ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help to manage symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention. There are two types of medications - stimulants and non-stimulants.
Stimulants are among the most frequently prescribed ADHD medication in Europe and the UK. These include methylphenidate (including Ritalin), and amphetamines salts.
GPs are advised to maintain the prescribed amount for 28 days and not increase dosages during supply disruption. GPs are encouraged to also look at alternative bioequivalent products.
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In the UK both stimulants and nonstimulants are both deemed acceptable to treat ADHD. Stimulant meds are used to increase the production of certain brain chemicals that control attention and take action, are typically initially offered, since they are the most well-established. This includes methylphenidate, also known as Ritalin as well as amphetamine-based drugs such as lisdexamfetamine, or Elvanse. Stimulants can come in either long or short acting formulations, also known as immediate release and modified release, respectively.
A non-stimulant medicine that was recently approved to treat ADHD is Atomoxetine (Strattera). This medication can help with working memory and concentration issues. It 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 adhd no medication to help them overcome this issue, such as psychoeducation and self-help techniques, coaching and peer support groups. They are often combined to enhance the effect of oral medication.
It is crucial to remember that the use of supplements and alternative treatments should be discussed with a GP before starting. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency declares that it is illegal for any product to claim to treat ADHD when it hasn't been authorized in a proper manner.
Find a psychiatrist who is specialized in mental health within your area and has experience diagnosing adults with ADHD. The doctor can provide you with a a formal diagnosis that you can use for insurance purposes or if you have to prove your condition in any other way.
Once you've been diagnosed, your psychiatrist may recommend an approved UK medication to try. This will be overseen by a clinical professional such as a psychiatric nursing professional. This process, called titration, involves changing your medication at regular intervals to find the right dosage that reduces your symptoms while remaining comfortable.
In this time it is essential to maintain an open line of communication with your psychiatrist. It must also be clear that at any time, you can choose to stop the trial. Unfortunately, certain communities of neurodiversity might have moralistic interpretations that are unhelpful of the use of medications for ADHD. This can lead to people being divided into "good people" who don't want the use of medication, and 'bad people' who require them to manage their symptoms.
It's never a good idea to oblige anyone to take ADHD medication. 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 change negative strategies for coping. However medication is a secure and effective treatment choice for the majority of people with ADHD. If adhd otc medication choose to take meds, they will only ever be prescribed by a psychiatrist and the choice should be based upon your personal needs.