How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
It can be difficult to get prescriptions for ADHD medication due to a shortage. This is true for all pharmacies as well as doctors.
You should seek your assessment via the 'Right to Choice' pathway if you want to avoid long waits. Before prescribing ADHD medication, your local mental health clinic may require a current ADHD specialist review.
Stimulants
In the UK stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs 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 the many challenges associated with ADHD. As with all medications they can cause adverse effects. It is crucial to communicate with your GP how you feel and if any adjustments are required in your treatment.
adhd sleep medication works best for adults, but can also be utilized by adolescents and children. They are available in a variety of forms - the most common being methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin), amphetamine salts and dexamfetamine dimesylate (Dexamethasone). There is also the atomoxetine (Prozac) however, it is only licensed for use by children 8 and up.
They are generally started at low doses, and then gradually increased over several weeks. This is called titration, which allows you to make adjustments as you become aware of the effects of the medication on your adult or child. The psychiatrist will take into consideration the effects of the medication experienced and assist you in finding a dose that works well for you, while minimizing side negative effects.
It may take some time to determine the proper dosage of stimulant ADHD medication however it is essential to stay on track because long-term use is essential. Regular visits with your GP can assist you in finding the right balance.
Currently titration of ADHD medications is only undertaken by specialist psychiatrists, although this may change. In the interim, GPs have been advised to not prescribe stimulant medication to new patients until the shortage is over.
You can support the fight for an accurate diagnosis and access to medication by writing to your GP asking them to refer you for an assessment. You can also download and print the support letter from ADHD UK that you can send to your GP.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used psychiatric medications and can be purchased from most pharmacies. They are prescribed as tablets and are available as an immediate-release drug or an extended-release one. Extended-release drugs are given every day in the morning, and can last up to eight hours. Many people supplement their extended-release medication with an immediate-release medication during the late afternoon to mid afternoon to ensure that they have a constant supply of their medication throughout the day.
The argument that ADHD is being treated too much and that children are "drugged up" to manage their behaviour and improve their school grades is a valid argument, but it is hard to keep going when medication is so scarce. In the UK, there are 2.6 million adults and children suffering from the condition. However, only 200,000 are on medication. This number is likely to increase as the stigma associated with ADHD diminishes and more people are referred for an ADHD assessment.