ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help control hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. There are two types of medications - stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed ADHD meds in Europe and the UK. They are a part of the methylphenidate class of drugs (including Ritalin) and the amphetamine salts.
GPs should not increase their prescriptions during the interruption of supply. GPs are encouraged to also look at alternative bioequivalent products.
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In the UK both stimulants as well as nonstimulants are both approved for the treatment of ADHD. The stimulant medications, which work by increasing the activities of the brain chemicals which help control attention and take action, are usually given first, since they are the most established. This includes methylphenidate, known as Ritalin and amphetamine-based medicines like lisdexamfetamine and Elvanse. Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting forms. They are also referred to as immediate release or modified release.
how to get adhd medication uk -stimulant medicine that was recently approved to treat ADHD is atomoxetine (Strattera). This will help with concentration and working memory issues and has already been proven to significantly improve symptoms for adults.
Some people prefer alternative or natural treatment options rather than using drugs. Fortunately, there are many options to combat this such as psychoeducation and coaching to self-help strategies and peer support groups. These are often combined to enhance the effect of oral medication.
It is crucial to remember that the supplementation and alternative treatments should be discussed with an GP prior to beginning. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency states that it is illegal for any product to claim to treat ADHD in the absence of having been authorized in a proper manner.
The best method to start the process of getting an ADHD diagnosis is to find a psychiatrist in your region who specialises in mental health and has experience diagnosing adults with ADHD. The psychiatrist will be able to provide you an official diagnosis that you can use to cover insurance costs or if you need proof of your condition for any other reason.
After being diagnosed, your psychiatrist will refer you to an approved UK medication for a trial. A clinical professional, such as psychiatrist nurses will supervise the trial. This is known as titration and will involve your medication being changed regularly until the proper dosage is determined that minimizes your symptoms whilst remaining acceptable.
During this time, communication with your psychiatrist is vital and it must be stated that you have the option to stop the study at any point. Unfortunately, certain neurodiversity groups can have a moralistic view of the use medication for ADHD. This can lead to people being divided into 'good people' who reject the use of medication, and 'bad people' who need them to control their symptoms.
The decision to take ADHD medication is a choice that is entirely yours and nobody should be forced to do so. Talk therapy is a very efficient treatment for adults suffering from ADHD and it should always be the main line of treatment however, it isn't an answer to the problem and can only manage your symptoms, but not alter the long-standing negative ways of coping. However, medication is a very secure and effective treatment choice for the majority of people with ADHD. If you decide to use medication, it will only ever be prescribed by a psychiatrist and the choice should be based upon your personal requirements.