ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help manage hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. There are two types of medications: stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication in Europe and the UK. They include methylphenidate (including Ritalin), and amphetamines salts.
Doctors are advised to continue the prescribed amount for 28 days and not increase dosages during supply disruption. GPs are also encouraged to think about alternative products that are bio-equivalent.
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In the UK the UK, stimulants and nonstimulants are both deemed acceptable for the treatment of ADHD. Because non stimulant adhd medication are the most established medication, stimulants are generally prescribed first. They are used to increase the activity in brain chemicals that control attention and act. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medication such as Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). The stimulants are available in short-acting and long-acting formulations. They are also referred to as immediate release or modified release.
adhd without medication -stimulant medicine that has recently been approved to treat ADHD is Atomoxetine (Strattera). This medication improves concentration and working memory problems and has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms in adults.
Some people prefer alternative or natural treatment options rather than using drugs. There are many things that can be done to tackle this issue, from coaching and psychoeducation to self-help strategies and peer support groups. These are often paired with oral medication to maximise the effects.
It is vital to remember that the supplementation and alternative treatments should be discussed with a GP prior to beginning. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says that it is unlawful to market any product claiming to treat ADHD without a valid authorization.
Find a psychiatrist that specializes in mental health in your area and has experience diagnosing adults with ADHD. The psychiatrist will be able to provide you an official diagnosis that can be used for insurance purposes or if you require evidence of your condition for any other reason.
Once you've been diagnosed, your psychiatrist will refer you to a licensed UK medication for a trial. The trial will be overseen by a professional in clinical practice such as a psychiatric nurse. This process is called titration and will involve your medication being changed regularly until the right dosage is found that reduces your symptoms whilst remaining tolerable.
During this period, it is important to keep an open line of communication with your psychiatrist. It is also important to be stated that at any time you may decide to stop the trial. Unfortunately, some neurodiverse groups can have a moralistic view of the use of medication for ADHD. This can split people into 'good' individuals who don't take medications and 'bad' individuals who need medication to manage their symptoms.
The decision to take ADHD medication is a choice that is entirely yours and nobody should be compelled to do so. Talk therapy can be an extremely effective treatment for adults with ADHD and it should always be the main treatment option however, it isn't an answer to the problem and can only manage your symptoms and not alter the long-standing negative coping mechanisms. However, medication is a very reliable and safe choice for the majority of people with ADHD. If you decide to use meds, they will only ever be prescribed by a psychiatrist and the choice should be based on your individual requirements.