When it comes to private assessment and treatment of ADHD, our approach is the same as in the NHS. We follow the NICE guidelines and work with you collaboratively to consider pros and cons of the various ADHD medication options licensed in the UK. Below we present to you in a tabular form an easy comparison guide for your consideration. We usually also send additional reading information before appointments as relevant, but below you will also find a FAQ.

Stimulants typically these dopamine enhancing drugs are the first line treatment for majority patients.	Non-stimulant Tends to be second line treatment and work through Nor-Epinephrine pathway	Non-stimulant second/third line treatment & work through Nor-Epinephrine pathway
Common names – Ritalin /Concerta (Methylphenidate), Elvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)	Strattera	Intuniv
Tablets / Capsules or some options in Liquid forms	Capsule and Liquid	Tablet only, cannot be crushed.
Fast acting and works in an hour from taking medication at optimal dose	2-8 weeks to provide benefits	2-8 weeks to provide benefits
Works 8-12 hours only	24 hours	24 hours
Morning only treatment	Morning only treatment	Usually an evening dose
It is possible to stop-start the treatment, usually taken weekdays, term time only to minimise side-effects.	Has to be taken daily, avoid abrupt stopage	Has to be taken daily, avoid abrupt stopage
Effects noted in an hour, wear off by 4-6pm. Produces a 20 point improvement on rating scales.	12 point improvement on average	12 point improvement on average
Appetite suppression and weight loss is the biggest concern +++	Appetite & Weight loss +	Likely gain in appetite and weight
Possible insomnia ++	Insomnia +	Improves sleep
Possible increase in pulse & BP	Possible increase in pulse & BP	May reduce pulse and BP
May affect mood and anxiety but usually has a stabilising effect.	Similar	Similar
May cause/worsen tics	Rarely +	Used to treat tics.
Growth Hormone suppression & loss of 2cm average adult height if medication is used withour medication holidays.	Unlikely	No such known concerns
ECG advised if family history of cardiac arrhythmia, fainting episodes, anyone dying very young or other ailments.	Similar	Similar
NICE allows used age 5 +	Similar	Similar

When considering the ADHD medication options and starting the treatment privately, a number of questions are commonly posed to us, below find a FAQ and usual solutions.

Will the NHS/GP provide the prescription? Typically the expectation is for the treatment to be initiated by the specialist, be it private or NHS. This thus is offered as a private prescription. Once settled on the optimal dose, you can request the GP to provide repeat prescriptions (this is at their discretion).

What are the costs of the private prescription? These are separate to our fees and paid direct to pharmacy, the pricing varies from £30 to £100 per month. Once the GP provides the support after the initial 2-3 months, this would be free.

Can treatments be combined? All the above medications have been licensed in UK as mono-therapy. In some situations drugs may be combined with caution, but this will be off-label prescribing.

Can other conditions be treated alongside? Yes, any co-morbid anxiety, depression may be treated with anti-depressants concurrently.

What about Adderall? Adderall short acting is not available in the UK. The long-acting Adderall XR is imported and not licensed or provided within NHS or via GP. Privately, the cost of the monthly prescription is likely to be approximately £400.

Are there other treatment options aside from those listed above? In rare situations, options like certain anti-depressants may be used to augment the effects of medication. We recommend caution and an ECG before combining certain agents, e.g. Imipramine or Bupropion.

It is vital to highlight that NICE strongly supports use of medication with non-pharmacological approaches of treatment of ADHD. Please browse our other page/s for more information or subscribe to receive updates.