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 medications - stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed ADHD meds in Europe and the UK. They comprise the methylphenidate family of drugs (including Ritalin) and the amphetamine salts.
Doctors are advised to continue the 28-day prescribing period and not increase quantities during the supply disruption. GPs are also encouraged to think about alternative products that are bio-equivalent.
licensed
In the UK both stimulants as well as nonstimulants are both approved for treating ADHD. As they are the most established medication, stimulants are generally prescribed first. They increase the brain's activity and releasing chemicals that aid in controlling attention and act. This includes methylphenidate, known as Ritalin as well as amphetamine-based drugs like lisdexamfetamine or Elvanse. The stimulants are available in long or short-acting formulations, also known as immediate release and modified release.
A non-stimulant medicine that has recently been approved to treat ADHD is atomoxetine (Strattera). This will help with working memory and concentration issues. It has already been shown to significantly improve symptoms for adults.
Some people prefer alternative or natural treatments than prescription drugs. There are many options to help people overcome this issue, such as psychoeducation as well as self-help strategies, coaching, and peer support groups. These are often used in conjunction to maximize the effects with oral medication.
It is important that you always consult your GP before starting any other treatment or supplement. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says that it is unlawful to market any product claiming to treat ADHD without a valid authorization.
The best method to begin the process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis is to locate an area psychiatrist who is specialized in mental health and has experience of diagnosing adults suffering from 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 any other way.
Once you've been diagnosed, your psychiatrist will recommend a licensed UK medication for a trial. This will be supervised by a clinical professional such as a psychiatric nurse. This process is known as titration. It involves your medication being changed at regular intervals until the correct dosage is found that reduces your symptoms whilst remaining tolerable.
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 time. Sadly, medication for adhd may have moralistic interpretations that are not helpful of the use of medications for ADHD. This can divide people into "good people" who do not want medications and 'bad' people who need them to control their symptoms.
The decision to take ADHD medication is always a personal choice and no one should be forced to do so. Talk therapy is a very effective treatment for adults with ADHD and should be the primary treatment option however, it isn't an effective cure. It will only manage your symptoms and not change the long-standing negative ways of coping. Medication is an effective and safe choice for a large number of people with ADHD. If you decide to take medication, it must be prescribed by a medical professional and should be based on your specific needs.