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 shortages. This is a problem for all doctors and pharmacies.
If you want to avoid waiting, you must choose the 'Right to Choose" pathway to access your evaluation. Your local mental health service will require a copy of a recent specialist ADHD review prior to prescribing.
Stimulants
In the UK stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. They help by increasing the quantity of various neurotransmitters in the brain - chemicals that enable the brain to communicate. They are very efficient and can aid in overcoming the numerous challenges associated with ADHD. However, like all medications, they may have negative side effects. Therefore, open communication is essential with your GP about how you are feeling and any changes to treatment that may be needed.
The most effective stimulant medication is utilized by adults, however it is also used by adolescents and children. There are a myriad of stimulant medications available. The most popular include methylphenidate (Ritalin) amphetamine salts and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also the atomoxetine (Prozac) however, it is only licensed for use by children 8 and up.
They are generally started with low doses and gradually increased over a few weeks. This is called titration, which allows you to make adjustments as you learn the effects of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will collaborate with you and take into account any side effects you may be experiencing to determine a dosage that is right for you while minimizing negative effects.
It may take some time to find the appropriate dosage of stimulant ADHD medications, but it's essential to keep the dosage in check because long-term use is essential. Having regular appointments with your GP and staying in close contact about any adverse effects can help ensure that the right balance is achieved.
Currently only psychiatrists are able to regulate ADHD medications. However, this may change. In how does medication for adhd work , GPs are advised not to prescribe stimulant medications to new patients until the shortage is resolved.
You can contribute to the fight for an accurate diagnosis and access to medications by writing to your GP asking them to refer you for an assessment. You can also download and print the letter of support from ADHD UK to give to your GP.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used psychiatric medications and can be purchased from many pharmacies. They are usually prescribed in the form of tablets and are available either as an extended-release or immediate-release drug. Extended-release drugs are typically taken daily, in the morning. They can last for up to eight hours. Many people who take extended-release medication with an instant-release drug between mid-late afternoon and late evening to ensure that 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 performance has merit, but it is hard to endure when medications are so scarce. There are thought to be 2.6 million adults and children suffering from the condition in the UK but only around 200k of them are taking medication. This number is likely to increase as the stigma surrounding ADHD is gradually fading, and more people are referred to an ADHD assessment.