How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
The supply of ADHD medication is variable and it is sometimes difficult to obtain an order due to a shortage. This is a problem for all pharmacies and doctors.
You should access your assessment via the 'Right to Choice route if you wish to avoid lengthy wait times. Your local mental health service will require a copy of an upcoming specialist ADHD review before prescribing.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the medications most often prescribed to treat ADHD in the UK. They improve the quantity of various neurotransmitters in the brain - chemicals that enable the brain to communicate. They are extremely effective and can help with the numerous challenges that arise from living with ADHD. However, like here are the findings , they may have negative side effects. Therefore, open communication with your GP regarding how you're feeling and any changes in treatment that may be necessary.
non prescription adhd medication is best used by adults, although it is also 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 atomoxetine (Prozac) however it is only licensed for use in children aged 8 and up.
They are usually started at low doses and gradually increased over several weeks. This is known 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 consider the adverse effects experienced and collaborate with you to determine the dose that is most effective for you, while minimizing the risk of side adverse effects.
It can take a while to find the appropriate dosage of stimulant ADHD drugs but it is essential to keep the dosage in check as long term use is essential. Regular visits to your GP can help you find the right balance.
At present, only psychiatrists can titrate ADHD medications. However, this may change. In the meantime, GPs have been advised not to prescribe stimulant medication to new patients until the shortage is over.
You can support the fight for a better diagnosis and access to treatment by writing to your GP asking them to refer you for an assessment. You can also download and print a support letter from ADHD UK that you can present to your GP.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used psychiatric medications and are available at most pharmacies. They are typically prescribed in the form of tablets and can be taken either as an extended-release or immediate-release drug. Extended-release medications are taken once a day, in the morning. They can last for up to eight hours. Many people take a second dose of their extended-release medication along with an immediate-release medication in the mid to 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 "drugged up" to control their behavior and improve their school grades has merit, but it's difficult to endure when medications are so limited. There are thought to be 2.6 million adults and children suffering from the condition in the UK however only 200k of them are on medication. This number is likely increase as the stigma associated with ADHD continues to fade, and more people are referred to an ADHD assessment.