ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help manage symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. There are Full Record of medication - stimulants or non-stimulants.
In Europe and the UK, stimulants are the most commonly used ADHD medications prescribed. These include methylphenidate (including Ritalin), and amphetamines salts.
GPs are advised to keep 28 day prescribing and NOT increase dosages during interruption in supply. GPs are advised to think about alternative products that are bioequivalent to the one they currently prescribe.
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In the UK, stimulants and nonstimulants are both deemed acceptable for the treatment of ADHD. The stimulant medications are used to increase the activity of chemicals in the brain that control attention and take action, are usually offered first, as they are the most established. This includes methylphenidate, known as Ritalin as well as amphetamine-based drugs like lisdexamfetamine or Elvanse. Stimulants are available in long or short-acting formulations, also known as immediate release and modified release respectively.
Atomoxetine, which is also known as Strattera is a non-stimulant medication recently approved for treating ADHD. This can aid in reducing working memory and concentration issues. It has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms for adults.
There are people who aren't interested in taking a medication and would prefer alternative or natural remedies. There are a number of things that can be done to combat this such as coaching and psychoeducation to self-help strategies and peer support groups. These are often combined with oral medications to maximize the effects.
It is vital to remember that the supplementation and alternative treatments should be discussed with a GP before starting. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency declares that it is unlawful to market any product claiming to treat ADHD without a valid authorization.
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 an official diagnosis that you can use to prove your insurance eligibility, or if you need to prove your condition in any other way.
After being diagnosed, your psychiatrist can recommend an approved UK medication for a trial. The trial will be overseen by a medical professional like a psychiatric nurse. This process is called titration. It will involve changing your medication frequently until the correct dosage is found that reduces your symptoms, while still being acceptable.
During this time, open communication with your psychiatrist is vital and it should be made clear that you can opt to stop the trial at any point. Unfortunately, certain communities of neurodiversity might have moralistic interpretations that are unhelpful of the use of medications for ADHD. This can cause people to be divided into 'good' people who reject medications and 'bad' people who require medication to manage their symptoms.
It is never recommended to make anyone take ADHD medication. Talk therapy is an extremely effective treatment for adult ADHD and it should always be the first method of treatment, but it is not an answer to the problem and can only help you manage your symptoms and not alter any longstanding negative strategies for coping. Medication is a successful and safe option for many people with ADHD. If you choose to take medication, it will only ever be prescribed by a psychiatrist, and the decision should be based on your personal requirements.