Safety net
What to do if something doesn't feel right while you're taking ADHD medication, and who to contact.
Focus Gently is not an emergency service. Our messages, emails and forms are not checked in real time. If you need help now, use the options below. Don't wait to hear back from us.
When to get help
Start with the red box. If none of it applies, check amber, then green.
Call 999
- chest pain or tightness
- fainting or collapse
- severe breathlessness
- a seizure (fit)
- swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing
- blood pressure of 180/120 or higher with a severe headache, blurred vision, confusion or weakness
- taken much more medication than prescribed and feel unwell
- thoughts of ending your life and you can't keep yourself safe
Call NHS 111
- your blood pressure is still 180/120 or higher after resting for 5 minutes, but you have no symptoms (don't take your next dose)
- your heartbeat is racing or irregular and doesn't settle
- you see or hear things others don't, or feel unusually suspicious, confused or "high"
- you notice yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain in the upper right of your tummy
- you feel very low or have thoughts of harming yourself (choose the mental health option)
Contact us
- your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher
- your resting pulse is 100 or higher
- your monitor shows an irregular pulse
- you have new palpitations, dizziness or headaches
- side effects are affecting your sleep, appetite, weight, mood or anxiety
- you start a new medicine, or are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
- your medication or prescription is lost or stolen
Blood pressure and pulse: quick guide
Sit quietly for 5 minutes, then take two readings 1–2 minutes apart. Use the higher reading.
| Your reading | What to do |
|---|---|
| Under 140/90 and pulse under 100 | Carry on as prescribed. Send your readings when we ask. |
| 140/90 or higher, or pulse 100 or higher | Contact us before your next dose. |
| 180/120 or higher | Rest for 5 minutes and measure again. If it's still that high with symptoms (chest pain, breathlessness, severe headache, blurred vision), call 999. If it's still that high without symptoms, call NHS 111 or your GP the same day, and don't take your next dose until you've spoken to us. |
140/90 means the top number (systolic) is 140 or more, or the bottom number (diastolic) is 90 or more.
If you're struggling with your mental health
You don't have to be in crisis to reach out. These services are free and open 24 hours a day.
NHS 111, mental health option
111Call and choose the mental health option to speak to a trained NHS mental health worker. In Scotland, NHS 24 is also on 111.
Taking your medication safely
A few habits that keep treatment safe and on track.
- Take your medication exactly as prescribed. If you miss a dose, don't take two to make up for it.
- If you take guanfacine (Intuniv), don't stop it suddenly. Speak to us first.
- Keep your medication somewhere safe and out of sight. Never share it. Stimulants are controlled drugs.
- Alcohol and recreational drugs can be dangerous with ADHD medication. Tell us if you use them.
- Tell us about any new medicines, including over-the-counter remedies and supplements.
- Check your blood pressure and pulse whenever we ask, and after every dose change.
Contacting Focus Gently
For questions about your medication, side effects or readings that aren't urgent, email us at clinical@acutecaredirectltd.com.
We reply during clinic hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays). Outside these hours, use NHS 111 or 999.