How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain prescriptions for ADHD medication due to a shortage. This affects all doctors and pharmacies.
You should seek your assessment through the 'Right to Choice route if you wish to avoid lengthy wait times. Before prescribing ADHD medication or a treatment, your local mental health service may require a recent ADHD specialist review.
Stimulants
In the UK stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters within the brain - chemicals that allow the brain to communicate. They are very effective and can help with the many issues associated with ADHD. As with all medications they can have side effects. It is essential to discuss with your GP what you are feeling and if changes are needed in treatment.
Stimulant medications are best for adults, but it can be used by children and adolescents. There are many different stimulant medications available. The most commonly used include methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine salts, and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also atomoxetine, or Prozac, but it is only approuvé for children over eight years old.
They are usually introduced at low dosages and gradually increased over several days. This is known as titration. It allows for adjustments to be made as you begin to understand the effects of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will collaborate with you and look at any adverse effects you might be experiencing to determine the dosage that is appropriate for you while minimizing the adverse effects.
Info could take a while to find the correct dosage of stimulant ADHD medications but it is crucial to stay on track because long-term use is required. Regular appointments with your GP and staying in close contact about any side effects will ensure that the ideal balance is found.
Currently, only psychiatrists are able to adjust ADHD medications. However, this may change. In the meantime, GPs have been advised not to prescribe stimulant medication to new patients until the shortage is resolved.
You can help support the fight for an accurate diagnosis and access to medications by writing to your GP asking them to refer you for an assessment. You can also download and print the support letter from ADHD UK that you can present to your GP.
Most pharmacies sell stimulants which are commonly prescribed psychiatric drugs. They are usually prescribed in the form of tablets and can be used either as an immediate-release or an extended-release drug. Extended-release medicines are usually taken once a day, in the morning. They can last for up to eight hours. Many people take a second dose of their extended-release medication along with an immediate-release medication in the late afternoon to mid afternoon to ensure they have a steady supply of their medication throughout the day.
It is difficult to accept the claim that ADHD medication is over-medicalised, and that children are "drunk up" to control their behaviour and improve their performance in school. There are estimated to be 2.6 million adults and children with the condition in the UK however only 200 people are on medication. This number will likely to grow as the stigma surrounding the condition continues to fade and more people are referred to an ADHD assessment.
