How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain prescriptions for ADHD medication due to shortages. This affects all pharmacies and doctors.
You should seek your assessment through the 'Right to Choice option if you wish to avoid long wait times. Before prescribing ADHD medication, your local mental health clinic may require a current ADHD specialist review.
adhd and medication
In the UK in the UK, stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. They are effective by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters (chemicals that enable the brain to communicate) in the brain. They are very efficient and can assist with the many challenges that come with living with ADHD. However, like all medications, they can cause side effects so open communication with your GP about how you are feeling and any changes in treatment that may be necessary.
Stimulant medication works best for adults, but can also be utilized by adolescents and children. There are a variety of stimulant medications available. The most popular include the methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine salts, and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also atomoxetine or Prozac but it's only approuvé for children over eight years old.
They are usually started at low dosages and gradually increased over a few days. This is called titration, and it permits you to adjust your dosage as you learn the effects of the medication on your adult or child. The psychiatrist will collaborate with you and take into account any adverse effects you might be experiencing to determine a dose that is right for you while minimizing negative effects.
It can take time to find the right dosage of stimulant ADHD medications, but it's crucial to remain on the right track as long term use is essential. Regular appointments with your GP can assist you in finding the ideal balance.
Currently, only psychiatrists are able to adjust ADHD medications. However, this could change. In the meantime, doctors are advised not to start new patients on any stimulant medication until the supply is gone.
You can help in the fight for a more precise diagnosis and easier access to medication by asking your GP to refer you to an evaluation of your medical needs. 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 can be taken either as an immediate-release or an extended-release drug. Extended-release medications are taken once a day in the morning. They can last up to eight hours. Many people supplement their extended release medication with an instant-release medicine between mid-late afternoon and late evening to ensure that they have a steady supply of their medication throughout the daytime.
It is difficult to accept the claim that ADHD medication is over-medicalised and that children are "drunk up" to control their behavior and improve their performance in school. In the UK there are 2.6 million adults and children who suffer from the condition. However only 200,000 are taking medication. This number is likely to rise as the stigma around the condition diminishes and more people are referred to an ADHD assessment.