How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
The supply of ADHD medication is variable and it is sometimes difficult to get prescriptions due to a shortage. This is true for all pharmacies as well as doctors.
You should get your assessment through the 'Right to Choice option if you wish to avoid lengthy wait times. Before prescribing ADHD medication the local mental health clinic may require a current ADHD specialist review.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the drugs most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD in the UK. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters (chemicals that enable brain cells to communicate) in the brain. They are extremely efficient and can assist with many of the challenges that come along with living with ADHD. As with all medications they can have negative side negative effects. It is essential to discuss with your GP what you are feeling and if any adjustments are required in your treatment.
Stimulant medications are best utilized by adults, however it can be used by adolescents and children. 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 an atomoxetine (Prozac) but this is only licensed for use in children aged 8 and over.
They are typically started at low dosages and gradually increased over a couple of days. This is called titration and allows for adjustments to be made as you begin to understand the effects of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will take into consideration the adverse effects experienced and work with you to find the dosage that works for you, while minimizing the risk of side adverse effects.
It could take a while to find the correct dosage of stimulant ADHD medication, but it is vital to stay on track because long-term use is essential. adhd medication for adults uk with your GP and keeping in contact with them about any adverse effects can help ensure that the proper balance is found.
The current titration process for ADHD medications is only undertaken by specialist psychiatrists, although this may 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 better access to medication by asking your GP to refer you to an evaluation of your medical needs. You can also download and print a support letter from ADHD UK that you can give to your GP.
Stimulants are the most widely used psychiatric drugs and can be purchased from many pharmacies. They are prescribed as tablets and can either be taken as an immediate-release drug or an extended-release one. Extended-release drugs are typically used once per day in the morning. They can last for up to eight hours. Many people take their extended-release medication with an instant-release medicine between mid-late afternoon and evening to ensure they have a constant supply of their medication throughout the day.
The argument that ADHD is over-medicalised and that children are being 'drugged up' to control their behaviour and improve their school performance has merit, but it is hard to sustain when medication is so in short supply. There are thought to be 2.6 million adults and children with the condition in the UK however only 200k of them are on medication. The number of people diagnosed with ADHD will likely to grow as the stigma associated with the condition fades and more people are referred for an ADHD assessment.
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