How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
The availability of ADHD medication is variable and it can sometimes be difficult to get an order due to shortages. This is true for all pharmacies as well as doctors.
You should get your assessment via the 'Right to Choose option if you wish to avoid long wait times. Before prescribing ADHD medication or a treatment, your local mental health provider may require a current ADHD specialist review.
Stimulants
In the UK in the UK, stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. adhd stimulant medication are effective by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters (chemicals that enable brain cells to communicate) in the brain. They are highly efficient and can aid in overcoming the many challenges that come with living with ADHD. As with all medications they can cause negative side negative effects. It is important to communicate with your GP how you feel and if any adjustments are required in your treatment.
Stimulant medication works best for adults, but can also be utilized by adolescents and children. They are available in a variety of different forms, the most common 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 older.
They are typically started at low dosages and gradually increased over several days. This is referred to as titration which allows you to adjust your dosage as you learn the effects of the medication on your adult or child. The psychiatrist will consult with you and look at any adverse effects you might be experiencing to determine the dosage that is right for you, while minimizing negative effects.
It can take a while to find the appropriate dosage of stimulant ADHD drugs but it is crucial to remain on the right track as long term use is necessary. Regular visits to your GP can assist you in finding the right balance.
The current titration process for ADHD medications is only undertaken by psychiatrists who specialize in this area, but this may change. In the meantime, doctors are advised not to begin new patients on any stimulant medication until the supply is over.
You can contribute to the fight for a better diagnosis and access to medications by writing to your GP asking them to refer you to an assessment. You can also download and print the support letter from ADHD UK that you can send to your GP.
Stimulants are the most widely utilized psychiatric medication and are available at many pharmacies. They are usually prescribed in the form of tablets and can be used either as an immediate-release or an extended-release drug. Extended-release medications are administered each day in the morning, and can last for up to eight hours. Many people take their extended-release medication with an instant-release medication between mid-late afternoon and late evening to ensure they have a steady supply of their medication throughout the daytime.
It is difficult to support the claim that ADHD medication is over-medicalised and that children are "pumped up" to control their behaviour and improve their grades at school. In the UK there are 2.6 million adults and kids who suffer from the condition. However only 200,000 are taking medication. The number of people diagnosed with ADHD is likely to rise as the stigma around ADHD diminishes and more people are referred to an ADHD assessment.