How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
The supply of ADHD medications is sporadic and it can sometimes be difficult to obtain prescriptions due to a shortage. This affects all pharmacies and doctors.
If you wish to avoid waiting, you must choose the 'Right to Choose" pathway to access your assessment. The local mental health services will require details of a recent specialist ADHD review before prescribing.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the drugs most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD in the UK. They are effective by increasing the quantity of neurotransmitters (chemicals that enable the brain to communicate) in the brain. They are highly efficient and can assist with many of the issues that arise from living with ADHD. However, as with a fantastic read can have negative side effects. Therefore, open communication with your GP about how you're feeling and any changes in treatment that may be necessary.
Stimulant medication works best for adults, but can also be utilized by adolescents and children. There are a variety of stimulant drugs 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 older.
They are usually started at low doses and gradually increased over a few weeks. This is known as titration. It allows for adjustments to be made as you get to know the effect of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will consider the effects of the medication observed and assist you in finding a dose that works well for you, while minimizing side adverse effects.
It may take some time to find the right dosage of stimulant ADHD drugs, but it is important to stay on track as long term use is essential. Regular visits to your GP can help you find the ideal balance.
At present, titration of ADHD medication is currently carried out by specialist psychiatrists, although this could change. In the interim, GPs have been advised not to prescribe stimulant medications to new patients until the shortage is resolved.
You can support the fight for a more precise 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 present to your GP.
The majority of pharmacies sell stimulants, which are widely prescribed psychiatric drugs. They are usually prescribed in the form of tablets and can be used either as an extended-release or immediate-release drug. Extended-release medications are used once per day in the morning. They can last up to eight hours. Many people supplement their extended-release medication with an instant-release drug between mid-late afternoon and late evening to ensure they have a constant supply of their medication during the daytime.
The argument that ADHD is being treated too much and that children are being "drugged up" to manage their behavior and improve their school grades has merit, but it is hard to keep going when medication is so scarce. There are thought to be 2.6 million children and adults suffering from the condition in the UK but only around 200 people are taking medication. This number is likely to increase as the stigma surrounding ADHD is gradually fading, and more people are referred for an ADHD assessment.