ADHD medication for adults
This is information about ADHD medication for children and young people. If you're an adult looking for more information about ADHD medication, you can find out more here.
Right to Choose ADHD medication for children and young people
If your child receives an ADHD diagnosis and medication is recommended, their clinician may suggest starting treatment to help manage their symptoms. Whether your child's assessment was with Clinical Partners or another NHS provider, they may be able to use our Right to Choose ADHD medication service. You and your child will have support at every stage, and our specialist clinicians will clearly explain the options, providing them with safe, effective, and reliable care.
About our ADHD medication service for Right to Choose
We offer an ADHD medication service through the NHS Right to Choose pathway. This includes titration and ongoing support for children and young people who have been diagnosed with ADHD.
We can support your child if they received an ADHD diagnosis and medication was clinically recommended – even if their diagnosis was made by another provider, as long as their report meets clinical standards.
If your child received an ADHD diagnosis from us and medication was clinically recommended, we’ll contact you by email to offer them a place on our waiting list.
If their diagnosis was made by another provider, you will need to ask your child's GP to make a referral to us along with their report. If the GP would like more information, please direct them to our information for GPs.
Finding the right ADHD medication for your child
To find the optimal medication to help your child effectively manage their symptoms, we start with titration. The goal of this process is to find the dose of medicine that controls your child's ADHD symptoms with the fewest side effects.
Optimal efficacy
Titration ensures the medication is working effectively to manage ADHD symptoms, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Minimised side effects
By gradually adjusting the dosage, healthcare professionals aim to minimise or manage side effects, such as insomnia, decreased appetite, or increased heart rate.
Personalisation
There's no one-size-fits-all treatment for ADHD. Titration will help us tailor the treatment plan to your child's specific needs.
1
Join our wait list
If your child was diagnosed by Clinical Partners and medication was clinically recommended, you will automatically be emailed to invite them to the wait list.
If your child was diagnosed by another provider, your GP will need to make a referral to us. You can find more information for GPs here.
Once you reach the top of the waitlist, the team will reach out to book your appointment.
2
Preparing for your child's appointment
When we book your child's appointment, we will guide you through the process and ask a few simple questions about their mental and physical health, including cardiac screening, to make sure medication is safe and appropriate for them.
3
Initial medication appointment
Your child's first appointment usually lasts about 50 minutes, and you will both be able to discuss the treatment goals, symptoms, and medication options with the specialist clinician. The clinician will also review any relevant physical health information, to ensure the medication is safe and appropriate for your child. Please bring your own photo ID to your child's appointment.
The clinician will also explore whether non-medication approaches might be helpful for your child.
4
Follow-up titration appointments
During these sessions, you and your child will discuss with the clinician how they've responded to the medication, how effectively the symptoms are being managed, and whether they're experiencing any side effects. With this in mind, the clinician may then recommend a different dosage or medication until we find the right medication and dosage for your child. Please bring your own photo ID to your child's appointment.
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.
5
Shared care and ongoing prescriptions
Once your child is stable on the medication having completed the titration process, they can either:
- continue receiving NHS prescriptions through Clinical Partners
- move to a shared care arrangement with their GP, if the GP agrees
If you opt for shared care, we will write to the GP to request this. Shared care allows both your child's GP and our clinicians to support their ongoing treatment.
6
Six-monthly medication review
At least twice a year, we will invite you and your child back for a comprehensive review with an expert clinician, who will consider how they've responded to the medication and make any necessary adjustments.
This is a requirement whether your child is accessing prescriptions through our service or via a shared care agreement.
Please bring your own photo ID to your child's medication appointments
When attending your child's ADHD medication appointments, we need to see photo identification, such as a driving licence or passport, to demonstrate you are the child's parent or guardian.
This helps the clinician confirm your identity, keep you and your child safe, and make sure the right medication is given to the right person.
Thank you for supporting safer, more secure care.
Benefits of ADHD medication
ADHD medication can help improve focus, reduce impulsive behaviours, and manage hyperactivity. For many young people, it can make day-to-day tasks feel more achievable and ease feelings of overwhelm.
Medication is often one part of a wider support plan, helping individuals build confidence and make the most of their strengths.
Your clinician will also explore whether non-medication approaches might be helpful for your child.
Risks and side effects of ADHD medication
Side effects are possible with ADHD medications. They can range from decreased appetite and weight loss, to mood swings and sleeping problems. This is one of the reasons why titration is so important. By gradually adjusting the dosage, we aim to minimise and manage the possible side effects.
Children with other medical conditions may require additional monitoring and support. Your child's specialist clinician will always carefully balance the potential risks and side effects with the benefits.
Types of ADHD medication
There are two types of ADHD medications: stimulants, and non-stimulants. These work in different ways to help manage ADHD symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
The NICE guidelines emphasise that medication management should be tailored to the individual's needs and preferences, including their tolerance to different medications.
Stimulant medication: Stimulants are thought to affect how dopamine, a key chemical in the brain associated with pleasure, attention span and motivation, is processed.
Non-stimulant medication: Non-stimulants work by adjusting the levels of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain to help with managing the symptoms of ADHD.
Prescriptions
Once your child is stable on their medication having completed the titration process, your child can either continue receiving NHS prescriptions through Clinical Partners or move to a shared care arrangement with their GP, if the GP agrees.
- NHS prescriptions through Clinical Partners: Your child will receive a monthly prescription. Before each prescription, you’ll need to provide up-to-date health information about your child, including their height, weight, pulse, blood pressure and to report any side effects. An six-monthly medication review is also required to ensure their treatment remains safe and effective.
- NHS prescriptions through your GP: If your child's GP has entered into a shared care agreement with Clinical Partners, your child's prescriptions will be written by their GP. Your child will still need a six-monthly medication review with their Clinical Partners clinician to make sure their treatment remains safe and effective.
FAQs
Deciding if ADHD medication is the right choice for your child
Yes. ADHD medication is generally considered safe when prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional. Stimulant medications have been used for decades and are supported by a strong body of research. Regular check-ups help to monitor your child’s response and ensure their safety.
The decision to medicate should be based on how ADHD symptoms affect your child's daily life, including their ability to focus, manage emotions, and maintain social relationships.
If ADHD symptoms are significantly impacting your child’s self-esteem, friendships, or performance in school, medication may help.
Your clinician will work with you to help determine if medication is the right option, along with other support.
Some children may experience a temporary slowing of height or weight gain during the first year or so of treatment. However, studies suggest these changes usually even out over time.
Your child’s growth will be closely monitored during treatment, which is why we ask you to provide up-to-date readings of their height, and weight.
Research shows that, when used as prescribed, ADHD medications do not cause long-term harm to the developing brain. Many young people benefit from medication as part of a wider support plan, helping them thrive at school and at home.
In most children, stimulant medication causes only a small increase in heart rate or blood pressure and is not dangerous. Your child’s health history will be reviewed before starting treatment, and regular monitoring is part of ongoing care.
This is why we ask for up-to-date readings of your child’s blood pressure and pulse before medication begins, and before each follow-up titration appointments afterwards.
In some cases, a clinician may recommend a cardiac auscultation (listening to your child’s heart with a stethoscope) to check everything sounds normal. If this is needed, we’ll work with you to help organise it and make sure you feel fully supported.
It’s a common concern, but ADHD medication is designed to help your child manage symptoms, not change who they are.
Medications like stimulants work to enhance focus and reduce hyperactivity, but they shouldn’t alter your child’s core personality. Many parents report that their child’s personality remains the same, but they are more able to concentrate and engage in tasks.
You could check-in regularly with your child, and talk about how they feel on the medication and the difference it's making for them. Anything you or your child have noticed or are concerned about can be discussed with the clinician during the regular appointments.
ADHD medication is not necessarily a lifelong commitment.
Some children may need it long-term, while others may only need it for a few years to help build focus and manage their symptoms.
Medication is often part of a broader treatment plan that includes therapy, skills-building, and support from family and teachers.
You can reassess your child’s needs as they grow and change.
ADHD medication is a tool to help your child manage their symptoms, but it doesn’t mean they’ll be reliant on it forever. It can help them focus, learn new habits, and improve self-regulation.
Many children eventually learn how to manage their ADHD better as they grow older and may not need medication in the long term. The goal is to help your child develop the skills to succeed both with and without medication.
ADHD medication can be an important part of helping your child manage their symptoms, but it can take time to find the right one. Every child responds differently, and it’s not uncommon to try more than one medication or adjust the dose before finding the best fit.
Like all medicines, ADHD medication can cause side effects—though not everyone experiences them. The most common side effects include:
- loss of appetite
- difficulty sleeping
- jitteriness or restlessness
- mood changes or irritability
- headaches or stomach aches
- increased heart rate or blood pressure
These often appear in the first few days of starting or changing a dose and usually settle as your child’s body adjusts. ADHD medication leaves the body quickly, so most side effects wear off within a few hours.
Most side effects can be managed, and if needed, your clinician can adjust the dose or suggest a different medication. You can stop or change the medication at any time in consultation with your clinician.
Finding the right balance is a process, but many parents report meaningful improvements once the right medication and dosage are in place.
It’s important that your child or teenager feels included and listened to when it comes to their care. Wherever possible, decisions about ADHD medication should be made together, with you, your child, and their clinician working as a team. Encourage your young person to share how they’re feeling, ask questions, and talk about any worries or side effects. This helps them feel respected and builds trust.
Your clinician will take time to explain things in a way your child can understand and will check in regularly to make sure the plan still feels right. Helping your child take an active role in their care supports their confidence and wellbeing - now and in the future.
You play a key role. Your views and questions matter, and any decisions should be made together with your clinician, based on what’s best for your child. Open conversations with your child and their care team help ensure the right support is in place.
It’s normal to feel conflicted about the decision to medicate, but ADHD medication isn’t about giving up or controlling behaviour, it’s about helping your child succeed and manage their symptoms.
Think of medication like glasses for someone with vision problems — it helps them function better in daily life. The most important thing is your child’s well-being and ability to thrive, both academically and socially.
This is a common concern. Stimulant medications are controlled substances, but when taken as prescribed, they are not addictive. Your child will be closely monitored to ensure safe and appropriate use. If your child is a teenager or at higher risk, this will be part of the conversation when deciding on treatment.
Taking ADHD medication
Everyone has a different response to medication. Often it is helpful to reflect on which ADHD symptoms have been the most challenging for your child and to consider whether these have improved. Your child's 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 your child:
- finds it easier to concentrate and stay on task
- is less restless or impulsive, both at home and at school
- appears calmer and more able to manage their emotions
- handles daily routines or transitions with more ease
- shows improved confidence in learning or social situations
Teachers, family members, or even your child may notice these changes before you do. It’s a good idea to keep a note of any improvements, or any concerns, and share them with your child’s clinician. This helps ensure the medication is working as intended and can be adjusted if needed.
Medication should not be stopped abruptly without consulting your child’s clinician. If you feel the medication isn’t working or the side effects are concerning, contact your clinician to discuss alternatives or adjustments rather than discontinuing it on your own.
Some families choose to give their child a break from medication during school holidays or weekends, especially if the medication affects appetite or sleep.
This can be discussed with your child’s clinician to ensure it’s done safely.
However, some children benefit from consistent use to maintain focus and emotional regulation in all environments, not just school.
If your child is taking ADHD medication and you’re planning to travel, there may be some important steps to take in advance. These medications are classed as controlled drugs, and some countries have strict rules about what you can bring with you.
Here’s what to be aware of:
- You may need a letter from the prescriber confirming your child’s medication and dosage.
- Some countries (including those in the Schengen area) may ask for a special certificate.
- Other countries may have specific documentation requirements, so it’s important to check with the embassy of the country you’re visiting.
- You can find general information on the GOV.UK website.
If Clinical Partners is prescribing your child’s medication, please allow at least 10 working days to request a travel letter from us. If your GP is prescribing, you’ll need to ask them for the letter directly.
We understand how important it is for your child to stay well while away, and we’ll do all we can to help you prepare for a smooth and stress-free trip.
It can be helpful to have a meeting with your child’s school to explain their diagnosis, treatment plan, and any accommodations they might need in the classroom.
Your child's ADHD assessment report will also include detailed recommendations for school, and your clinician can also provide further guidance.
Schools are often willing to support children with ADHD by offering extra breaks, fidget tools, or additional assistance with focus and organisation.
For suggestions on how to support children with ADHD at school, take a look at our blog:
About titration and the medication process
To find the optimal medication to help your child effectively manage their symptoms, we start with titration. The goal of this process is to find the dose of medicine that controls your child's 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.
Your clinician will explain possible side effects before your child starts treatment. If you notice anything that concerns you, please get in touch. The clinician may need to review your child's medication or adjust the dose to help manage the symptoms.
For severe or worrying side effects, we recommend calling NHS 111 for advice.
ADHD medication, like methylphenidate (the first medicine doctors usually try), comes in different forms. It might be a tablet, capsule, or liquid. 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 your child and how to take it.
You can read more about each medication by visiting the electronic medicines compendium (emc) website.
It’s completely normal for your child to feel a bit nervous about starting medication. Talking openly and checking in with them regularly can really help.
You might want to gently ask how they’re feeling, whether they’ve noticed any changes, and what difference the medication is making in their day-to-day life.
At each follow-up titration appointment, your child’s clinician will ask how things are going. It can be helpful to keep notes on any changes you’ve seen in their mood, focus, behaviour, or any side effects. This helps you and the clinician make the most of your time together.
Supporting a balanced diet, regular routines, and healthy sleep can also make a big difference during this time.
If you or your child have any worries at all, please share them with your clinician during the appointments.
While medication works well for many young people with ADHD, others find non-medication strategies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments extremely helpful. Many families find the best results come from a combination of medication and behavioural strategies.
For more information about lifestyle changes and possible treatment options, take a look at our blog.
As part of shared care, your child’s ADHD medication will usually be reviewed every six months by a specialist clinician at Clinical Partners. These regular reviews are an important way to check how your child is responding to their medication and to make any changes if needed.
Sometimes, your GP might request an earlier review. This could happen if your child is experiencing side effects or if the medication is not working as well as expected. In these situations, Clinical Partners may temporarily take over your child’s care again to help adjust or re-stabilise their treatment. Once things are back on track, their care can be safely handed back to the GP.
This flexible approach means responsibility is shared between your GP and Clinical Partners, depending on what your child needs at the time. Our priority is always to ensure your child’s treatment remains safe, effective, and personalised.
You may need to see your child's GP for physical check-ups, such as blood pressure or weight monitoring, as part of their medication management. These appointments help ensure your child's health is not negatively affected by the medication.
All costs are covered by the NHS.
Your child's prescription will be sent directly to one of our online pharmacy providers. They will deliver the medication to your home address.
No. In the UK, ADHD medication must be initially prescribed by a specialist, typically a psychiatrist or a specialist ADHD clinic.
Once your child is stabilised on medication, their GP, if they agree to shared care, will continue to prescribe your medication and monitor your child's physical health for the duration of their treatment. If the GP doesn't accept shared care, you can choose to continue to see your child's Clinical Partners clinician.
You and your child will see a Clinical Partners clinician twice a year for a comprehensive review, whether your GP accepts shared care or you remain with us.
Preparing for your child's medication appointments
Your child or young person's initial appointment will last around 50 minutes. During this time, the clinician will get to know your child, their symptoms, and their health background so they can safely explore the treatment options with you.
They will ask about:
- the symptoms they're experiencing, where they occur, and how they affect their daily life, including their concentration, focus, organisation and activity levels at home and at school
- their medical history, including any heart conditions, seizures, tics, or other neurological issues
- their current medication and any family history of heart problems
- their psychiatric history and current mental health
- the preferences for treatment, their goals and what you both hope to achieve from ADHD medication to help personalise your child's care
You’ll also need to bring up-to-date readings of their 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, and your young person depending on their age, give consent, they may start your child on a low dose with a clear follow-up plan.
Your child or young person's titration review is their 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 or your child have noticed
- any changes in your child’s ADHD symptoms, including focus, mood, sleep, or appetite
- how the medication is affecting your child’s everyday life
- any recent changes to your child’s health or any new medications they’ve started
We will usually also ask you to complete a questionnaire in advance to help assess their symptoms. This helps your clinician decide whether the current medication and dose is right or needs adjusting.
You must also bring your child's updated blood pressure, pulse, height 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 child's ADHD symptoms are and whether anything has changed
- ask how medication is affecting your child's daily life
- review how well the medication is working and how long its effects last
- discuss any side effects your child may be experiencing
- check your child's blood pressure, pulse, and weight – these must be up to date, as the clinician can’t issue a prescription without them
- review your child's medication routine (when they take it and whether they'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 their clinician.
At your child’s first medication appointment, the clinician will revisit their medical and family history in detail.
Sometimes, based on this information, we may ask your child to complete a few additional checks before starting ADHD medication. These might include:
- an ECG (to check your child’s heart rhythm)
- a blood test
- a letter or report from another specialist already involved in their care
These checks help us make sure that any treatment we recommend is safe and appropriate for your child. ADHD medication is well-researched and widely used, but every child is different, and we want to take every step to ensure that the treatment plan is right for them.
Your child’s safety and wellbeing is our top priority. These extra steps are simply part of making sure we are giving them the best possible care.
Follow-up appointments typically last between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on how much needs to be reviewed.
If your child is doing well on their medication and no changes are needed, the appointment may be shorter. If the clinician needs to explore side effects or consider changes to your child's dose, it may take a little longer.
The six-monthly review checks that your child's medication is still right for them. The clinician will:
- assess whether your child's ADHD symptoms are being managed effectively
- check for any changes to your child’s physical or mental health, or any new medications they’ve started
- discuss any recent life changes (like exams, new teachers, or a change in school) that may be affecting their symptoms
- review your child's latest blood pressure, weight, and pulse
- talk through any concerns or questions you and your child may have
We will usually also ask you to complete a questionnaire in advance to help assess your child's symptoms. This helps your clinician decide whether the current medication and dose is right or needs adjusting. This helps ensure your child's treatment remains safe, effective, and tailored to their current needs.
We are required to check photo ID when prescribing controlled medications like ADHD prescriptions, to help us confirm that you are the child's parent or legal guardian.
This is for your child's 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 and your child may see the same clinician for each appointment, they’ll still need to check ID each time. Your passport, driving licence, or any official photo ID is fine.
Shared care
Shared care is a formal agreement between your child's GP and the specialist provider who is monitoring or treating their condition. In this instance, the agreement will allow us to manage your child's titration appointments.
Once your child is stabilised on the medication, their GP will monitor their physical health. However, we will invite you and your child back at least twice per year for a comprehensive review with a specialist clinician. This is why it's called a shared care agreement.
Yes, you and your child will still have six-monthly check-ups with us to review their overall treatment. If adjustments to your child's medication are needed, the clinician will manage those changes.
The agreement will usually stay in place unless your child's condition changes and they require additional treatment or support. 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 child's GP is unable to enter a shared care agreement with us, we can still support your child's ongoing care through our Right to Choose medication service. This means:
- Your child will receive monthly repeat prescriptions
- You and your child will need to attend six-monthly medication reviews
Before each monthly prescription, you’ll need to provide your child's 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 for your child, we recommend speaking with your child's 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.