14 Questions You Shouldn't Be Uneasy To Ask ADHD Medication
How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
It is sometimes difficult to obtain a prescription for ADHD medication due to a shortage. This affects all pharmacies and doctors.
You should access your assessment via the 'Right to Choice route if you wish to avoid long wait times. Your local mental health service will require details of a recent specialist ADHD review prior to prescribing.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the medications most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD in the UK. They improve the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain - chemicals that enable the brain to communicate. They are very efficient and can assist with the many issues associated with ADHD. However, like all medications they can have side effects so open communication with your GP regarding how you're feeling and any changes in treatment that might be required.
The most effective stimulant medication is for adults, but it is also utilized by children and adolescents. There are a variety of stimulant drugs available. The most popular include methylphenidate (Ritalin) amphetamine salts and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also the atomoxetine (Prozac) but this is only approved for use by children 8 and over.
They are usually introduced at low dosages and gradually increased over a couple of days. This is called titration, and it permits you to make adjustments as you discover the effects of the medication on your adult or child. The psychiatrist will consult with you and take into account any adverse effects you might be experiencing to determine the dosage that is right for you while minimizing the side effects.
It could take a while to determine the proper dosage of stimulant ADHD medication however it is essential to keep on track since long-term use is necessary. Having regular appointments with your GP and keeping in contact with them about any side effects will ensure that the ideal balance is found.
At present, titration of ADHD medication is currently carried out by psychiatrists who specialize in this area, but this could change. In the meantime, GPs are advised not to prescribe stimulant medications to new patients until the shortage is over.
adhd uk medication can join the fight for a more accurate diagnosis and better access to medications by asking your GP to refer you for a medical assessment. You can also print and download the letter of support from ADHD UK to give to your GP.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used psychiatric medications and are available at the majority of pharmacies. They are prescribed as tablets, and are available as an immediate-release drug or an extended-release one. Extended-release drugs are typically taken daily in the morning. They can last up to eight hours. Many people add an immediate-release medication in the late afternoon to mid afternoon to ensure that they have a constant supply of their medication throughout the day.
It is difficult to back the notion that ADHD medication is over-medicalised and that children are "pumped up" to control their behaviour and improve their grades at school. There are believed to be 2.6 million adults and children with the condition in the UK but only around 200 people are taking medication. This number is likely increase as the stigma surrounding ADHD diminishes and more people are referred to an ADHD assessment.