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 drugs - stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed ADHD meds in Europe and the UK. They include methylphenidate (including Ritalin), and amphetamines salts.
GPs should NOT increase their prescriptions during the interruption of supply. GPs are also advised to look at alternative products with bio-equivalents.
Licensed
When it comes to the treatment of ADHD There are two medications that are licensed to be used in the UK which are stimulants and non-stimulants. These medications that work by enhancing the activities of the chemicals in the brain that help manage attention and take action, are usually offered first, as they are the most well-established. This includes methylphenidate which is known as Ritalin, and amphetamine-based medications such as lisdexamfetamine, or Elvanse. The stimulants are available in short-acting as well as long-acting versions. They are also referred to as immediate release or modified release.
Atomoxetine, also referred to as Strattera is a non-stimulant medicine that was recently approved for treating ADHD. This can aid in reducing working memory and concentration issues and has already been proven to significantly improve symptoms in adults.
However, there are some people who aren't interested in taking a medication and would prefer natural or alternative treatments. There are a variety of options to help people overcome this issue, including psychoeducation, coaching, self-help strategies, and peer support groups. adhd medication and pregnancy are often combined to enhance the effect of oral medications.
It is crucial to remember that the supplementation and alternative treatments should be discussed with an GP before starting. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency declares that it is against the law for any product to claim to treat ADHD if it has not been authorized in a proper manner.
The best way to begin the process of getting an ADHD diagnosis is to locate a psychiatrist in your area 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 for insurance purposes or if you have to prove your condition in another way.
Once you have a diagnosis, your psychiatrist will be able to recommend a medical test of the medications that are licensed in the UK. A clinical professional, such as a psychiatrist nurse, will oversee the trial. This process is known as titration. It will involve changing your medication at regular intervals until the correct dosage is found to reduce the symptoms while remaining acceptable.
During this time, open communication with your psychiatrist is essential and it must be stated that you can opt to stop the trial at any point. Sadly, some neurodiverse communities may have moralistic interpretations that are not helpful of the need for medication for ADHD. This can lead to people being divided into "good people" who do not want medications and 'bad' people who require them to manage their symptoms.
It's not an ideal idea to oblige anyone to take ADHD medication. Talk therapy is a very effective treatment option for adults with ADHD. It should be the first option for treatment. However, it can not cure ADHD. It only helps manage symptoms but does not alter negative strategies for coping. However, medication is a very secure and effective treatment option for the majority of people suffering from ADHD. If you choose to take medications, they will ever be prescribed by a psychiatrist and the choice should be based on your individual needs.