Stimulants UK pharmacy equivalents to Aspen Dexamphetamine and Vyvanse?

[luceluna]

Hi all, basic question. I'm visiting the UK from Australia and can't figure out exactly what's what with prescription ADHD medication here. At home, I have been prescribed both Aspen Dexamphetamine (5mg tablets, IR) and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine, various strengths, ER). What are the UK pharmacy equivalents? Does the UK use mixed formulas (ie. Adderall)? Brand names would be helpful too. I can't use methylphenidate. Thanks.

 

[Atomic_Decay]

Official UK treatment guidelines for ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - Treatment

Read about treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can help relieve the symptoms and make the condition much less of a problem in day-to-day life.

www.nhs.uk

 

[luceluna]

Thanks for that, but I'm after more specific information about how the commonly prescribed UK medications compare to what we use in Australia. For example, the Australian standard amphetamine-class substance is pure dexamphetamine, but in the US it is normally a combination of two different amphetamines (e.g. Adderall) and you can't just use equivalent dosage.

Can anyone provide more info?

 

[Atomic_Decay]

For adults, the order of treatment for ADHD in a major Uk centre is as follows:

Methylphenidate - first line
Lisdexamfetamine - first line
Dexamfetamine - third line and only if intolerant to lisdex
Atomoxitine - fourth line if intolerant to all the above

Seems like dex not so straightforward to get. Adderall/mixed amphetamine salts don’t get a mention.

Getting an ADHD diagnosis and tjen being considered for stimulant treatment in Uk seems quit complex. I think this should answer most of your questions:

https://www.hey.nhs.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/dexamphetamine.pdf

 

[luceluna]

Thanks for this

I'm in a tricky position because I left Australia without sufficient supply and don't think I will be able to get a prescription here on short notice, even with my Australian doctor's input. To be upfront, I have a tolerance and use above my prescribed dosage.

Ritalin is no good for me and I really don't want to resort to street amphetamines, esp. without knowledge of where to find testing kits in London. I'll keep thinking. Thanks again.

 

[Atomic_Decay]

I expect the thing to do - and I’m no expert- is to take your letter from your Australian doctor to a private UK specialist working outside the NHS system. Just like in Australia outside public system you’ll have to pay full whack but independent private doctors have far less stringent policies to follow.

This is advice some UK people gave me here when I was planning a long-term relocation to UK tpre-Covid. I also am prescribed dex and do not do very well on any of the other options especially Ritalin.

However, I have heard that many ADHD people who can’t tolerate Ritalin find 4-FMPH quite a good stimulant and substitute for their amps.

Not sure what to tell you about needing more than your prescribed amount .

 

[luceluna]

Thanks for the info/advice... I'm mainly concerned about how long the above suggestion may take. But definitely sounds like the most sensible option.

Re. dosage, I'm very aware that I need to reduce my tolerance so I don't have to go above and beyond. It's a slippery slope with dex because tolerance builds so quickly, and tolerance breaks aren't fun.

Reducing my tolerance is a priority over the medium term, but in the short term I'm more concerned about falling to pieces during this trip. I'm also on a tricyclic and an antipsychotic, and when I take any one of the three meds out of the equation, things start to go wrong...