How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
It is sometimes difficult to obtain a prescription for ADHD medication due to shortages. This affects all doctors as well as pharmacies.
If you'd like to avoid waiting, you should choose the 'Right to Choose" pathway to access your evaluation. Your local mental health clinic will need the details of the most recent specialist ADHD review before prescribing.
Stimulants
In the UK, stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters (chemicals that enable brain cells to communicate) in the brain. They are extremely efficient and can assist with many of the issues that arise from living with ADHD. However, as with all medications, they can cause adverse effects, so a clear communication is essential with your GP about how you are feeling and any changes in treatment that may be needed.
Stimulant medications are best utilized by adults, however it is also utilized by children and adolescents. 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 an atomoxetine (Prozac) but this is only licensed for use in children aged 8 and up.
They are typically started with low doses and then gradually increased over a couple of days. This is known as titration. It allows for adjustments to be made as you get to know the effect of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will collaborate with you and consider any adverse effects you might be experiencing to determine a dose that is right for you, while minimizing negative effects.
It can take a while to find the right dosage of stimulant ADHD drugs, but it is essential to keep the dosage in check as long term use is essential. Regular appointments with your GP and keeping in contact with them about any adverse effects can help ensure that the ideal balance is found.
The current titration process for ADHD medications is currently only done by psychiatrists who specialize in this area, but this may change. In the meantime, doctors are advised to not start new patients on any stimulant medication until the shortage is gone.
You can contribute to the fight for a better diagnosis and access to medication by writing to your GP asking them to refer you to an assessment. You can also download and print a support letter from ADHD UK that you can send to your GP.
Most pharmacies sell stimulants, that are frequently prescribed psychiatric drugs. They are prescribed as tablets, and are available as an immediate-release or extended-release drug. Extended-release drugs are given once a morning in the morning and can last up to eight hours. Many people will supplement their extended-release medication with an immediate-release medication in the late afternoon to mid afternoon to ensure they have a consistent supply of their medication throughout the day.
The argument that ADHD is being treated too much and that children are being "drugged up" to control their behaviour and improve their school grades has some merit however it is difficult to sustain when medication is so scarce. In the UK, there are 2.6 million adults and children who suffer from the condition. However, only 200,000 are on medication. adhd medications for adults Iampsychiatry is likely to rise as the stigma around ADHD diminishes and more people are referred for an ADHD assessment.