ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help to manage symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. There are two types of ADHD medications: stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications in Europe and the UK. They are a part of the methylphenidate class 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 interruption in supply. GPs are also encouraged to think about alternative products that are bioequivalent to the one they currently prescribe.
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In the UK the UK, stimulants as well as nonstimulants are both approved for treating ADHD. Because they are the most established medications, stimulants are typically prescribed first. They increase the activity of brain chemicals that control attention and act. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine based medication like the lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Stimulants can come in short or long acting formulations, also known as immediate release and modified release.
A non-stimulant drug that has recently been approved to treat ADHD is Atomoxetine (Strattera). This will help with working memory and concentration issues and has already been shown to significantly improve symptoms in adults.
However, there are people who aren't enthusiastic about taking a drug and prefer natural or alternative treatments. There are many options to assist people in overcoming this issue, including psychoeducation, coaching, self-help strategies, and peer support groups. These are often paired with oral medication to maximize the effects.
It is crucial to always consult your GP before starting any alternative treatment or supplement. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says that it is illegal to market any product that claims to treat ADHD without being properly authorised.
The best method to begin the process of obtaining an ADHD diagnosis is to find a psychiatrist in your area who specialises in mental health and has experience of diagnosing adults with 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 need to prove your condition in another way.
Once you've been diagnosed, your psychiatrist can recommend a licensed UK medication to try. A medical professional, such as psychiatrist nurses, will oversee the trial. This process is called titration. It involves the medication being adjusted regularly until the right dosage is found that reduces the symptoms while remaining comfortable.
During this time, it is important to maintain an open line of communication with your psychiatrist. It is also important to be clear that at any time you may decide to stop the trial. Unfortunately, adhd medication online may have a moralistic interpretation of the need for medication for ADHD. This can lead to people being divided into 'good people' who reject medication and 'bad people' who require them to manage their symptoms.
Making use of ADHD medication is always a personal choice and nobody should be compelled to do so. Talk therapy is an extremely effective treatment for adult ADHD and it should always be the first treatment option however, it isn't an effective cure. It will only manage your symptoms, but not alter any longstanding negative ways of coping. Medication is an effective and safe choice for a large number of people suffering from ADHD. If you choose to take medications, they will ever be prescribed by a psychiatrist and the decision should be based on your own needs.