How to Get adhd medication in the UK
The supply of ADHD medication is variable and it can sometimes be difficult to get prescriptions due to a shortage. This is a problem for all pharmacies and doctors.
You should get your assessment via the 'Right of Choice' pathway if you want to avoid long waits. Your local mental health service will require a copy of a recent specialist ADHD review before prescribing.
Stimulants
In the UK stimulants are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat ADHD. They work by increasing the quantity of various neurotransmitters in the brain - chemicals that enable the brain to communicate. They are highly efficient and can assist with many of the difficulties associated with living with ADHD. Like all medications, they can cause adverse effects. It is important to inform your GP about how you feel and if any modifications are required in your treatment.
Stimulant medicine is best suited to adults, but it can also be utilized by adolescents and children. There are a myriad of stimulant drugs available. The most commonly used include methylphenidate (Ritalin), amphetamine salts, and dexamfetamine (Dexamethasone). There is also the atomoxetine (Prozac) but this is only approved for use by children 8 and up.
They are typically started at low doses, and gradually increased over a couple of days. This is known as titration and it allows you to adjust your dosage as you learn the effects of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will look at the effects of the medication experienced and work with you to find a dose that works well for you, while minimizing any side effects.
It can take time to determine the proper dosage of stimulant ADHD drugs but it is essential to keep the dosage in check as long term use is necessary. Having regular appointments with your GP and keeping in close contact about any side effects can ensure that the right balance is achieved.
The current titration process for ADHD medications is only undertaken by specialist psychiatrists, although this could change. In the meantime, GPs are advised not to start new patients on any stimulant medication until the supply is over.
You can help in the fight for a more precise diagnosis and better access to medications by asking your GP to refer you for an evaluation of your medical needs. You can also download and print the support letter from ADHD UK that you can present to your GP.
Stimulants are the most widely used psychiatric drugs and can be purchased from the majority of pharmacies. They are typically prescribed in the form of tablets and can be used either as an extended-release or immediate-release drug. Extended-release medications are administered each day in the morning and can last up to 8 hours. Many people supplement their extended-release medication with an instant-release medication between mid-late afternoon and late evening to ensure they have a steady supply of their medication throughout the daytime.
The argument that ADHD is being treated too much and that children are being 'drugged up' to control their behavior and improve their school performance is a valid argument, but it's difficult to endure when medications are so scarce. In the UK, there are 2.6 million adults and kids who suffer from the condition. However only 200,000 of them are on medication. The number of people diagnosed with ADHD is likely to rise as the stigma around ADHD continues to fade, and more people are being referred to an ADHD assessment.