ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help manage symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. There are two types of medications: stimulants and non-stimulants.
In Europe and in the UK In the UK and Europe, stimulants are among the most commonly used ADHD medications prescribed. They include the methylphenidate family of drugs (including Ritalin) and the amphetamine salts.
GPs should NOT increase their prescriptions due to the interruption of supply. GPs are also encouraged to think about alternative products that are bio-equivalent.
licensed
In the treatment of ADHD there are two drugs that are licensed to be used in the UK - stimulants and non-stimulants. Since they are the most established medications, stimulants are typically prescribed first. They are used to increase the activity in brain chemicals that aid in controlling attention and perform. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medication like Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting formulations. These are also known as immediate release or modified release.
A non-stimulant medication that was recently approved to treat ADHD is Atomoxetine (Strattera). This medication will improve concentration and working memory problems and has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms in adults.
Certain people are more interested in alternative or natural treatment options than drugs. There are a number of ways to tackle this issue including coaching and psychoeducation to self-help strategies and peer support groups. These are often paired with oral medications to maximize the effects.
It is essential to always consult your GP before beginning any other treatment or supplement. add adhd medications and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency declares that it is illegal for any product to claim to treat ADHD in the absence of having been properly authorized.
The best method to start the process of getting an ADHD diagnosis is to locate a psychiatrist in your region who specialises in mental health and has experience of diagnosing adults with ADHD. The psychiatrist can give you a formal diagnosis that you can use for insurance purposes or if you require to prove your condition in another way.
Once you've been diagnosed, your psychiatrist will be able to recommend a medical trial of the drugs that are approved in the UK. This will be overseen by a medical professional such as a psychiatric nurse. This process, known as titration, involves changing your medication at regular intervals to find the right dosage that will reduce your symptoms but is still acceptable.
During this time, it is important to keep an open communication with your psychiatrist. It must also be stated that at any time, you may decide to stop the trial. Unfortunately, some communities of neurodiversity may have moralistic interpretations that are not helpful of the use of medication for ADHD. This can lead to people being divided into "good people" who do not want medication and 'bad people' who require it to manage their symptoms.
The decision to take ADHD medication is a choice that is entirely yours and nobody should be compelled to make that choice. Talk therapy can be an extremely effective treatment for adult ADHD and it should always be the main line of treatment however, it isn't a cure and will only help you manage your symptoms, but not alter any longstanding negative ways of coping. Medication is an effective and safe option for many people with ADHD. If you choose to take medications, they will ever be prescribed by a psychiatrist and the choice should be based upon your personal needs.