Why We Love ADHD Medication (And You Should, Too!)

How to Get medication for autism and adhd in the UK It is sometimes difficult to obtain prescriptions for ADHD medication due to shortages. This affects all doctors as well as pharmacies. If you'd like to avoid waiting, you must opt for the “Right to Choose” pathway to access your assessment. Your local mental health clinic will require details of a recent specialist ADHD review before prescribing. Stimulants In the UK, stimulants are the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD. They improve the quantity of various neurotransmitters within the brain – chemicals that allow the brain to communicate. They are highly efficient and can aid in overcoming the many issues that come with living with ADHD. As with all medications, they can cause negative side effects. It is crucial to communicate with your GP what you are feeling and if changes are needed in treatment. The most effective stimulant medication is utilized by adults, however it is also used by children and adolescents. They are available in a number of forms – the most popular being methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) amphetamine salts and dexamfetamine dimesylate (Dexamethasone). There is also the atomoxetine (Prozac) but this is only approved for use by children 8 and up. medication for inattentive adhd are usually started with low doses and gradually increased over several weeks. This is known as titration which allows you to make adjustments as you become aware of the effects of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will take into consideration the effects of the medication experienced and assist you in finding the dosage that works for you, while minimizing any side effects. It may take some time to determine the proper dosage of stimulant ADHD drugs, but it is crucial to remain on the right track as long term usage is required. Regular appointments with your GP can help you find the appropriate balance. At present only psychiatrists can regulate ADHD medications. However, this may change. In the meantime, general practitioners are advised not to prescribe stimulant medication to new patients until the shortage has ended. You can support the fight for a better diagnosis and access to medication by writing to your GP asking them to refer you to an assessment. You can also print and download the letter of support from ADHD UK to give to your GP. The majority of pharmacies sell stimulants, that are frequently prescribed psychiatric medications. They are prescribed as tablets, and can either be taken as an immediate-release drug or an extended-release one. Extended-release drugs are typically taken daily, in the morning. They can last up to eight hours. Many people add an immediate-release drug in the mid to late afternoon to ensure they have a steady supply of their medication throughout the day. The argument that ADHD is over-medicalised and that children are being “drugged up” to manage their behaviour and improve their school grades has merit, but it's difficult to keep going when medication is so limited. There are believed to be 2.6 million children and adults suffering from the condition in the UK however only 200k of them are taking medication. This number is likely increase as the stigma associated with ADHD continues to fade, and more people are referred for an ADHD assessment.