ADHD medication for adults

ADHD medication can be incredibly effective, but it’s a personal decision.

If ADHD symptoms are impacting your daily life—whether it’s in your relationships, work, or personal tasks—medication could be a helpful tool.

Talk to your clinician about your concerns so you can make an informed decision.

Yes, ADHD medication can be beneficial no matter your age.

Many adults experience significant improvements in focus, productivity, emotional regulation and other areas after starting treatment.

While it’s common to feel a range of emotions about not being diagnosed earlier, medication can still make a meaningful difference in your daily life, work, and relationships.

Not necessarily. ADHD medication is a tool to help you manage your symptoms, but it doesn’t mean you’ll need it forever.

Some adults use medication long-term, while others find that they only need it during certain periods, such as high-stress work environments.

The goal is to give you more control over your symptoms, and you can always work with your clinician to adjust or stop the medication if it’s no longer needed.

Some people worry that ADHD medication will make them feel 'flat' or emotionless.

While it can improve focus and reduce impulsivity, which can lead to emotional changes, it shouldn’t numb your emotions. If you notice emotional changes that feel uncomfortable, talk to your clinician about adjusting the dose or trying a different medication.

ADHD medication primarily targets attention and impulsivity, but many adults report secondary improvements in anxiety and mood, especially when their ADHD symptoms are better managed.

However, ADHD medication isn’t a substitute for treating anxiety or depression, and some people may need additional treatment for these conditions.

ADHD medication can be taken in combination with other mental health medications but please always let your clinician know if you are taking these.

ADHD medications are not addictive when taken as prescribed, but they can lead to dependence if misused.

It’s important to work closely with your clinician to ensure you’re using the medication correctly.

Many adults find that medication helps them build better routines and focus, and over time, they may need less of it or even stop it entirely.

Your clinician will monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.

While medication is a powerful tool for many adults with ADHD, there are also non-medication strategies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), ADHD coaching, mindfulness, exercise, dietary advice and organisational tools or apps that can help.

Many people find the best results come from a combination of medication, psychological support and behavioural strategies.

For more information about lifestyle changes and possible treatment options, take a look at our blog.

If you’re ready to talk about your medication options, we’re here to help.

You can all us on 020 3326 9160 for a free, confidential chat with our team to help you feel supported, heard, and clear about your options following your ADHD diagnosis.

Access to Work is a government programme that helps people with health conditions or disabilities, including ADHD, stay in work or start a job.

They may help pay for:

• special equipment or changes to your workplace
• support workers, like job coaches or note-takers
• travel costs if you cannot use public transport easily
• ADHD-specific help, like coaching or noise-cancelling headphones

You can find out more on the ADHD UK Access to Work page or by visiting the GOV.UK's Access to Work page.

There are lots of charities and organisations offering advice, support, and community connections:

ADHD Aware

Run by volunteers with lived experience. They offer peer support groups online and in person. Meetings cover ADHD symptoms, neurodiversity, and other health conditions that often occur alongside ADHD.

Visit ADHD Aware

ADHD UK

Offers guides, videos, podcasts, online support groups, and a directory of ADHD coaches.

Visit ADHD UK

AADD-UK

Supports adults with ADHD through guides, coaching information, peer groups, and advocacy.

Visit AADD-UK

ADHDadultUK

Provides online community forums, education, and awareness campaigns for adults with ADHD.

Visit ADHDadultUK

Adders.org

Offers articles, support group listings, creative sharing, and practical tips for managing ADHD.

Visit Adders.org

ADHD Babes

A community for Black women and non-binary people with ADHD. They offer online meetups, workshops, and events.

Visit ADHD Babes

ADHD Girls

Empowers women and girls with ADHD through workshops, mentoring, and awareness campaigns.

Visit ADHD Girls

Everyone has a different response to medication. Often it is helpful to reflect on which ADHD symptoms have been the most challenging for you and to consider whether these have improved. Your response to medication is likely to be different to that of others that you may know that also take ADHD medication.

You may notice that:

• it is easier to concentrate
• you feel less restless or overactive
• you feel calmer and more in control

Sometimes family, friends, or colleagues notice changes before you do and discussing this with them can be helpful. If you are not sure, ask your clinician who will help you review how you are feeling.

Most people notice changes within the first few days to a week, though it may take longer to find the right dosage and medication.

Improvements in focus, organisation, and emotional regulation may happen quickly or may take some time, but it’s important to remember that ADHD medication is just part of the solution—building new habits and routines alongside medication is key to long-term success.

Some adults choose to take ADHD medication only when they feel they need it most, such as during workdays, exams, or high-pressure situations. Some people also choose to take certain days of the week off medication.

However, for most people, consistent daily use leads to better long-term results.

It’s important to discuss your lifestyle and needs with your doctor to determine what’s best for you.

It’s common to hear that ADHD medications work well at first and then seem to lose effectiveness. This can happen due to tolerance, changes in your body’s response or changes in the things going on around you.

If this happens, your clinician can adjust your dosage, switch medications or consider other strategies that might be helpful.

Don’t feel discouraged if one medication doesn’t work long-term — there are many options, and finding the right one can take time.

Like all medicines, ADHD medication can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The most common are:

• loss of appetite
• changes to sleep pattern

Other possible side effects include:

• jitteriness or restlessness
• irritability or mood changes
• headaches or stomach aches
• increased heart rate or blood pressure

These usually happen in the first few days of starting or changing a dose and often settle as your body adjusts. ADHD medication leaves the body quickly, so side effects tend to wear off within a few hours.

If side effects don’t improve, your clinician may adjust the dose or suggest a different medication.

Your clinician will explain possible side effects before you start. If you notice anything that concerns you, please get in touch.

Side effects are also more likely in those that are taking other medications or who have other health conditions so discussing this with your clinician is crucial.

If you are worried about a particular side effect, please discuss this with your clinician before starting medication and this can be taken into account.

If you experience side effects, please contact our team. Your clinician may need to review your medication or adjust the dose. For severe side effects, we recommend calling 111 for advice.

If you notice any side effects, please contact our team so we can support you. Your clinician may need to review your medication or adjust the dose to help manage the symptoms.

Some side effects can improve after a few days but if they persist, exploring this with your clinician to ensure that there is the correct balance between benefits and side effects is important.

If you experience severe or worrying side effects, we recommend calling NHS 111 for immediate advice.

ADHD medication, like methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine (the first medicines clinicians usually try), come in different forms. You might take it as a tablet or capsule. Some types work quickly and need taking several times a day. Others last all day and are taken once in the morning.

Your clinician will explain which one is right for you and how to take it.

You can read more about each medication by visiting the electronic medicines compendium (emc) website.

You must tell the DVLA if ADHD or your ADHD medication affects your ability to drive safely, and you can discuss this with your clinician.

The DVLA may ask for a doctor’s report and could review your licence from time to time.

It is important to:

• follow your prescribed treatment.
• tell the DVLA if your condition or medication changes

If you do not tell them, you could face a fine or problems with your insurance.

You can read more at GOV.UK - ADHD and Driving.

To find the optimal medication to help you effectively manage your symptoms, we start with titration. The goal of this process is to find the dose of medicine that controls your ADHD symptoms with the fewest side effects.

The titration process and the number of appointments varies from person to person. Usually, it takes between two and four months, depending on how quickly the right medication and dosage are found.

While medication works well for many people with ADHD, others find non-medication strategies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), ADHD coaching, mindfulness, exercise, dietary advice and lifestyle adjustments extremely helpful. Many people find the best results come from a combination of medication, psychological support and behavioural strategies.

For more information about lifestyle changes and possible treatment options, take a look at our blog.

Initially during titration, your medication will be reviewed usually once a month.

Once you are on a stable dose of medication that you and your clinician agree on then we will review you at least once a year. We will invite you back for a comprehensive review with an expert clinician, who will consider how you've responded to the medication and make any necessary adjustments.

Updating your clinician with any other changes that may have occurred since your last appointment is always important to ensure that your ongoing treatment is optimised for you.

You may need to see your GP for physical check-ups, such as blood pressure or weight monitoring, as part of your medication management. These appointments help ensure your health is not negatively affected by the medication.

Titration appointments

Your clinician may recommend further appointments, with follow-up appointments with a medical professional costing £310 for 50 minutes and £225 for 30 minutes. Depending on your circumstances, we might recommend follow-up appointments with a non-medical prescriber priced at £225 for 50 minutes and £165 for 30 minutes.

If we recommend medication, all admin fees related to medication will be included in the cost of your follow-up appointment, but the cost of the medication will not be included.

Annual review

A review appointment with a non-medical prescriber is £165 and £225 with a medical professional.

Medication

You will need to pay the cost of the medication directly to the pharmacy, which will vary depending on the prescription.

Repeat prescription admin fee

There is a £75 monthly admin fee for repeat prescriptions without a follow-up appointment. This covers the cost of preparing the prescription and tracked postage to the pharmacy. It does not include the cost of the medication itself.

Your prescription will usually be sent directly to one of our online pharmacy providers. They will deliver your medication to your home address and they will liaise with you if more information is required. Please note, most ADHD medications require a signature from you on delivery.

In most cases, no. In the UK, ADHD medication usually is initiated by a specialist, typically a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD clinic.

Once you are stabilised on medication, your GP, if they agree to shared care, will take over the prescribing of your medication and monitor your physical health until your next review (usually annually). If your GP doesn't accept shared care, you would usually continue to see your Clinical Partners clinician though the frequency of review could reduce to once every 6 months.

Keep a journal of your symptoms, maintain a healthy diet and sleep routine, and regularly communicate with your clinician. You might want to let someone close to you know that you are starting medication so that they can support you if needed.

It can also help to set realistic expectations about the time it may take to find the right dosage or medication so that you do not feel rushed.

Your initial appointment will last around 50 minutes. During this time, the clinician will get to know you, your symptoms, and your health background so they can safely explore treatment options.

They will ask about:

• the symptoms you're experiencing, where they occur, and how they affect your daily life
• your medical history, including any heart conditions, seizures, tics, or other neurological issues
• your current medication and any family history of heart problems
• your psychiatric history and current mental health
• your goals and what you hope to achieve from ADHD medication

You’ll also need to bring up-to-date readings of your blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight.

The clinician will talk through medication options with you, including how they work, possible side effects, and why regular monitoring is important. If it’s safe to do so, and you give consent, they may start you on a low dose with a clear follow-up plan.

On occasion, additional information may be required before a prescription can be issued. Our clinicians will work with you to ensure that this is managed as promptly as possible.

Your titration review is your first follow-up appointment after starting medication. It may take up to 30 minutes. It’s helpful to write down anything you want to discuss in advance.

Please be ready to talk about:

• any side effects you’ve noticed
• changes to your ADHD symptoms
• how the medication is affecting your day-to-day life

You must also bring updated blood pressure, pulse, and weight readings to this appointment. Without them, the clinician will not be able to issue another prescription.

Follow-up appointments last up to 30 minutes. The clinician will:

• check how your ADHD symptoms are and whether anything has changed
• ask how medication is affecting your daily life
• review how well the medication is working and how long its effects last
• discuss any side effects you may be experiencing
• check your blood pressure, pulse, and weight – these must be up to date, as the clinician can’t issue a prescription without them
• review your medication routine (when you take it and whether you’re missing any doses)
• decide together whether to adjust your dose, change medication, or manage any side effects

It’s a good idea to write down any concerns beforehand so you can make the most of your time with the clinician.

Follow-up appointments typically last between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on how much needs to be reviewed.

If you're doing well on your medication and no changes are needed, the appointment may be shorter. If your clinician needs to explore side effects or consider changes to your dose, it may take a little longer.

The annual review checks that your medication is still right for you. The clinician will:

• assess whether your ADHD symptoms are being managed effectively
• check for any changes in your physical or mental health
• review your latest blood pressure, weight, and pulse
• talk through any concerns or questions you may have

This helps ensure your treatment remains safe, effective, and tailored to your current needs.

Shared care is a formal agreement between your GP and the specialist provider who is monitoring or treating your condition that your GP is willing to take over the prescribing and monitoring of your ADHD medication.

Once you are stabilised on the medication, and if your GP agrees to Shared Care then your GP will monitor your physical health and will issue your prescription. We will then invite you back at least once per year for a comprehensive review with a specialist clinician.

If your GP agrees to shared care, you’ll pay:

• One annual medication review: £165 with a non-medical prescriber or £225 with a medical professional
• The standard NHS prescription charge for each prescription if required (currently £9.90 per item)

There are no monthly admin fees for prescriptions under shared care.

Yes, you will still have annual check-ups with us to review your overall treatment. We understand that continuity of care is important and will always aim for your annual review to be with the clinician that undertook your titration. If adjustments to your medication are needed, your clinician will manage those changes.

The agreement will usually stay in place unless your condition changes and you require additional treatment or support or until you no longer require medication. For example, if there are significant changes in someone's health, they may be returned to specialist care for closer monitoring and adjustment.

If your GP is unable to enter a shared care agreement with us, we can still support your ongoing care through our private medication titration service. This means:

• You’ll receive monthly repeat prescriptions, charged at £75 each (medication cost not included)
• You’ll need to attend medication reviews at least once every 6 months
• Review appointments cost £165 with a non-medical prescriber or £225 with a medical professional

Before each monthly prescription, you’ll need to provide your up-to-date height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. If you have questions about how this works, we’re happy to guide you through the process.

If you still wish to pursue shared care, we recommend speaking with your GP directly to understand their reasons. They may offer an alternative arrangement, or you might choose to register with a GP who is open to shared care.

We are actively working with suppliers and the appropriate pharmaceutical companies to resolve any issues relating to medication shortages. We are hopeful that supply will be restored soon. Please rest assured that we are doing everything in our power to speed up this process and minimise disruption to your treatment.

Consult your clinician or specialist provider

If you are affected by this shortage, please contact your healthcare provider to discuss possible alternatives or adjustments to your treatment plan.

Check with pharmacies

In some cases, local pharmacies may have limited stock, so it’s worth checking with them regularly.

If you’re taking methylphenidate or Lisdexamfetamine, one option is to make your supply of medicine last longer by not taking it every day. It’s safe to take breaks with these medications, so think about if there are any days you can manage without. For some people this could be when they’re not at work or school, like at weekends.

If you take methylphenidate, your prescription may be switched from the branded medication to a generic one to reduce the likelihood of supply issues. This change is safe and will not affect your treatment.

Inform those around you

You may want to let your family, friends, school, or workplace know about the shortage of medication so that they can provide support if your ADHD symptoms increase or if you have problems getting your prescription.

Think about what helped you to manage your symptoms before you started medication. Using tried and tested coping strategies can help you manage your symptoms when you have difficulty getting your medicines.

Monitor updates

Keep an eye out for medication information and availability updates from your specialist provider. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office.