How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
It can be difficult to get prescriptions for ADHD medication due to shortages. This is true for all pharmacies as well as doctors.
You should seek your assessment through the 'Right of Choice' pathway if you want to avoid long wait times. Before prescribing adhd treatment medication or a treatment, your local mental health provider might require a recent ADHD specialist review.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the drugs most often prescribed to treat ADHD in the UK. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters in the brain. These are chemicals that allow the brain to communicate. They are very efficient and can aid in overcoming the many challenges that arise from living with ADHD. However, as with all medications they can have adverse effects, so a clear communication is essential with your GP about how you are feeling and any changes to treatment that may be needed.
Stimulant medication is best for adults, but it can be used by children and adolescents. There are a myriad of stimulant drugs available. The most popular include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) amphetamine salts and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also the atomoxetine (Prozac) however, it is only licensed for use by children 8 and up.
They are usually introduced at low dosages and gradually increased over several days. 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 effects of the medication observed and collaborate with you to determine the dosage that works for you, while minimizing side negative effects.
It can take a while to find the appropriate dosage of stimulant ADHD medications, but it's essential to keep the dosage in check since long-term use is essential. Having regular appointments with your GP and keeping in constant contact with any side effects will ensure that the right balance is achieved.
Currently, only psychiatrists are able adjust ADHD medications. However, this could change. In the meantime, GPs are advised not to prescribe stimulant medications to new patients until the shortage is over.
You can support the fight for a more precise diagnosis and easier access to medications by asking your GP to refer you to a medical assessment. You can also print and download the letter of support from ADHD UK to give to your GP.
Most pharmacies sell stimulants which are widely prescribed psychiatric drugs. They are typically prescribed in the form of tablets and can be taken either as an immediate-release or an extended-release drug. Extended- adhd sleep medication are typically taken once a day in the morning. They can last for up to eight hours. Many people supplement their extended-release medication with an immediate-release medication during the late afternoon to mid afternoon to ensure they have a steady supply of their medication throughout the day.
It is difficult to back the claim that ADHD medication is over-medicalised and that children are 'drugged up" to control their behavior and improve their grades at school. There are estimated to be 2.6 million children and adults suffering from the condition in the UK however only 200 people are taking medication. This number is likely to increase as the stigma surrounding ADHD diminishes and more people are referred for an ADHD assessment.