ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help manage hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. There are two kinds of medication - stimulants or non-stimulants.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed ADHD meds in Europe and the UK. These include methylphenidate (including Ritalin), and amphetamines salts.
Doctors are advised to continue the prescribed amount for 28 days and not increase quantities during the interruption in supply. GPs are also advised to look at alternative products with bio-equivalents.
Licensed
When it comes to the treatment of ADHD there are two drugs that are approved for use in the UK including stimulants and non-stimulants. Since they are the most established, stimulant meds are usually prescribed first. They are used to increase the activity in brain chemicals that help control attention and act. This includes methylphenidate, known as Ritalin and amphetamine-based medicines like lisdexamfetamine or Elvanse. Stimulants are available in both short-acting as well as long-acting versions. These are also known as immediate release or modified release.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant medicine that was recently approved to treat ADHD. This can aid in reducing concentration and working memory issues and has already been proven to significantly reduce symptoms for adults.
However, there are people who are not keen on taking a drug and would prefer alternative or natural treatments. There are many ways to help people overcome this issue, including psychoeducation and self-help techniques, coaching, and peer support groups. They are often combined to maximize the effects with oral medications.
adhd medication uk for adults is important that you always consult your GP before starting any supplement or alternative treatment. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency states that it is unlawful for any product to claim to treat ADHD if it has not been properly authorised.
The best method to start the process of getting an ADHD diagnosis is to find an area psychiatrist who specializes in mental health and has experience of diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD. The psychiatrist can give you an official diagnosis that you can use for insurance purposes, or if you need to prove your condition in another way.
After you've been diagnosed, your psychiatrist can recommend an approved UK medication to try. This will be supervised by a professional in clinical practice like a psychiatric nurse. This process, known as titration, involves altering your medication regularly to find the right dosage that reduces your symptoms while remaining acceptable.
During this time, communication with your psychiatrist is essential and it should be made clear that you have the option to end the trial at any point. Unfortunately, some communities of neurodiversity can have unhelpful moralistic interpretations of the need for medication for ADHD. This can split people into 'good' individuals who don't take medications and 'bad' individuals who require them to manage their symptoms.
It's not recommended to oblige anyone to take ADHD medication. Talk therapy is a very effective treatment option for adults with ADHD. It should be the first line of treatment. However, it does not cure ADHD. It is only a way to manage symptoms, and does not alter the negative coping mechanisms. Medication is a successful and safe option for a lot of people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to take medication, it will only be prescribed by a physician and should be based entirely on your needs.