Why You Should Concentrate On Improving ADHD Medication
How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
It can be difficult to get a prescription for ADHD medication due to shortages. This affects all doctors as well as pharmacies.
You should seek your assessment via the 'Right of Choice option if you wish to avoid long waits. adhd stimulant medication will need the details of a recent specialist ADHD review prior to prescribing.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the medications most often prescribed to treat ADHD in the UK. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain - chemicals that allow the brain to communicate. They are highly efficient and can ease many of the issues that arise from living with ADHD. However, like all medications, they may have adverse effects, so a clear communication with your GP about how you are feeling and any changes to treatment that may be needed.
Stimulant medications are best for adults, but it is also used 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 approuvé for children over eight years old.
They are typically started at low dosages and gradually increased over a few days. This is referred to as titration. It allows for adjustments to be made as you come to understand the effects of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will collaborate with you and take into account any adverse effects you might be experiencing to determine a dose that is suitable for you while minimizing side effects.
It can take time to find the right dosage of stimulant ADHD drugs but it is crucial to remain on the right track because long-term usage is required. Regular visits to your GP can assist you in finding the right balance.
The current titration process for ADHD medication is currently carried out by psychiatrists who specialize in this area, but this may change. In the interim, GPs have been advised not to prescribe stimulant medication to new patients until the shortage has ended.
You can join the fight for a more accurate diagnosis and better access to medications by asking your GP to refer you for an evaluation of your medical needs. You can download and print the support letter from ADHD UK that you can present to your GP.
Most pharmacies sell stimulants which are widely prescribed psychiatric drugs. They are prescribed as tablets, and are available as an immediate-release or extended-release medication. Extended-release drugs are given each day in the morning, and can last for up to eight hours. Many people supplement their extended-release medication with an instant-release drug between mid-late afternoon and evening to ensure that they have a steady supply of their medication throughout the day.
The argument that ADHD is being treated too much and that children are "drugged up" to manage their behavior and improve their school performance is a valid argument, however it is difficult to sustain when medication is so limited. There are thought to be 2.6 million children and adults suffering from the condition in the UK but only around 200 people are on medication. The number of people diagnosed with ADHD is likely to increase as the stigma around the condition continues to fade and more people are being referred for an ADHD assessment.