How to Get ADHD Medication in the UK
It can be difficult to obtain a prescription for ADHD medication due to a shortage. This is true for all pharmacies as well as doctors.
You should seek your assessment through the 'Right to Choose' pathway if you want to avoid long wait times. Your local mental health service will require details of the most recent specialist ADHD review prior to prescribing.
Stimulants
Stimulants are the medications most commonly prescribed to treat ADHD in the UK. They work by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters (chemicals that enable the brain to communicate) in the brain. They are extremely efficient and can ease many of the challenges associated with living with ADHD. However, like all medications, they can cause adverse effects, so a clear communication with your GP about how you are experiencing and any changes to treatment that might be required.
Stimulant medication works best for adults, but can be used by children and adolescents. They are available in a variety of different forms, the most popular being methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) amphetamine salts, and dexamfetamine dimesylate (Dexamethasone). There is also atomoxetine (Prozac) however, it is only licensed for use by children 8 and over.
They are generally started at low doses, and then increased gradually over a few weeks. This is called titration, and it allows you to make adjustments as you become aware of the effects of the medication on your child or adult. The psychiatrist will look at the adverse effects experienced and assist you in finding the dosage that works for you, while minimizing side adverse effects.
It can take a while to determine the proper dosage of stimulant ADHD drugs, but it is crucial to remain on the right track as long term usage is required. Making regular appointments with your GP and keeping in contact with them about any side effects will ensure that the proper balance is reached.
Presently, only psychiatrists can adjust ADHD medications. However, this could change. In the meantime, general practitioners are advised to not start new patients on any stimulant medication until the supply is gone.
You can support the fight for a more accurate diagnosis and better access to medications by asking your GP to refer you to an evaluation of your medical needs. You can also print and download the letter of support from ADHD UK to give to your GP.
Most pharmacies sell stimulants which are widely prescribed psychiatric medications. They are prescribed as tablets, and can be taken as an immediate-release drug or an extended-release one. Extended-release drugs are given each morning in the morning and can last for up to eight hours. Many people who take extended-release medication with an instant-release medicine between mid-late afternoon and late evening to ensure they are always getting a supply of their medication throughout the daytime.
The argument that ADHD is over-medicalised and that children are "drugged up" to control their behaviour and improve their school grades has some merit but it's difficult to endure when medications are so scarce. There are believed to be Full Post and children suffering from the condition in the UK however only 200,000 of them are currently taking medication. The number of people diagnosed with ADHD will likely to grow as the stigma around the condition continues to fade and more people are referred to an ADHD assessment.