. adhd medications for adults is likely increase as the stigma associated with ADHD is gradually fading, and more people are referred to an ADHD assessment.