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What Is ADHD Medication' History? History Of ADHD Medication
How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK

The supply of ADHD medication is variable and it may be difficult to obtain an order due to shortages. This affects all doctors and pharmacies.

You should seek your assessment via the 'Right to Choose' pathway if you want to avoid lengthy wait times. Your local mental health clinic will require a copy of a recent specialist ADHD review prior to prescribing.

Stimulants

Stimulants are the medications most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD in the UK. They help by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters (chemicals that enable brain cells to communicate) in the brain. They are highly effective and can help with many of the difficulties that come along with living with ADHD. However, like all medications, they can cause side effects so open communication is important with your GP regarding how you're feeling and any changes in treatment that may be needed.

Stimulant medications are best suited for adults, but can also be used by children and adolescents. There are a myriad of stimulant drugs available. The most common ones include methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine salts, and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also atomoxetine or Prozac, but it is only approuvé for children over the age of eight.

They are usually introduced at low doses, and then gradually increased over several weeks. This is called titration and allows for adjustments to be made as you get to know the effect of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will take into consideration the adverse effects observed and work with you to find the dose that is most effective for you, while minimizing side adverse effects.

It could take a while to determine the right dosage of stimulant ADHD medications, but it is vital to keep on track since long-term use is necessary. Regular appointments with your GP and keeping in contact with them about any side effects can ensure that the ideal balance is achieved.

Presently, only psychiatrists can regulate ADHD medications. However, this could change. In the meantime, general practitioners have been advised to not prescribe stimulant medication to new patients until the shortage is over.

You can 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 letter of support from ADHD UK to give to your GP.


The majority of pharmacies sell stimulants, that are frequently prescribed psychiatric medications. They are prescribed as tablets and can be taken as an immediate-release or 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 add an immediate-release medication in the late afternoon to mid afternoon to ensure they have a consistent supply of their medication throughout the day.

The argument that ADHD is over-medicalised and that children are being "drugged up" to manage their behavior and improve their school performance has some merit but it's difficult to endure when medications are so scarce. In Iampsychiatry there are 2.6 million adults and kids with the condition. However only 200,000 are taking medication. This number is likely increase as the stigma associated with ADHD continues to fade, and more people are being referred to an ADHD assessment.

Website: https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-medication