ADHD medication
Deciding whether to take medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be overwhelming, and it's natural to feel a mix of emotions.
Whatever you're feeling, know that if you choose to explore medication, our prescribing team will partner with you to ensure you feel supported and listened to every step of the way, working closely with you to help facilitate your goals and solve any issues that may arise throughout the process.
Please note that access to medication through ProblemShared is subject to clinical assessment, a GP referral, and approval by your NHS provider, insurer, or university health service.
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Meet our team
Who runs the ProblemShared medication service?
ProblemShared’s ADHD medication service is run by a team of highly qualified clinicians, including a consultant psychiatrist, a pharmacist, a cardiologist, and independent non-medical nurse prescribers. who will look at your individual prescribing needs.
All clinicians working at ProblemShared have met a high standard of competency before facilitating the care of our clients. They are all fully qualified, certified by their relevant professional bodies, and follow NICE guidelines, which are evidence-based recommendations for the health and social care sector.
Many of our team members have led NHS teams and bring extensive expertise to their work with us, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Medication
What medications are used to treat ADHD?
There are two main groups of medication; stimulants and non-stimulants. They work by increasing levels of certain naturally occurring chemicals in the brain. It is not possible to predict how you will respond to any medication, but all are proven to be both safe and effective.
Prescribing decisions are made with you. Your prescribing team will recommend medication based on the outcome of your assessment information, especially relating to your medical history, and the medical history of your family.
Stimulant medication
Stimulant medications (methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine) work for a range of different durations. Depending on your requirements, the specialist in charge of your care will explore with you which may be better suited for you. Advice on how to take your medication will also be given to you.
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Non-stimulants
Non-stimulants (atomoxetine) must be taken every day for them to work, but they have the advantage of not wearing off.
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Medication
Does ProblemShared prescribe ADHD medication to children and young people under the age of 18?
Children and young people are eligible to access the ProblemShared medication service on the following conditions:
The child/young person is between the ages of 7-18.
The child/young person has received an ADHD diagnosis through ProblemShared.
The child/young person has undergone a physical health check from their GP, specifically listening to their heart with a stethoscope, prior to commencing titration with us.
Please note that access to medication through ProblemShared is subject to clinical assessment, a GP referral, and approval by your NHS provider, insurer, or university health service.
How it works
What does the titration process look like?
Titration is the process of safely stabilising a person on medication to establish the most suitable type and dosage of medication which has maximum benefits with minimal side effects.
Treatment Planning Session
If you decide to trial ADHD medication, you will be invited to attend a 30-minute Treatment Planning Session via video call, where your medication options will be fully explained to you by a prescriber.
Before we can book your Treatment Planning Session, we will need to receive a summary of your medical record. This is a short version of your medical history containing your NHS number and any relevant medical conditions. You can request it from your GP.
Please note that if the appointment is for a child/young person, they will need to attend the Treatment Planning Session for the clinician to consider prescribing.
Provide your measurements
You will need to provide an up-to-date reading of your blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight in your Medical Assessment Tool. Most ADHD treatments lead to a slight increase in both blood pressure and pulse, which we need to monitor.
These details are an important part of finding the right medication for you, and we cannot issue prescriptions without it. This information must be sent to us before we can schedule your Treatment Planning Session.
Medication review appointments
Your prescribing team will arrange review appointments every 3-4 weeks, to review the dose of the medication and to issue your next prescription.
Your prescribing team will also require an up-to-date blood pressure, weight and pulse reading from you prior to every review appointment whilst the medication is being titrated. No repeat prescriptions can be given unless you attend your review appointment and provide your blood pressure and pulse readings.
Prescriptions
Your prescribing team will send each prescription for a supply of medication for 30 days treatment, valid for 28 days, to a relevant pharmacy.
If your medication is a controlled drug, the pharmacy must receive the original prescription in the post before they can dispense the medication. This can take up to five working days.
We have produced a comprehensive guide to the ProblemShared ADHD titration process that covers each stage of your medication journey with us in greater detail, which is available in the FAQs section at the bottom of this page.
Shared care
Transferring your care back into the community
Once you have reached a stable dosage of medication, we will request that your GP enters into a shared care agreement, where your GP will issue you with repeat prescriptions each month under our direction. This is known as shared care. Please be aware not all GP's accept shared care.
This stage of the process will be influenced by which of our partners referred you to ProblemShared initially. You will be sent a detailed Medication Guide before starting the medication pathway which will explain any specific nuances to you.
We will also refer you to your local ADHD specialist service to request they accept responsibility for your ongoing periodic reviews. We will remain your specialist ADHD service until you are accepted by your local area.
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What our clients have to say
We are proud to have helped hundreds of patients find the right medication solution for them.
What about the ADHD medication shortage?
There has been a global shortage of ADHD medication since September 2023. We continue to monitor the situation and make updates available via our medication shortage page.
If you are a new client, your prescribing team will start you on the most appropriate available medication. Your prescribing team will explain your options to you at every stage and ensure you are fully supported.
Frequently asked questions
Anything you’d like to ask?
We’re here to help you find the right support for you and your family.
What if I require medication after my ADHD assessment?
If you are diagnosed with ADHD following your assessment, one option that can be very useful is medication. If you choose to trial medication, our team of expert prescribers will discuss medication options with you.
We understand that it can be overwhelming when considering medication, and this why your prescribing team will work closely with you to monitor your progress. They will be on hand to help facilitate your goals, find the best treatment available for your situation, and work with you to solve any issues that may arise throughout the process.
What medications are used to treat ADHD?
There are two main groups of medication; stimulants and non-stimulants. They work by increasing levels of certain naturally occurring chemicals in the brain.
•Stimulant medications (methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine) work for a range of different durations. Depending on your requirements, the specialist in charge of your care will explore with you which may be better suited for you. Advice on how to take your medication will also be given to you.
•Non-stimulants (atomoxetine) must be taken every day for them to work, but they have the advantage of not wearing off.
It is not possible to predict how you will respond to any medication, but all are proven to be both safe and effective. Prescribing decisions are made with you. Your prescribing team will recommend medication based on the outcome of your assessment information, especially relating to your medical history, and the medical history of your family.
If you have any doubts or questions about medication, it is important that you raise them with your prescribing team, who will listen to you and help you understand your options.
Does ADHD medication always work?
Your prescribing team may need to try a few different medications to find the one which is right for you.
Most people have success with stimulant medication, and this is why the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends it as an option for managing ADHD.
There are times when individuals may not respond to medication in the way their prescribing team had hoped. The titration period is where your prescribing team monitor your response to medication and make changes depending on your feedback about any side effects or benefits of the medication. Your prescribing team will guide you through the process, taking your lead along the way, and will help to keep your expectations realistic.
What is titration?
Titration is the process of safely stabilising a person on medication to establish the most suitable type and dosage of medication, which has maximum benefits with minimal side effects.
How long will the process of titration last?
You will be seen by your prescriber every 3-4 weeks until you reach a stable dose of medication. This process usually takes 12 to 16 weeks, but at times it can take longer than this.
Why can my GP not carry out titration?
As per the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, all medication for ADHD should only be initiated by a healthcare professional with training and expertise in diagnosing and managing ADHD.
Our ADHD medication service is run by a team of highly qualified clinicians who will look at your individual prescribing needs. All clinicians working at ProblemShared have met a high standard of competency before facilitating the care of their clients. They are all fully qualified, certified by their relevant professional bodies, and follow NICE guidelines, which are evidence-based recommendations for the health and social care sector.
Why am I being asked to take blood pressure readings?
The monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate is a requirement of the safe prescribing of ADHD medications.
What happens once titration is completed and I am stabilised on my medication?
Once you have reached a stable dosage of medication, we will write to your GP requesting that they accept you into shared care and take on responsibility for your ongoing prescribing. If they agree to take over, all following prescriptions will be issued by your GP practice, on an NHS prescription form, and the cost will be the same as any other prescription medication you receive from your GP.
This process can vary slightly between our partner contracts. You will be sent a detailed Medication Guide before starting the medication pathway which will explain any contract-specific nuances to you.
What is shared care?
Shared care is the transfer of your ongoing prescribing from a specialist (ProblemShared) to your GP, where this is suitable and in your best interest.