How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
The availability of ADHD medication isn't always consistent and it is sometimes difficult to get prescriptions due to a shortage. This affects all doctors as well as pharmacies.
You should get your assessment through the 'Right of Choice route if you wish to avoid lengthy wait times. The local mental health services will need the details of a recent specialist ADHD review before prescribing.
Stimulants
In the UK in the UK, stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. They improve the quantity of various neurotransmitters in the brain - chemicals that allow the brain to communicate. They are extremely effective and can help with the many challenges that come with living with ADHD. As with all medications they may cause side negative effects. It is important to discuss with your GP about how you feel and if modifications are required in your treatment.
Stimulant medication is best for adults, but it is also utilized by children and adolescents. There are a myriad of stimulant drugs available. The most common ones include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) amphetamine salts, and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also atomoxetine, or Prozac but it's only approved for children above the age of eight.
They are usually introduced at low doses, and gradually increased over a few days. This is referred to as titration. It allows for adjustments to be made as you come to know the effect of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will consult with you and consider any adverse effects you might be experiencing to determine a dosage that is suitable for you, while minimizing side effects.
It can take a while to determine the proper dosage of stimulant ADHD medications, but it's crucial to remain on the right track as long term usage is required. best adhd medication for adults with anxiety with your GP will help you find the appropriate balance.
At present, titration of ADHD medication is currently carried out by specialist psychiatrists, however this could change. In the meantime, doctors are advised not to begin new patients on any stimulant medication until the shortfall is gone.
You can support the fight for an accurate diagnosis and access to medication by writing to your GP asking them to refer you for an assessment. You can also print and download the letter of support from ADHD UK to give to your GP.
Most pharmacies sell stimulants, which are widely prescribed psychiatric drugs. They are prescribed as tablets, and can either be taken as an immediate-release drug or an extended-release one. Extended-release medications are administered every day in the morning, and can last up to eight hours. Many people add an immediate-release medication in the afternoon, between mid and late afternoon, to ensure they have a steady supply of their medication throughout the day.
The argument that ADHD is over-medicalised and that children are being "drugged up" to manage their behaviour and improve their school grades is a valid argument, but it's difficult to keep going when medication is so limited. In the UK there are 2.6 million adults and kids with the condition. However, only 200,000 are on medication. The number of people diagnosed with ADHD will likely to grow as the stigma around the condition continues to fade and more people are referred to an ADHD assessment.