20 Things You Should Be Educated About ADHD Medication
How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
The supply of ADHD medication is variable and it may be difficult to get prescriptions due to shortages. This affects all doctors as well as pharmacies.
If Recommended Internet site 'd like to avoid waiting, you should opt for the "Right to Choose" option to get your assessment. Before prescribing ADHD medication the local mental health service may require a recent ADHD specialist review.
Stimulants
In the UK, stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow the brain communicate) in the brain. They are extremely efficient and can assist with many of the issues that come along with living with ADHD. However, as with all medications they can have adverse effects, so a clear communication is important with your GP regarding how you're feeling and any changes in treatment that may be needed.
Stimulant medications are best suited for adults, but can also be utilized by adolescents and children. There are a myriad of stimulant drugs available. The most commonly used include methylphenidate (Ritalin) amphetamine salts and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also atomoxetine, or Prozac, but it is only approved for children over the age of eight.
They are usually introduced with low doses and then gradually increased over a couple of days. This is known as titration and it allows you to adjust your dosage as you become aware of the effects of the medication on your adult or child. The psychiatrist will look at the effects of the medication observed and collaborate with you to determine a dose that works well for you, while minimizing side adverse effects.
It can take some time to determine the proper dosage of stimulant ADHD medication, but it is vital to stay on track because long-term use is necessary. Making regular appointments with your GP and staying in contact with them about any side effects can ensure that the ideal balance is reached.
Presently only psychiatrists are able to adjust ADHD medications. However, this may change. In the meantime, general practitioners 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 medications by writing to your GP asking them to refer you to an assessment. You can also download and print the letter of support from ADHD UK to give to your GP.
Stimulants are the most widely used psychiatric drugs and are available at most pharmacies. They are typically 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 eight hours. Many people take a second dose of their extended-release medication along with an immediate-release medication during the afternoon, between mid and late 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 "drugged up" to manage their behavior and improve their school performance has some merit but it is hard to endure when medications are so scarce. In the UK, there are 2.6 million adults and kids suffering from the condition. However only 200,000 are taking medication. This number will likely to grow as the stigma associated with the condition diminishes and more people are referred for an ADHD assessment.