ADHD Medication - A Guide to Prescription and Non Prescription ADHD Medication
ADHD medication can help manage symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention. There are two kinds of drugs - stimulants and non-stimulants.
In Europe and the UK, stimulants are the most common ADHD drugs prescribed. These include methylphenidate (including Ritalin), and amphetamines salts.
GPs are advised to maintain the 28-day prescribing period and not increase dosages during supply disruption. GPs are also encouraged to think about alternative products that are bioequivalent to the one they currently prescribe.
Licensed
In natural adhd medication as nonstimulants are both approved for treating ADHD. Stimulant meds are used to increase the production of certain brain chemicals that control attention and take action, are typically given first, since they are the most well-established. They include methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medication such as Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). Stimulants are available both in short-acting and long-acting forms. adhd stimulant medication are also known as immediate release or modified release.
Atomoxetine, also known as Strattera, is a non-stimulant drug that was recently approved for treating ADHD. adhd stimulant medication will improve concentration and working memory problems and has been proven to significantly reduce symptoms in adults.
Certain people prefer alternative or natural treatment options than drugs. There are many ways to tackle this issue including psychoeducation and coaching to self-help strategies and peer support groups. These are often paired with oral medication to maximise the effects.
It is crucial to remember that the supplementation and alternative treatments should be discussed with a GP before starting. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says that it is unlawful to sell any product claiming to treat ADHD without being properly authorised.
Find a psychiatrist who is specialized in mental health within your area and has expertise in diagnosing adults with ADHD. The psychiatrist can give you a formal diagnosis that you can use for insurance purposes, or if you need to prove your condition in any other way.
If you are diagnosed, your psychiatrist can recommend a medical trial of the drugs that are licensed in the UK. This will be overseen by a professional in clinical practice such as a psychiatric nursing professional. This process is known as titration and will involve changing your medication at regular intervals until the correct dosage is determined that minimizes your symptoms whilst remaining acceptable.
During this time, communication with your psychiatrist is essential and it must be stated that you can opt to stop the trial at any time. 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 do not want the use of medication, and 'bad people' who need them to control their symptoms.
It is never recommended to force anyone to take ADHD medication. Talk therapy is a very effective treatment option for adults suffering from ADHD. It should be the first option for treatment. However, it can not cure ADHD. It is only a way to manage symptoms, and does not alter negative strategies for coping. Medication is an effective and safe choice for a large number of people with ADHD. If you choose to take medication, it must be prescribed by a doctor and should be based solely on your needs.