ADHD Medication (Please read this carefully)

 

Please note that I only prescribe if I have confirmed a diagnosis, I believe it is clinically indicated and not on demand. 

I follow NICE guidelines regarding first and second line medications and titration.  ​ADHD medications are controlled drugs and require additional consideration when prescribing and monitoring.

If medication is the right choice for your child then it is important to note that medication is more likely to be effective if part of a multi-modal psycho-educational approach with school and home-based ADHD specific support and behavioural strategies. Further reading: LINK1  LINK2  LINK3

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Before starting medication, I will complete a risk assessment and a full physical examination that will include weight, height, and blood pressure. If there is a family history of heart problems then an ECG will need to be done prior to starting medication.

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My practice is to start on the lowest dose and then slowly increase depending on response and any complications until a stable or 'optimised' dose is reached  (this is called medication titration). This has to be done very carefully and with supervision.
 

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach and every child responds to medication differently. The dosage doesn’t depend on height, weight or age like other medications. This is because stimulant medications are influenced by other factors like your child's metabolism, genetics, medication history, and severity of symptoms.

For some there is a quick and dramatic improvement but for others it sometimes takes trials of different medications and dosages to find the right regime. 

 

Although medication titration process may feel frustrating and confusing, I will try my best to guide you and find the best medication for your child as quickly as possible. On average it takes around 3-6 appointments (6-12 weeks) to stabilise medication whilst carefully monitoring your child's health.

 

Read more about medication: LINK2 (page 28-31) LINK3

1. Methylphenidate Information leaflet.

2. Elvanse Information leaflet.

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Standard medication titration plan:​​

1. In clinic, Dr Nawaz will have discussed medication options and titration plan that best suits your child. Following is a summary. 

2. In nearly all cases your child will be started on a slow-release form of methylphenidate e.g., brands such as Medikinet XL/Equasym XL (capsules) or Xaggitin XL/Matoride XL/Other (there are other brand names but all the same. These are tablets).

3. Prescription issued for 30 days.Take 1 tablet / capsule roughly same time every morning. Every 1-2 weeks the dose should be increased as agreed with Dr Nawaz. 

4. Mild side-effects can occur after starting and when dose is increased but usually settle down after a few days - see information leaflet above. If they persist, this may require increasing medication every 2 weeks instead of 1, to allow your child's body more time to adjust. 

5. If worried about severe side effects then please book a medication review appointment (Video) or stop medication pending further discussion.

6. Every 3-4 weeks please book a Medication Review video appointment - includes issuing a new prescription. 20-30 mins max. These consultations are focused only on medication titration. These appointments are usually early evenings. I expect both parent and child to be present. 

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8. Unless I have specifically instructed I am unable to do medication reviews / give advice via email. Please book a Medication Review appointment.

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10. For ADHD FOUNDATION PATIENTS: Book an appointment.

11. For GMG PATIENTS: Book an appointment.

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13. Repeat Prescription required in between appointments will cost £20 and posted via special delivery​. Email admin@manchesterpaediatrician.com for a repeat prescription. Or it can be picked up from clinic. I try to respond and post out within 48-72 hours. Please note I am unable to response to same day prescription requests. 

14. Any changes to a prescription will require a Medication Review appointment.

15. Presently, I am unable to send the prescription to your local pharmacy.

16. Likely costs regarding ADHD Medication depends on type, brand and dose but typically between £40 - £150 for a month's supply. Price can vary a bit between pharmacies so you may want to phone around, although some pharmacies will not quote over the phone.

17. Likely costs regarding stabilising medication depend on number of video appointments. 

18. I try to minimise cost by offering convenient evening video appointments and do not charge for issuing prescriptions following an appointment. 

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Long Term 

1. Once on a stable medication dose, I can then request shared care and on-going prescribing by your GP including referral to your local NHS ADHD care provider for on-going specialist care. Alternatively, I would be very pleased to provide on-going specialist review. After this any further enquiries and reviews will need to be via a General Review appointment and not a Medication Review.

2. Please note that any young person on ADHD medication requires a specialist review 4-6 monthly.

3. Please note some GP's will not provide shared care from a private clinician and therefore will not take over prescribing. I would recommend discussing this with your GP prior to your first appointment with me.

4. I only see young people up to their 18th birthday, although, if I’ve initiated treatment before then, I would be happy to provide on going care for a short time till care has been transferred and accepted by an adult specialist.