How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK

It can be difficult to get prescriptions for ADHD medication due to shortages. This is a problem for all pharmacies and doctors.

You should get your evaluation via the 'Right to Choose option if you wish to avoid long wait times. Before prescribing ADHD medication or a treatment, your local mental health service may require a recent ADHD specialist review.

Stimulants

In the UK, stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. https://throatpajama21.bravejournal.net/who-is-adhd-stimulant-medication-and-why-you-should-care work 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 issues that arise from living with ADHD. As with all medications they can cause side negative effects. It is essential to inform your GP what you are feeling and if changes are needed in treatment.



Stimulant medications are best suited for adults, but can also be utilized by adolescents and children. There are many different stimulant drugs available. The most common ones include methylphenidate (Ritalin) amphetamine salts, and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also atomoxetine, or Prozac but it's only approved for children over eight years old.

They are usually started at low doses, and gradually increased over several days. This is known 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 consult with you and consider any side effects you may be experiencing to determine the dosage that is appropriate for you while minimizing side effects.

It can take some time to determine the right dosage of stimulant ADHD medication but it is crucial to keep on track since long-term use is essential. Regular appointments with your GP can assist you in finding the right balance.

At present, titration of ADHD medications is only undertaken by specialist psychiatrists, however this could change. In the meantime, doctors are advised not to begin new patients on any stimulant medication until the shortfall is gone.

You can support 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 utilized psychiatric medication and are available from the majority of pharmacies. They are usually prescribed in the form of tablets and can be taken either as an immediate-release or extended-release drug. Extended-release medicines are prescribed each day in the morning, and can last up to 8 hours. Many people will add an immediate-release medication during the late afternoon to mid afternoon to ensure they have a consistent supply of their medication throughout the day.

The argument that ADHD is a condition that requires a lot of medication and that children are "drugged up" to manage their behavior and improve their school performance has some merit but it is hard to endure when medications are so in short supply. In the UK, there are 2.6 million adults and kids with the condition. However, only 200,000 are on medication. The number of people diagnosed with ADHD is likely to increase as the stigma associated with the condition fades and more people are referred to an ADHD assessment.