Why We Our Love For ADHD Medication (And You Should, Too!) How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK

It is sometimes difficult to get a prescription for ADHD medication due to the shortage of. This is true for all pharmacies as well as doctors.

You should seek your assessment through the 'Right to Choice option if you wish to avoid long wait times. The local mental health services will need the details of an upcoming specialist ADHD review before prescribing.

Stimulants

Stimulants are the medications most often prescribed to treat ADHD in the UK. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow the brain communicate) in the brain. They are very effective and can help with the numerous challenges associated with ADHD. As with all medications they can have side negative effects. It is important to communicate with your GP about how you feel and if adjustments are required in your treatment.

Stimulant medicine is best suited to adults, but can be used by children and adolescents. There are a variety of stimulant drugs available. The most commonly used include methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine salts and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also atomoxetine, or Prozac but it's only approved for children above eight years of age.

They are usually started at low dosages and gradually increased over a couple of days. This is referred to as titration and it permits you to make adjustments as you learn the effects of the medication on your adult or child. The psychiatrist will look at the side effects that are experienced and work with you to find a dose that works well for you, while minimizing the risk of side adverse effects.


It may take some time to find the correct dosage of stimulant ADHD medication however it is essential to stay on track because long-term use is required. Regular visits with your GP will help you find the ideal balance.

At present, only psychiatrists can titrate ADHD medications. However, this may change. In the meantime, GPs are advised not to prescribe stimulant medications to new patients until the shortage has ended.

You can join the fight for a more accurate diagnosis and better access to medication by asking your GP to refer you to an assessment of your medical condition. You can also download and print a support letter from ADHD UK that you can send to your GP.

Stimulants are the most widely used psychiatric medications and are available at most pharmacies. They are prescribed as tablets and can either be taken as an immediate-release or extended-release medication. Extended-release drugs are typically taken once a day in the morning. adhd medication uk for adults can last for up to eight hours. Many people who take extended-release medication with an instant-release medication between mid-late afternoon and evening to ensure that they have a steady supply of their medication throughout the daytime.

The argument that ADHD is over-medicalised and that children are being 'drugged up' to control their behaviour and improve their school grades is a valid argument, however it is difficult to keep going when medication is so in short supply. There are thought to be 2.6 million adults and children suffering from the condition in the UK however only 200 people are on medication. This figure will likely to grow as the stigma associated with the condition diminishes and more people are referred to an ADHD assessment.