ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication<br /><br />ADHD medication can help to control hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. There are two types of medications - stimulants and non-stimulants.<br /><br />Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication in Europe and the UK. They comprise the methylphenidate family of drugs (including Ritalin) and the amphetamine salts.<br /><br />GPs are advised to keep 28 day prescribing and NOT increase the dosage during the interruption in supply. Doctors are also urged to consider alternative bio-equivalent products.<br /><br />Licensed<br /><br />In the UK, stimulants as well as nonstimulants are both approved for the treatment of ADHD. Stimulant meds that work by enhancing the activity of chemicals in the brain that to control attention and take action, are usually given first, since they are the most well-established. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine based medication like Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). The stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting formulations. These are also known as immediate release or modified release.<br /><br />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 shown to significantly reduce symptoms among adults.<br /><br />Some people are more interested in natural or alternative treatment than prescription drugs. There are a variety of options to help people overcome this issue, including psychoeducation and self-help techniques, coaching and peer support groups. They are often combined to maximize the benefits of oral medications.<br /><br />It is crucial to remember that the use of supplements and alternative treatments should be discussed with an GP prior to beginning. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency states that it is illegal for any product to claim to treat ADHD when it hasn't been properly authorised.<br /><br /><br /><br />Find a psychiatrist who is specialized in mental health in your area and has experience diagnosing adults with ADHD. The psychiatrist can provide you a diagnosis that can be used to cover insurance costs or if you need proof of your condition for any other reason.<br /><br />After being diagnosed, your psychiatrist may refer you to a licensed UK medication for a trial. This will be overseen by a medical professional such as a psychiatric nursing professional. This is known as titration and will involve the medication being adjusted regularly until the correct dosage is found that reduces your symptoms whilst remaining tolerable.<br /><br />During this time, it is important to maintain an open line of communication with your psychiatrist. <a href="https://www.iampsychiatry.com/adult-adhd-medication">I Am Psychiatry</a> is also important to be clear that at any point you may decide to stop the trial. Unfortunately, some communities of neurodiversity might have moralistic interpretations that are unhelpful of the need for medication for ADHD. This can lead to people being divided into "good people" who do not want medications and 'bad' people who need them to control their symptoms.<br /><br />The decision to take ADHD medication is a choice that is entirely yours and nobody should be compelled to take it. Talk therapy is a very effective treatment option for adults with ADHD. It should be the first step in treatment. However, it can not cure ADHD. It only helps manage symptoms and does not change negative strategies for coping. Medication is a successful and safe option for many people with ADHD. If you decide to use medication, it should be prescribed by a physician and should be based solely on your needs.<br /><br />