ADHD medication in the UK
How ADHD medication is prescribed in the UK, who can prescribe it, how it's monitored, and what it costs privately and on the NHS. A plain guide, without the jargon.
The short answer
ADHD medicines in the UK fall into two broad groups: stimulants and non-stimulants. They are prescription-only and are started by a specialist after a diagnosis, at a low dose that is adjusted step by step. That's called titration. Once the dose is stable, the medication is reviewed regularly, and your GP may take over prescribing under shared care. Medication is one option, not the only one.
The types of ADHD medication
We don't name individual medicines on this site, because UK law doesn't allow prescription-only medicines to be advertised to the public. Your prescriber will explain the specific options, and the NHS website has information on each one.
| At a glance | Stimulants | Non-stimulants |
|---|---|---|
| How they're used | The most commonly used group. NICE guidance recommends starting with a stimulant in most cases. | An option when stimulants don't suit you, don't help enough, or cause side effects. |
| How quickly they work | Usually within hours of a dose, with shorter and longer acting forms. | Work in a different way and can take some weeks to build up. |
| Prescription rules | Controlled drugs, so there are extra rules on how they're prescribed and collected. | Not controlled drugs. |
NICE guideline NG87 recommends starting with a stimulant in most cases. However, there are circumstances where a stimulant may not be appropriate, and an experienced specialist will consider which medication is better suited to you as an individual: your age, your health, other medicines you take, and what you most need help with. The choice is not always clear cut, which is why it should be made with a specialist.
Who can prescribe ADHD medication
NICE guidance says ADHD medication should be started by a healthcare professional with training and expertise in ADHD. In practice that is a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or a specialist nurse or pharmacist who is qualified as an independent prescriber.
At ADH-Me, medication is started by our ADHD nurse specialists and independent prescribers (RMN, INP), who can begin treatment and adjust it with you, so a diagnosis does not leave you waiting to find someone who can prescribe. If you were diagnosed elsewhere, we review your report to check it is detailed enough to prescribe from.
GPs do not usually start ADHD medication. They may continue it once your dose is stable, under a shared care agreement with the specialist.
Starting medication: checks and titration
Before anything is prescribed, the prescriber checks your health, including blood pressure, pulse, height and weight, and asks about your heart health, other conditions and any medicines you take.
Then comes titration: a low starting dose, adjusted gradually at regular reviews until you get the most benefit with the fewest side effects. It usually takes a few months. Our titration guide covers each step, and what to do if you were diagnosed elsewhere.
Medication reviews and monitoring
ADHD medication is not something you start and forget. A specialist reviews it regularly, more often for younger people:
| Age | Specialist medication review |
|---|---|
| Under 10 | Every 3 months |
| 10 to 17 | Every 6 months |
| 18 and over | Every 12 months, or sooner if clinically needed |
A medication review usually looks at:
- How much it's helping at work, school, home and in relationships
- Side effects, including sleep, appetite and mood
- Blood pressure, pulse, height and weight, and growth for children
- Whether the dose, the timing or the medication should change
- Whether you still need it
At ADH-Me, a one-off medication appointment is £150, for people already taking ADHD medication who want a review or advice. The Full Support Package includes monthly consultations for a year and an annual GP care summary.
Private prescriptions and NHS shared care
| At a glance | Private prescription | NHS prescription under shared care |
|---|---|---|
| Who prescribes | Your private specialist | Your GP, with the specialist still involved |
| The medicine | You pay the pharmacy | Free in Wales. In England, the usual NHS prescription charge applies unless you're exempt |
| When it applies | During titration, and afterwards if your GP doesn't take over | Once your dose is stable and your GP practice agrees |
Shared care is voluntary for GP practices, so check with yours before you pay for anything. Our shared care guide explains what Welsh GPs usually look for. If your GP does not agree to shared care and you are already settled on medication, we can continue your monthly prescriptions through Ongoing Prescribing for £30 a month.
What it costs with ADH-Me
| Your situation | Package | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Not yet diagnosed | Assessment + Titration | £1,395 |
| Not yet diagnosed, want a year of support | Full Support Package | £2,150 |
| Already diagnosed, need to start or adjust medication | Medication Titration Only | £600 |
| Already on medication, want a review | One-off Medication Appointment | £150 |
| Already settled, GP doesn't agree to shared care | Ongoing Prescribing | £30 a month |
On a private prescription, the pharmacy also charges for the medicine itself. See every package and price, or our guide to what an assessment costs, including the costs people don't expect.
Medication is one option, not the only one
Medication can make a real difference, but it isn't right for everyone, and paying for titration doesn't mean you'll be prescribed. NICE guidance also covers support that doesn't involve medication, such as understanding how ADHD affects you, changes at work or school, and, for children, support for parents. Many people use a combination. We will discuss all of your options with you.
Only ever take ADHD medication prescribed for you by a qualified prescriber, and never buy it online without a prescription.
Not diagnosed yet?
Medication only comes after a diagnosis. Start with the free adult screening or child screening. A screening questionnaire isn't a diagnosis, but it helps you decide whether a full assessment makes sense. You can also read about what happens in an ADHD assessment, and, if you live in Wales, why Right to Choose doesn't apply there.
Common questions
Can I get ADHD medication privately in the UK?
Yes, if you have an ADHD diagnosis and a specialist prescriber decides medication is right for you. They start it at a low dose, adjust it at regular reviews, and then may ask your GP to take over prescribing under shared care.
Can my GP prescribe ADHD medication?
GPs do not usually start ADHD medication. NICE guidance says it should be started by someone with training and expertise in ADHD. Once your dose is stable, your GP may agree to continue prescribing under a shared care agreement, but it is voluntary.
What happens at an ADHD medication review?
The prescriber checks how well the medication is helping, any side effects, your blood pressure, pulse and weight, and whether the dose or the medication needs to change. It is also a chance to ask whether you still need it.
How much does private ADHD medication cost?
You pay for the prescriber and, on a private prescription, the pharmacy charges for the medicine. At ADH-Me, titration is £600 for people already diagnosed, a one-off medication appointment is £150, and Ongoing Prescribing is £30 a month. NHS prescriptions in Wales are free if your GP takes over.
Do I have to take medication if I am diagnosed with ADHD?
No. Medication is one option. Many people combine it with other support, and some choose not to take it at all. A diagnosis gives you choices, not an obligation.
Questions about ADHD medication?
Get in touch with your diagnosis report, or start with a full assessment if you haven't been diagnosed yet.
Prefer to talk? Call 07909 440188.