ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help manage symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. There are two types of ADHD medications: stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications in Europe and the UK. They are a part of the methylphenidate class of drugs (including Ritalin) and the amphetamine salts.
GPs are advised to keep 28 day prescribing and NOT increase dosages during supply disruption. GPs are also encouraged to think about alternative products that are bio-equivalent.
Licensed
In the treatment of ADHD there are two medications that are approved for use in the UK which are stimulants and non-stimulants. Because they are the most well-known medications, stimulants are typically prescribed first. They work by increasing the brain's activity and releasing chemicals that help control attention and act. This includes methylphenidate, known as Ritalin and amphetamine-based medicines like lisdexamfetamine and Elvanse. Stimulants are available in either long or short acting formulations, also known as immediate release and modified release, respectively.
A non-stimulant medicine that has recently been approved to treat ADHD is Atomoxetine (Strattera). This can aid in reducing concentration and working memory issues and has already been proven to significantly improve symptoms in adults.
Certain people are more interested in natural or alternative treatment than drugs. Fortunately, there are many ways to address this such as coaching and psychoeducation to self-help strategies and peer support groups. These are often paired with oral medication to maximize the effects.
It is important to note that the supplementation and alternative treatments should be discussed with a GP before starting. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says that it is illegal to sell any product claiming to treat ADHD without having been properly authorized.
The best method to begin the process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis is to find an area psychiatrist who specialises in mental health and has experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD. The psychiatrist will be able to provide you with a formal diagnosis that you can use to prove your insurance eligibility or if you have to prove your condition in another way.
Once you've been diagnosed your psychiatrist will be able to recommend a medical test of the medications that are approved in the UK. A clinical professional, such as psychiatrist nurses will supervise the trial. This is known as titration. It will involve your medication being changed regularly until the correct dosage is determined that minimizes your symptoms whilst remaining acceptable.
During this time it is essential to keep an open line of communication with your psychiatrist. It is also important to be made clear that at any time, you may decide to stop the trial. Unfortunately, certain communities of neurodiversity can have unhelpful moralistic interpretations of the need for medication for ADHD. This can lead to people being divided into "good people" who don't want the use of medication, and 'bad people' who require them to manage their symptoms.
The decision to take ADHD medication is a choice that is entirely yours and no one should be forced to do so. Talk adhd medication is an effective treatment option for adults with ADHD. It should be the first step in treatment. However, it can not cure ADHD. It is only a way to manage symptoms and does not change negative ways of coping. However, medication is a very safe and effective option for most people with ADHD. If you decide to take medication, it must be prescribed by a doctor and should be based entirely on your requirements.