Preparing for your NHS Right to Choose ADHD medication appointments

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.

At your first medication appointment, we’ll take time to revisit your medical and family history in detail.

Sometimes, based on what is discussed, your clinician may ask you to complete some extra checks before starting ADHD medication. This could include:

• an ECG (to check your heart rhythm)

• a blood test

• a letter or report from another specialist already involved in your care

These checks are requested to help us make the best and safest decision for you. ADHD medication is generally very safe when used correctly, but for some people, additional information is needed to make sure it’s the right choice and won’t cause harm.

Your safety is our priority. These steps are in place to make sure that any treatment we recommend is both safe and suitable for you.

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.

We are required to check photo ID when prescribing controlled medications like ADHD prescriptions.

This is for your safety and to meet legal guidelines. It helps ensure:

• medication is given to the right person

• no one else can collect medication fraudulently

• controlled substances are not misused or diverted

Even though you may see the same clinician for each appointment, they’ll still need to check ID each time. A passport, driving licence, or any official photo ID is fine.