About 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:

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.

If your GP agrees to a shared care arrangement, you will still need to attend regular follow-up appointments with Clinical Partners to make sure your child’s medication remains safe and effective.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Two medication reviews per year

  These cost £165 with a non-medical prescriber or £225 with a psychiatrist.

• NHS prescription charges

  These apply to each prescription, but are currently free for children under 16, and for young people aged 16 to 18 who are in full-time education.

• No monthly admin fees

  Under shared care, there are no extra monthly charges for issuing prescriptions.

Sometimes, a psychiatrist may need to carry out the review if your child’s presentation is more complex or requires specialist input. This might be the case if:

• there are significant changes in symptoms

• the medication needs adjusting or switching

• additional clinical decisions or investigations are needed

We’ll always let you know in advance if a specialist appointment is required. Our goal is to make sure your child receives the right level of care at the right time.

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 private medication titration service. This means:

• Your child will receive monthly repeat prescriptions, charged at £75 each (medication cost not included)

• You and your child will need to attend six-monthly medication reviews

• Review appointments cost £165 with a non-medical prescriber or £225 with a psychiatrist

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.