How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
The supply of ADHD medication isn't always consistent and it is sometimes difficult to get an order due to shortages. This is true for all pharmacies as well as doctors.
If you want to avoid waiting, you must opt for the "Right to Choose" option to get your assessment. Your local mental health clinic will require a copy of an upcoming specialist ADHD review before prescribing.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the medications most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD in the UK. They work by increasing the availability of various neurotransmitters within the brain - chemicals that allow the brain to communicate. They are highly efficient and can aid in overcoming the numerous challenges that come with living with ADHD. As with all medications they can have negative side negative effects. It is crucial to discuss with your GP about how you feel and if any changes are needed in treatment.
The most effective stimulant medication is used by adults, although it can be used by children and adolescents. There are a myriad of stimulant medications available. The most common ones include methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine salts, and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also an atomoxetine (Prozac) however it is only approved for use in children aged 8 and up.
They are usually introduced with low doses and gradually increased over several weeks. This is known as titration. It allows for adjustments to be made as you come to know the effect of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will consult with you and take into account any side effects you may be experiencing to determine a dosage that is appropriate for you while minimizing the side effects.
It can take a while to find the appropriate dosage of stimulant ADHD drugs, but it is important to stay on track as long term usage is required. Having regular appointments with your GP and staying in contact with them about any side effects will ensure that the ideal balance is found.
Presently, only psychiatrists are able to adjust ADHD medications. However, this could change. In the meantime, general practitioners are advised not to start new patients on any stimulant medication until the shortage is over.
You can support the fight for a more accurate diagnosis and easier access to medications by asking your GP to refer you for an assessment of your medical condition. You can download and print the support letter from ADHD UK that you can send to your GP.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used psychiatric drugs and can be purchased from the majority of pharmacies. They are usually prescribed in the form of tablets and can be taken either as an extended-release or immediate-release drug. Extended-release drugs are typically taken daily in the morning. They can last for up to eight hours. Many people take their extended release medication with an instant-release medicine between mid-late afternoon and late evening to ensure that they are always getting a supply of their medication during the day.
relevant resource site is difficult to back the argument that ADHD medication is not enough and that children are "drunk up" to control their behavior and improve their grades in school. In the UK, there are 2.6 million adults and children with the condition. However only 200,000 are taking medication. This number is likely increase as the stigma surrounding ADHD is gradually fading, and more people are referred to an ADHD assessment.
