Medication For ADHD 

Medication can be very helpful to support concentration, attention, impulsivity and activity levels.

Medications include:

  • Stimulants : Methylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine, Dexamfetamine
  • Non Stimulants: Atomoxetine, Guanfacine

Before starting medication

  • Depending on your child’s medical history or family history of particular cardiovascular risk factors, it may be necessary for your child to undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) or Cardiology assessment prior to initiating medication for ADHD .
  • This can be requested through your child’s GP, though if they do not agree to this through the NHS, it will need to be arranged privately and incur additional cost. 
  • Recommended providers can be suggested if needed.

Once medication is started:

  • Your child will require review appointments to monitor response to treatment and for any adverse effects 
  • Monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, height and weight is required during titration and 3-6 monthly, depending on their age.
  • Finding the right medication, formulation and dose can take on average, 3 review appointments.
  • During this time there will be the cost for each review appointment 
  • The prescription  itself is included in the review appointment fee.
  • You will need to pay for the actual tablets/ capsules  from the pharmacy (prices are set by the individual pharmacy)
  • Sometimes, the first line medication is either not as effective as we would hope, or there may be side effects that are not tolerated.
  • Where this is the case, alternative medications may need to be trialled, which will mean additional appointments at additional cost.

Shared Care

  • Once your child has stabilised on their medication, ‘Shared Care’ can be requested with your GP.
  • This means that your NHS GP can issue the prescription so there is no monthly cost for the medication.
  • For this to be agreed by the GP, your child will need to have 6 monthly reviews with Hay Neurodevelopmental Service.
  •  It is important to note that not all GPs agree to Shared Care
  • It is recommended that you speak with your GP surgery before starting medication to establish whether they will support a Shared Care Agreement to inform your decision to start medication privately.
  • If the review appointments are not attended, Shared Care will need to be rescinded as it is not safe to issue prescriptions without oversight by a Specialist.

Sleep and Mental Health

Neurodevelopmental differences can sometimes be accompanied by difficulties with sleep, emotional wellbeing and tics. Where appropriate, these can be assessed and considered alongside a child or young person’s ADHD and/or autism care.

Sleep

Neurodivergent children and young people commonly experience difficulties with sleep. As part of assessment and ongoing care, sleep patterns and any associated difficulties can be explored.

Advice regarding sleep hygiene and healthy sleep routines will usually be considered first. Where these measures have not been effective, melatonin may be considered, where clinically appropriate, to support a healthy and consistent sleep routine.

Anxiety, Depression and OCD

Dr Hay can also assess and treat co-occurring mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Where an additional mental health diagnosis is identified alongside ADHD and/or autism, appropriate treatment options will be discussed. Psychological interventions are generally considered first where appropriate. However, where these have not been effective, are not accessible, or are not considered the most appropriate intervention, medication may also be discussed as part of an individualised treatment plan.

Tics

Motor and vocal tics are more commonly seen in neurodivergent children and young people and may occur alongside ADHD and/or autism.

Where tics are present, their nature, frequency and impact can be assessed. Many tics do not require specific treatment; however, where they are causing distress or interfering with everyday life, treatment options can be discussed, including behavioural approaches and, where clinically appropriate, medication.

Treatment recommendations are individualised and take account of the young person’s needs, preferences, neurodevelopmental profile and wider circumstances.