What Should I Do If I Think I Have ADHD?

If you think you have ADHD, please book a consultation with one of our clinicians. They will tell you what to do next. If you are under 18 and in school, your school will need to fill out some forms. For adults, there can be a 3-5 year waiting list because many people need help.

What Happens After I See the Specialist?

After you see a specialist, they will talk to you about starting medication. The specialist will help you find the right dose. Once your dose is stable, your GP can take over prescribing the medication. This is done after a shared care agreement between the GP and the specialist.

What Is a Shared Care Agreement?

A shared care agreement is a document that says who is responsible for your care. It includes details about monitoring and prescribing your medication. Your GP will prescribe your ADHD drugs as long as your blood pressure, weight, and heart rate are normal. You must also attend your yearly review with the specialist. If you miss your review or have problems with your blood pressure, heart rate, or medication side effects, you need to see your specialist. GPs are not ADHD specialists, so they will ask the specialist for help if needed.

What Should I Do If My Medication Is Out of Stock?

There is a shortage of some ADHD medications like methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, and guanfacine. This means medication supplies can be unpredictable and vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. If your pharmacy does not have your medication, try other pharmacies. Sometimes we can switch you to a different brand, but not all brands are interchangeable. We cannot check pharmacy stock, so it is your responsibility to find your medication.

ADHD Medication Types

ADHD medication comes in different types: fast-acting and slow-acting. Here are some common medications:

Fast-Acting (Immediate Release)

• Methylphenidate Hydrochloride: Acts straight away. Often starts at 5mg doses.

Mixed Slow and Fast-Acting Preparations ( Often known as modified release)

• Delmosart: 30% fast-acting, 70% long-acting.
• Medikinet: 50% long-acting, 50% short-acting. Note: Once you are on a certain medication mix, it’s best not to switch.

Modified release Methylphenidate	Brands also compatible
30:70 drug split   Most commonly known as Concerta XL ( Dosed as 18mg, 27mg, 36mg, 54mg)	Concerta XL  ( max dose licensed 108mg) Affenid XL Delmosart ( max dose licensed 54mg) Xaggitin ( max dose licensed 54mg) Xendiate Matoride ( max dose licensed 54mg)
50:50 drug split   Most commonly known as Medikinet ( Dosed as 10mg, 20mg etc)	Medikinet XL ( max dose licensed 90mg children, 100mg adults) Equasym XL Meflynate XL Metyrol XL

 

Immediate-release methylphenidate ( fast acting)
Most commonly known as Methylphenidate hydrochloride	Medikinet 5mg tablets Ritalin or Tranquilyn

Why Do You Prescribe by Brand?

Methylphenidate is a controlled drug with specific rules from the Home Office. You can only get a 28-day supply at once and must prove your identity to collect the prescription.