ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help control symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. There are two types of medications - stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed ADHD medications in Europe and the UK. They include the methylphenidate family of drugs (including Ritalin) and the amphetamine salts.
GPs are advised to keep the 28-day prescribing period and not increase the dosage during the interruption in supply. GPs are also encouraged to look at alternative products with bio-equivalents.
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In the treatment of ADHD There are two drugs that are approved for use in the UK - stimulants and non-stimulants. Since they are the most established medication, stimulants are generally prescribed first. They increase the activity in brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and perform. This includes methylphenidate which is known as Ritalin as well as amphetamine-based drugs like lisdexamfetamine or Elvanse. Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting formulations. These are also known as immediate release or modified release.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant drug that was recently approved for treating ADHD. This can aid in reducing concentration and working memory issues. It has already been proven to significantly reduce symptoms for adults.
There are people who are not interested in taking a medication and prefer alternative or natural remedies. There are many ways to help them overcome this issue, including psychoeducation, coaching, self-help strategies, and peer support groups. These are often combined with oral medication to maximise the effects.
It is vital to remember that the supplementation and alternative treatments should be discussed with an GP prior to beginning. adhd medication adults uk and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency declares that it is illegal for any product to claim to treat ADHD when it hasn't been authorized in a proper manner.
The best way to begin the process of getting an ADHD diagnosis is to find an area psychiatrist who is specialized in mental health and has experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD. The psychiatrist will be able to provide you an official diagnosis that you can use for insurance purposes or should you require proof of your condition for any other reason.
After being diagnosed, your psychiatrist will recommend an approved UK medication for a trial. A medical professional, such as a psychiatrist nurse is responsible for overseeing the trial. This process, known as titration, involves changing your medication at regular intervals to find the right dosage that reduces the symptoms, while still being acceptable.
During this time, communication with your psychiatrist is essential and it should be made clear that you can opt to stop the trial at any point. Unfortunately, some communities of neurodiversity may have moralistic interpretations that are not helpful of the need for medication for ADHD. This could result in people being divided into 'good' individuals who don't take medications and 'bad' individuals who require medications to manage their symptoms.
It's not a good idea to force anyone to take ADHD medication. Talk therapy can be a very effective treatment for adult ADHD and should always be the first line of treatment however it is not an answer to the problem and can only help you manage your symptoms and not change the long-standing negative coping mechanisms. However medication is a safe and effective option for the majority of people suffering from ADHD. If you decide to use medication, it must be prescribed by a physician and should be based solely on your needs.