How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
It is sometimes difficult to obtain a prescription for ADHD medication due to a shortage. This affects all doctors and pharmacies.
You should seek your evaluation via the 'Right of Choice route if you wish to avoid long waits. Your local mental health clinic will require a copy of a recent specialist ADHD review prior to prescribing.
Stimulants
In the UK in the UK, stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the availability of various neurotransmitters within the brain - chemicals that allow the brain to communicate. They are very efficient and can aid in overcoming the numerous challenges associated with ADHD. As with all medications they can have adverse effects. It is essential to discuss with your GP about how you feel and if any adjustments are required in your treatment.
The most effective stimulant medication is utilized by adults, however it can be used by children and adolescents. There are a variety of stimulant drugs available. The most popular include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) amphetamine salts and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also atomoxetine, or Prozac, but it is only approved for children over the age of eight.
They are usually started at low doses, and then gradually increased over a few weeks. This is referred to as titration. It allows for adjustments to be made as you begin to understand the effects of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will collaborate with you and look at any adverse effects you might be experiencing to determine the dosage that is appropriate for you, while minimizing side effects.
It may take some time to find the appropriate dosage of stimulant ADHD drugs, but it is crucial to remain on the right track since long-term use is essential. Regular visits to your GP can help you find the right balance.
At present, titration of ADHD medication is currently carried out by specialist psychiatrists, although this could change. In the interim, GPs have been advised to not prescribe stimulant medications to new patients until the shortage has ended.
adhd without medication can help support the fight for a better diagnosis and access to treatment by writing to your GP asking them to refer you to an assessment. You can also print and download the letter of support from ADHD UK to give to your GP.
The majority of pharmacies sell stimulants, which are widely prescribed psychiatric medications. They are prescribed as tablets, and can be taken as an immediate-release or extended-release medication. Extended-release medications are administered each morning in the morning and can last up to 8 hours. Many people supplement their extended-release medication with an instant-release medication between mid-late afternoon and late evening to ensure they have a constant supply of their medication during the day.
The argument that ADHD is a condition that requires a lot of medication and that children are 'drugged up' to control their behavior and improve their school grades is a valid argument, but it is hard to keep going when medication is so scarce. There are believed to be 2.6 million children and adults suffering from the condition in the UK however only 200k of them are on medication. The number of people diagnosed with ADHD is likely to increase as the stigma surrounding ADHD diminishes and more people are being referred to an ADHD assessment.