How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK<br /><br />The supply of ADHD medication is variable and it is sometimes difficult to obtain an order due to a shortage. This affects all pharmacies and doctors.<br /><br />If you wish to delay waiting, opt for the "Right to Choose" option to get your evaluation. Before prescribing ADHD medication, your local mental health provider may require a recent ADHD specialist review.<br /><br /><br /><br />Stimulants<br /><br />In the UK, stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow the brain communicate) in the brain. They are highly effective and can help with the numerous challenges that arise from living with ADHD. As with all medications they can have side negative effects. It is crucial to inform your GP how you feel and if modifications are required in your treatment.<br /><br />Stimulant medicine is best suited to adults, but can also be used by children and adolescents. There are a variety of stimulant drugs available. The most common ones include methylphenidate (Ritalin) amphetamine salts and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also the atomoxetine (Prozac) however it is only approved for use by children 8 and older.<br /><br />They are typically started with low doses and then gradually increased over several days. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-medication">iampsychiatry.com</a> is referred to as titration and it permits you to adjust your dosage as you learn the effects of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will look at the side effects that are observed and assist you in finding the dosage that works for you, while minimizing side negative effects.<br /><br />It may take some time to determine the proper dosage of stimulant ADHD medications, but it's crucial to remain on the right track because long-term use is necessary. Regular appointments with your GP and keeping in close contact about any adverse effects can help ensure that the right balance is found.<br /><br />Currently titration of ADHD medications is currently only done by specialist psychiatrists, however this may change. In the meantime, GPs have been advised to not prescribe stimulant medications to new patients until the shortage is over.<br /><br />You can support the fight for an accurate diagnosis and access to medication by writing to your GP asking them to refer you to an assessment. You can also download and print the support letter from ADHD UK that you can present to your GP.<br /><br />Stimulants are the most widely used psychiatric medications and are available from most pharmacies. They are prescribed as tablets and can be taken as an immediate-release drug or an extended-release one. Extended-release medications are administered once a morning in the morning and can last for up to eight hours. Many people will supplement their extended-release medication with an immediate-release medication during the late afternoon to mid afternoon to ensure they have a consistent supply of their medication throughout the day.<br /><br />The argument that ADHD is over-medicalised and that children are being "drugged up" to manage their behaviour and improve their school performance has some merit but it is hard to endure when medications are so in short supply. In the UK there are 2.6 million adults and children suffering from the condition. However, only 200,000 are on medication. The number of people diagnosed with ADHD is likely to rise as the stigma around the condition fades and more people are referred to an ADHD assessment.<br /><br />