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 and pharmacies.
You should seek your assessment via the 'Right of Choice' pathway if you want to avoid long waits. Your local mental health clinic will require a copy of an upcoming specialist ADHD review prior to prescribing.
Stimulants
In the UK, stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters (chemicals that enable the brain to communicate) in the brain. They are extremely efficient and can assist with the numerous challenges that arise from living with ADHD. As with all medications, they can cause negative side negative effects. It is essential to discuss with your GP about how you feel and if adjustments are required in your treatment.
Stimulant medication is best utilized by adults, however it can be used by adolescents and children. 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 atomoxetine, or Prozac, but it is only approved for children over eight years of age.
They are usually introduced at low dosages and gradually increased over a couple of days. This is referred to 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 take into consideration the adverse effects experienced and work with you to find the dose that is most effective for you, while minimizing the risk of side adverse effects.
It could take a while to find the correct dosage of stimulant ADHD medications but it is crucial to stay on track because long-term use is essential. Making regular appointments with your GP and keeping in close contact about any side effects will ensure that the right balance is achieved.
Presently only psychiatrists are able to adjust ADHD medications. However, this may change. In the meantime, doctors are advised not to begin new patients on any stimulant medication until the shortfall is over.
You can join the fight for a more precise diagnosis and better access to medications by asking your GP to refer you to an evaluation of your medical needs. You can also download and print the support letter from ADHD UK that you can give to your GP.
Most pharmacies sell stimulants which are commonly prescribed psychiatric medications. They are prescribed as tablets, and are available as an immediate-release or extended-release drug. Extended- adhd and anxiety medication are taken once a day in the morning. They can last for up to eight hours. Many people take their extended-release medication with an instant-release drug between mid-late afternoon and evening to ensure that they have a steady 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 control their behavior and improve their school grades has some merit but it's difficult to keep going when medication is so in short supply. In the UK, there are 2.6 million adults and children with the condition. However, only 200,000 are on medication. This number is likely to rise as the stigma around ADHD continues to fade, and more people are referred to an ADHD assessment.