ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help manage the symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. There are two groups of medications: stimulants and non-stimulants.
In Europe and in the UK In the UK and Europe, stimulants are among the most frequently used ADHD drugs prescribed. These include the methylphenidate (including Ritalin), and amphetamines salts.
GPs are advised to keep the 28-day prescribing period and not increase quantities during the interruption in supply. GPs are also encouraged to look at alternative bioequivalent products.
Licensed
When it comes to the treatment of ADHD there are two medications that are licensed to be used in the UK which are stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulant meds, which work by increasing the production of certain chemicals in the brain that to control attention and take action, are generally given first, since they are the most well-established. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine based medication like the lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). The stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting forms. These are also known as immediate release or modified release.
A non-stimulant medication that has recently been approved to treat ADHD is atomoxetine (Strattera). This can aid in reducing working memory and concentration issues and has already been proven to significantly reduce symptoms in adults.
Certain people are more interested in alternative or natural treatment options than prescription drugs. There are many ways to help people overcome this issue, including psychoeducation as well as self-help strategies, coaching and peer support groups. These are often used in conjunction to enhance the effect of oral medication.
It is important to note that the use of supplements and alternative treatments should be discussed with an GP before starting. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency declares that it is unlawful to market any product that claims to treat ADHD without a valid authorization.
Find a psychiatrist who is specialized in mental health in your area and has the experience of diagnosing adults suffering from ADHD. The psychiatrist can give you an official diagnosis that you can use for insurance purposes, or if you need to prove your condition in any other way.
After being diagnosed, your psychiatrist will recommend an approved UK medication to try. This will be supervised by a clinical professional such as a psychiatric nurse. This is known as titration. It involves the medication being adjusted frequently until the correct dosage is found that reduces your symptoms whilst remaining tolerable.
In this time, it is important to maintain an open line of communication with your psychiatrist. medication for inattentive adhd must also be clear that at any time you can choose to stop the trial. Unfortunately, certain communities of neurodiversity can have unhelpful moralistic interpretations of the use of medications for ADHD. This can lead to people being divided into "good people" who don't want medications and 'bad' people who need them to control their symptoms.
Taking ADHD medication is always a choice for the individual and nobody should be compelled to make that choice. Talk therapy is an effective treatment option for adults with ADHD. It should be the first option for treatment. However, it will not cure ADHD. It only manages symptoms, and does not alter negative ways of coping. However, medication is a very safe and effective option for most people with ADHD. If you choose to take medication, it should be prescribed by a physician and should be based on your requirements.