15 Things To Give The ADHD Medication Lover In Your Life
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 pharmacies and doctors.
If you wish to avoid waiting, you must opt for the "Right to Choose" pathway to access your evaluation. The local mental health services will require a copy of a recent specialist ADHD review before prescribing.
Stimulants
In the UK in the UK, stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow the brain communicate) in the brain. They are highly effective and can help with many of the challenges that come along with living with ADHD. Like all medications, they can have adverse effects. It is important to discuss with your GP about how you feel and if any adjustments are required in your treatment.
Stimulant medication works best for adults, but it can also be used by children and adolescents. They are available in a number of different forms - the most common being methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin), amphetamine salts, and dexamfetamine dimesylate (Dexamethasone). There is also the atomoxetine (Prozac) however it is only approved for use by children 8 and older.
They are usually started at low doses, and gradually increased over a couple of days. This is called titration and allows for adjustments to be made as you begin to know the effect of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will consult with you and consider any adverse effects you might be experiencing to determine the dosage that is right for you while minimizing the adverse effects.
It can take some time to determine the right dosage of stimulant ADHD medication however it is essential to remain on track as long-term use is required. Regular visits with your GP can help you find the ideal balance.
Currently only psychiatrists are able adjust ADHD medications. However, this could change. In the meantime, general practitioners are advised not to prescribe stimulant medications to new patients until the shortage has ended.
You can help 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 give to your GP.
Most pharmacies sell stimulants which are widely prescribed psychiatric medications. They are prescribed as tablets, and can be taken as an immediate-release or extended-release drug. Extended-release medicines are usually taken once a day in the morning. They can last up to eight hours. Many people supplement their extended-release medication with an instant-release medication between mid-late afternoon and the evening to ensure that they have a steady supply of their medication during the day.
It is difficult to accept the argument that ADHD medication is over-medicalised and that children are "drunk up" to control their behavior and improve their grades at school. There are estimated to be 2.6 million adults and children with the condition in the UK but only about 200 people are taking medication. resource for this article of people diagnosed with ADHD is likely to increase as the stigma surrounding ADHD continues to fade, and more people are being referred to an ADHD assessment.