ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help to 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 include methylphenidate (including Ritalin), and amphetamines 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.
Licenseed
In the treatment of ADHD there are two medications 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 of brain chemicals that help control attention and act. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medication such as the lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Stimulants can come in long or short-acting formulations that are referred to as immediate release and 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 proven to significantly reduce symptoms in adults.
However, there are some people who aren't enthusiastic about taking a drug and prefer natural or alternative treatments. There are for beginners of things that can be done to address this, from coaching and psychoeducation to self-help strategies and peer support groups. They are often combined to enhance the effect of oral medications.
It is important that you always consult your GP before beginning any other treatment or supplement. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency states that it is illegal for any product to claim to treat ADHD if it has not been properly authorized.
The best method to start the process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis is to find an area psychiatrist who specializes in mental health and has experience diagnosing adults with ADHD. The psychiatrist can provide you a diagnosis that can be used to cover insurance costs or if you require evidence of your condition for any other reason.
Once you have a diagnosis, your psychiatrist can recommend a medical test of the medications that are approved in the UK. The trial will be overseen by a professional in clinical practice like a psychiatric nurse. This process is called titration and will involve the medication being adjusted frequently until the right dosage is determined that minimizes your symptoms whilst remaining tolerable.
In this time it is crucial to keep a clear line of communication with your psychiatrist. It is also important to be stated that at any time, you may decide to stop the trial. Unfortunately, certain communities of neurodiversity may have moralistic interpretations that are not helpful of the use of medication for ADHD. This could result in people being divided into 'good people' who reject medications and 'bad' people who require it to manage their symptoms.
The decision to take ADHD medication is always a choice for the individual and no one should be forced to make that choice. 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 ways of coping. However, medication is a very reliable and safe option for most people with ADHD. If you decide to take medication, it should be prescribed by a doctor and should be based entirely on your needs.