zackhq
Member's not posted much yet
Posts: 1
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Post by zackhq on Apr 16, 2017 15:22:32 GMT
I became fully aware of ADHD only in the past couple months (thanks to a therapist who is a psychologist who made me realize what I may have, after I complained about my focus, anxiety and learning situation with her). So now I have a doctor's appointment in the next week with my GP. (This is my first ADHD related appointment)
I'm not interested in any long-term solution at this exact moment, as I want medication because it's exam season in the next couple months and my workload is just multiplying. I thought drugs like adderall would be hard to get here because of how drugs-averse and mental health unprepared I've always assumed doctors are here in the UK (I was born in America and mental health treatment is way better there). For those of you with experience, how does it go? Does the doctor just write a prescription (if the person has ADHD of course) and a few days later you go to the pharmacy and get your medication... or? And what exactly did you say to the doctor, because I don't want a month long experiment just to get on the right medication (as I've noticed quite a few people go through), if I already have my mind set on adderall, because I feel it's appropriate with my symptoms (hopefully the doctor will realize this).
Edit: I've just realized adderall is extremely hard to get in the UK. What about Ritalin? Any private option? How long would that take and how expensive would it be?
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mc1250
Member's posted somewhat
Posts: 71
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Post by mc1250 on Apr 16, 2017 16:36:25 GMT
There's no quick fix I'm afraid! Convincing your doctor is a big enough hurdle as it is. Then the doc has to refer you then wait however long!
Plus is you go with the intention of getting adderall (dexanfetamine what it's called here) then they're likely to get suspicious and think your only after drugs on the NHS! So you have to go through the process of what they decide to prescribe you, trial and error phase exactly what you wanted to avoid!
Private very costly for the consultation and meds and then the NHS most likely won't accept the private diagnosis so will still have to go through the long winded and painful NHS way.
Good luck with it but im afraid you'll have to be very patient!
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Post by vagueandrandom on Apr 16, 2017 21:18:40 GMT
I became fully aware of ADHD only in the past couple months (thanks to a therapist who is a psychologist who made me realize what I may have, after I complained about my focus, anxiety and learning situation with her). So now I have a doctor's appointment in the next week with my GP. (This is my first ADHD related appointment) I'm not interested in any long-term solution at this exact moment, as I want medication because it's exam season in the next couple months and my workload is just multiplying. I thought drugs like adderall would be hard to get here because of how drugs-averse and mental health unprepared I've always assumed doctors are here in the UK (I was born in America and mental health treatment is way better there). For those of you with experience, how does it go? Does the doctor just write a prescription (if the person has ADHD of course) and a few days later you go to the pharmacy and get your medication... or? And what exactly did you say to the doctor, because I don't want a month long experiment just to get on the right medication (as I've noticed quite a few people go through), if I already have my mind set on adderall, because I feel it's appropriate with my symptoms (hopefully the doctor will realize this). Edit: I've just realized adderall is extremely hard to get in the UK. What about Ritalin? Any private option? How long would that take and how expensive would it be?
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Post by vagueandrandom on Apr 16, 2017 21:29:26 GMT
Hi zackhq as mc1250 said. . Adderall isn't licensed in the UK anyway . . .and a GP can't diagnose or treat ADHD, they should refer you to a specialist for assessment. If you go the NHS route, you're unlikely to get an appointment within 4 months. . and some areas the waiting time is years, or there's no service at all. . If you go privately it can be upwards of £500 for initial appointment . . Private prescriptions for methylphenidate or lisdexamphetamine can be around £100 per month, depending on strength. . You will have to undertake a trial over a period of time to determine the type and most therapeutic dose of medication, whether it's private or NHS . .You may find that medication doesn't work for you. Once on a stable dose your GP may agree to prescribe through NHS (or not)
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