What Medication Will I Be Offered After an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK?
Just Diagnosed with ADHD? Here’s What Happens Next.
Getting a diagnosis is a crucial first step—but for most adults, the next question is:
“What medication will I be offered—and how soon can I start?”
This guide explains the ADHD medication options available in the UK, how prescribers choose the right one, and what to expect from your treatment plan.
Which ADHD Medications Are Prescribed in the UK?
Prescribers follow NICE Guideline NG87, which recommends two broad classes of ADHD medication:
| Type | Common Brands |
|---|---|
| Stimulants | Elvanse, Concerta XL, Medikinet XL |
| Non-Stimulants | Atomoxetine, Guanfacine |
First-Line Treatment: Stimulants
For most adults, stimulants are the first line. These medications work by enhancing dopamine and noradrenaline signalling.
Common options:
Elvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) – long-acting, consistent, well-tolerated
Concerta XL / Medikinet XL (Methylphenidate) – stimulant option with a different mechanism
Why they're chosen:
Rapid onset (30–60 mins)
High response rate
Flexible dosing and titration
Second-Line: Non-Stimulants
If stimulants cause side effects or are not suitable (e.g. due to cardiovascular risk), non-stimulants may be prescribed.
Common options:
Atomoxetine (Strattera) – takes 2–4 weeks to take effect, no abuse potential
Guanfacine – used off-label in adults, typically where anxiety or tics are present
How Do Prescribers Choose?
Factors include:
Symptom profile (inattentive vs impulsive)
Past treatment history
Sleep, appetite, and anxiety patterns
Co-existing health conditions
Patient preference
At Focus Gently, all prescribing decisions are:
Clinician-led
Evidence-based
Fully documented for your GP or care team
Will You Get a Prescription Immediately?
If clinically appropriate, yes.
At Focus Gently, our Assessment + Medication Package (£1,600) includes:
A full 90-minute diagnosis
Your first prescription
A titration plan
Follow-up consultation
A GP letter for future shared care (optional)
Medication is dispatched via registered UK pharmacy within 1–3 days of clinical sign-off.
How Does Titration Work?
Titration = finding the lowest effective dose with minimal side effects.
The process:
Start with a low dose (e.g. 30mg Elvanse)
Review after 7–10 days
Increase in steps (weekly or biweekly)
Monitor for sleep, appetite, mood, focus
Finalise optimal dose and document outcome
This process usually takes 6–10 weeks and is supported by clinician reviews and check-ins.
Are There Side Effects?
Yes, and they’re manageable.
Yes, and they’re manageable.
| Side Effect | Common With | Management Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Appetite loss | Stimulants | Calorie timing, dose shift |
| Sleep disruption | Stimulants | Earlier dosing, split dose |
| Mood swings | Any | Adjust dose or medication |
| GI symptoms | Atomoxetine | Take with food, adjust timing |
Can I Request a Specific Medication?
You can express preferences, but prescribing is based on clinical judgement.
You might be offered:
A different medication than you expected
A slower titration to minimise risk
A follow-up review before dose adjustments
All medication plans include written documentation, so you can share with your GP or mental health team if needed.
Start ADHD Medication Without Delays
Want to move forward quickly and safely?
👉 Book Now or Join the Waitlist
We offer:
Full assessment + prescribing
No GP referral needed
Transparent pricing
Remote delivery within days
