How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK

It is sometimes difficult to obtain prescriptions for ADHD medication due to the shortage of. This is a problem for all pharmacies and doctors.

You should access your assessment through the ‘Right to Choice route if you wish to avoid long wait times. Before prescribing ADHD medication the local mental health clinic may require a recent ADHD specialist review.

Stimulants

In the UK in the UK, stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. They improve the availability of various neurotransmitters within the brain – chemicals that allow the brain to communicate. They are very efficient and can assist with the many issues that come with living with ADHD. However, like all medications, they may have adverse effects, so a clear communication is important with your GP regarding how you’re experiencing and any changes to treatment that might be required.

Stimulant medication is best utilized by adults, however it can be utilized by children and adolescents. They are available in a variety of forms – the most common being methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) amphetamine salts and dexamfetamine dimesylate (Dexamethasone). There is also atomoxetine, or Prozac, but it is only approved for children over eight years old.

They are usually introduced at low doses, and then gradually increased over several weeks. This is known as titration and it permits you to make adjustments as you discover the effects of the medication on your adult or child. The psychiatrist will consult with you and consider any adverse effects you might be experiencing to determine a dose that is suitable for you while minimizing the adverse effects.

It may take some time to find the appropriate dosage of stimulant ADHD drugs but it is important to stay on track as long term use is essential. Regular visits to your GP can help you find the appropriate balance.

At present only psychiatrists can regulate ADHD medications. However, this may change. In the meantime, doctors are advised not to begin new patients on any stimulant medication until the shortage is over.

You can contribute to the fight for an accurate diagnosis and access to medications by writing to your GP asking them to refer you to an assessment. You can download and print the support letter from ADHD UK that you can send to your GP.

Stimulants are the most widely used psychiatric drugs and are available from many pharmacies. They are prescribed as tablets, and can either be taken as an immediate-release or extended-release medication. Extended- non stimulant adhd medication are administered every day in the morning, and can last up to 8 hours. Many people take their extended-release medication with an instant-release drug between mid-late afternoon and late evening to ensure that they have a steady supply of their medication during the daytime.

The argument that ADHD is a condition that requires a lot of medication and that children are ‘drugged up’ to control their behavior and improve their school grades has some merit but it is hard to sustain when medication is so scarce. There are thought to be 2.6 million adults and children with the condition in the UK but only about 200 people are taking medication. This number is likely to increase as the stigma surrounding ADHD diminishes and more people are being referred to an ADHD assessment.