ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help control symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. There are two kinds of medications - stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are among the most frequently 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 keep 28 day prescribing and NOT increase the dosage during the interruption in supply. GPs are encouraged to also look at alternative bioequivalent products.
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In the UK the UK, stimulants as well as nonstimulants are both approved to treat ADHD. As they are the most established medication, stimulants are generally prescribed first. They work by increasing the activity of brain chemicals that help control attention and act. These include the methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medication like the lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Stimulants can come in either long or short acting formulations, also known as immediate release and modified release.
Atomoxetine, which is also known as Strattera, is a non-stimulant medication recently approved to treat ADHD. This will help with concentration and working memory issues. It has already been proven to significantly improve symptoms in adults.
However, there are people who aren't enthusiastic about taking a drug and would prefer alternative or natural treatments. There are a number of things that can be done to tackle this issue including psychoeducation and coaching to self-help strategies and peer support groups. These are often used in conjunction to enhance the effect of oral medications.
non stimulant adhd medication is essential to always consult your GP prior to beginning any alternative treatment or supplement. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency states that it is illegal for any product to claim to treat ADHD if it has not been properly authorised.
The best method to start the process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis is to find an area psychiatrist who specializes 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 can recommend a licensed UK medication to try. This will be supervised by a medical professional such as a psychiatric nurse. This process, called titration, involves changing your medication at regular intervals to find the right dosage that reduces your symptoms but is still tolerable.
During this time it is crucial to keep an open line of communication with your psychiatrist. It is also important to be made clear that at any point you can choose to stop the trial. Unfortunately, some neurodiverse groups can be moralistic about the need for medication for ADHD. This could result in people being divided into "good people" who don't want medications and 'bad' people who need them to control their symptoms.
It's not a good idea to force anyone to take ADHD medication. Talk therapy is a very effective treatment option for adults with ADHD. It should be the first step in treatment. However, it does not cure ADHD. It only manages symptoms and does not change negative ways of coping. Medication is a successful and safe option for many people with ADHD. If you decide to use medication, it should be prescribed by a medical professional and should be based solely on your specific needs.