Finding the right ADHD medication for you

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.

All costs are covered by the NHS.

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.

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.