How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
The supply of ADHD medications is sporadic and it can sometimes be difficult to get a prescription due to a shortage. This is a problem for all doctors and pharmacies.
You should get your assessment through the 'Right to Choose route if you wish to avoid long wait times. Before prescribing ADHD medication the local mental health service may require a recent ADHD specialist review.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the drugs most often prescribed to treat ADHD in the UK. They work by increasing the quantity of various neurotransmitters within the brain - chemicals that allow the brain to communicate. They are very effective and can help with the numerous challenges that come with living with ADHD. As with all medications, they can cause adverse effects. It is essential to inform your GP about how you feel and if any changes are needed in treatment.
Stimulant medications are best suited for adults, but can be used by children and adolescents. They are available in a variety of different forms - the most common being methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) amphetamine salts and dexamfetamine dimesylate (Dexamethasone). There is also atomoxetine, or Prozac but it's only approved for children over eight years old.
They are usually started at low doses, and then increased gradually over a few weeks. This is called titration and allows for adjustments to be made as you get to understand the effects of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will take into consideration the side effects that are observed and collaborate with you to determine the dose that is most effective for you, while minimizing side negative effects.
It can take a while to find the appropriate dosage of stimulant ADHD medications, but it's important to stay on track since long-term use is essential. Regular visits with your GP can assist you in finding the appropriate balance.
Presently, only psychiatrists can titrate ADHD medications. However, this could change. In the meantime, GPs are advised not to prescribe stimulant medication to new patients until the shortage is resolved.
You can support the fight for a better diagnosis and access to medication by writing to your GP asking them to refer you for an assessment. You can also print and download the letter of support from ADHD UK to give to your GP.
Stimulants are among the most commonly used psychiatric medications and can be purchased from most pharmacies. They are prescribed as tablets, and can be taken as an immediate-release or extended-release medication. Extended-release medications are administered every morning in the morning and can last up to 8 hours. Highly recommended Reading who take extended release medication with an instant-release drug between mid-late afternoon and evening to ensure that they have a constant supply of their medication during the daytime.
The argument that ADHD is a condition that requires a lot of medication and that children are being 'drugged up' to control their behavior and improve their school performance is a valid argument, but it's difficult to endure when medications are so scarce. In the UK, there are 2.6 million adults and kids who suffer from the condition. However only 200,000 of them are on medication. The number of people diagnosed with ADHD is likely to increase as the stigma surrounding ADHD diminishes and more people are being referred to an ADHD assessment.