ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help to control 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.
GPs are advised to maintain the prescribed amount for 28 days and not increase the dosage during the supply disruption. GPs are also advised to consider alternative bio-equivalent products.
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When it comes to the treatment of ADHD, there are two drugs that are approved to be used in the UK which are stimulants and non-stimulants. As they are the most established, stimulant meds are usually prescribed first. They are used to increase the activity of brain chemicals that help control attention and perform. They include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine based medication such as lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting forms. They are also referred to as immediate release or modified release.
A non-stimulant medicine that was recently approved to treat ADHD is Atomoxetine (Strattera). This medication can improve concentration and working memory problems and has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms in adults.
Certain people are more interested in alternative or natural treatments than prescription drugs. There are many options to help people overcome this problem, including psychoeducation and self-help techniques, coaching, and peer support groups. These are often used in conjunction to enhance the effect of oral medication.
see this website is crucial to remember that the use of supplements and alternative treatments should always be discussed with an GP prior to beginning. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency states that it is unlawful to sell any product claiming to treat ADHD without having been properly authorized.
The best way to begin the process of getting an ADHD diagnosis is to find a psychiatrist in your area who specializes in mental health and has experience diagnosing adults with ADHD. The psychiatrist will be able to provide you an official diagnosis that you can use to cover insurance costs or if you require evidence of your condition for any other reason.
After you've been diagnosed, your psychiatrist can recommend a licensed UK medication for a trial. A clinical professional, like a psychiatrist nurse will supervise the trial. This is known as titration. It involves changing your medication regularly until the right dosage is determined that minimizes your symptoms whilst remaining acceptable.
During this time it is essential to maintain an open line of communication with your psychiatrist. It must also be stated that at any point you may decide to stop the trial. Unfortunately, certain communities of neurodiversity may have moralistic interpretations that are not helpful of the use of medications for ADHD. This can cause people to be divided into 'good' individuals who reject medications and 'bad' individuals who need medication to manage their symptoms.
It is never a good idea to oblige anyone to take ADHD medication. Talk therapy can be an extremely effective treatment for adults with ADHD and should always be the first treatment option, but it is not an answer to the problem and can only manage your symptoms and not alter any longstanding negative coping mechanisms. Medication is a successful and safe option for many people suffering from ADHD. If you choose to take medication, it will only ever be prescribed by a psychiatrist, and the choice should be based on your individual needs.