ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help to manage symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. There are two types of medications: stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed ADHD meds in Europe and the UK. They include the methylphenidate family of drugs (including Ritalin) and the amphetamine salts.
GPs should not increase their prescriptions due to the interruption of supply. GPs are also advised to consider alternative bio-equivalent products.
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In the UK both stimulants and nonstimulants are both approved for treating ADHD. As they are the most well-known, stimulant meds are usually prescribed first. They work by increasing the activity of brain chemicals that control attention and act. They include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medication like Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Stimulants can come in short or long acting formulations, also known as immediate release and modified release.
A non-stimulant medicine that has recently been approved to treat ADHD is atomoxetine (Strattera). This medication can improve concentration and working memory problems and has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms in adults.
There are people who are not interested in taking a medication and prefer alternative or natural treatments. There are many options to assist people in overcoming this issue, such as psychoeducation and self-help techniques, coaching, and peer support groups. These are often paired with oral medication to maximise the effects.
It is vital to remember that the use of supplements and alternative treatments should be discussed with an GP prior to starting. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency states that it is illegal for any product to claim to treat ADHD in the absence of having been authorized in a proper manner.
The best method to begin the process of getting an ADHD diagnosis is to locate a psychiatrist in your area who is specialized in mental health and has experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD. The psychiatrist will be able to provide you a diagnosis that can be used for insurance purposes or if you require evidence of your condition for any other reason.
Once you've been diagnosed, your psychiatrist will be able to refer you for a medicated test of the medications that are approved in the UK. The trial will be overseen by a professional in clinical practice like a psychiatric nurse. This process is called titration. adhd medication adults uk will involve the medication being adjusted regularly until the proper dosage is found to reduce your symptoms, while still being tolerable.
In this time it is crucial to keep a clear line of communication with your psychiatrist. It is also important to be clear that at any time you can choose to stop the trial. Sadly, some neurodiverse communities can have unhelpful moralistic interpretations of the use of medication for ADHD. This can cause people to be divided into 'good' people who do not take medication and 'bad' people who need medication to manage their symptoms.
It's never recommended to make anyone take ADHD medication. Talk therapy can be an extremely effective treatment for adults with ADHD and it should always be the main line of treatment, but it is not an answer to the problem and can only help you manage your symptoms and not alter any longstanding negative coping mechanisms. Medication is an effective and safe option for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. If you choose to take medications, they will ever be prescribed by a psychiatrist, and the choice should be based on your personal requirements.