Treatment FAQs

We know waiting isn’t easy. Your wait time starts from the day your Psychiatry UK doctor referred you (usually the date of your appointment). While every patient’s timeline is a bit different, you can check our current estimated waiting times to see where you are in the queue. 

We will contact you via a note on your portal when you are approaching the top of the titration waiting list. We’ll also send you reminders via email and SMS.

Titration usually lasts around 12-14 weeks, but can take up to 16 weeks, and it’s important that you’re at home with reliable internet during this time. If you’re planning travel, medical procedures, or any extended time away, please let us know as soon as possible so we can help you plan. 

I am moving or changing GP. What should I do? 

Please update your address and GP details under the ‘My Profile’ tab on your portal. 

• If you move outside England, you may no longer be eligible for Right to Choose. Your GP can then refer you to your local ADHD service, or you can continue with us privately. 
• We’ll be happy to explain your options so you can make the best choice. 

All communication takes place through the MedQare portal. This means you can reply to notes and requests at a time that works best for you . 

All of our communications are via our MedQare portal – we are unable to make phone calls to our patients. If this would be difficult for you, your GP may be able to help you find an in-person ADHD service. 

While you wait, our admin team will prepare everything behind the scenes. When you’re close to the top of the list, we’ll let you know to watch for notifications. Once your prescriber is assigned, they’ll send you a welcome note and may ask for updated health information to ensure it’s safe to begin medication. 

Why hasn’t my prescriber replied to my portal note yet?
Prescribers usually reply within 2–3 days. Sometimes, messages need to be reviewed by your doctor, which can take longer. 

If your query is urgent, you can contact our patient support team via our Live Chat or call 0330 124 1980. Please remember that we are not an emergency service. For urgent or crisis care, follow our urgent help guidance. 

If you receive a positive ADHD diagnosis, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This usually includes a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes (such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep). 

NICE guidelines recommend medication as a first-line treatment, especially for those with moderate or severe symptoms. While medication doesn’t cure ADHD, it can help reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. For example, it may help you feel calmer, concentrate better, and manage impulsive behaviours. 

Some medications can also be taken just on work or school days. If you decide to try medication, you’ll be referred to one of our ADHD prescribers, who will adjust your treatment to your individual response. Non-medication support (such as therapy, coaching, or counselling) can also help you develop coping strategies. 

Medication is not a cure for ADHD, and it works best as part of a broader treatment plan. However, it can make many everyday symptoms easier to manage. 

Everyone responds differently, but some common benefits people experience include: 

• Improving focus and attention, with fewer distractions or daydreaming. 
• Strengthening executive function (skills for planning, following instructions, problem-solving, and adapting to change). 
• Enhancing the ability to prioritise and manage workload at school, university, or in the workplace. 
• Increasing motivation to start and complete tasks. 
• Feeling calmer and less restless. 
• Regulating emotions more effectively. 
• Taking a more thoughtful approach to decision-making, with greater awareness of consequences. 

During your assessment, your doctor will review the treatment options tailored for you. 

• Following NICE guidelines, the first-line medications for adults with ADHD are Methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine.  
• If these stimulants aren’t effective or the side effects are not manageable, your prescriber may recommend Atomoxetine, a non-stimulant alternative.  

For comprehensive, user-friendly information—including how different medications work, side effects, and language resources—you can visit the Choice and Medication website.

ADHD medication does not usually change your personality. However, some people notice that they “feel different” as the medication helps manage their symptoms. 

If you experience changes that concern you, discuss them with your prescriber, who can give advice and support tailored to your situation. 

There is a small chance that ADHD medication can affect libido or sexual function. 

For detailed, medication-specific information, visit the Choice and Medication website. It’s important to discuss any concerns with your prescriber so they can provide guidance and support. 

The evidence on whether ADHD medication can worsen tics is unclear.  

Stimulant medications can sometimes worsen tics, in which case a reduction in dose can help. Always discuss this further with your prescriber.  

Yes, it’s possible. Once your clinician is satisfied that the medication they have prescribed is working, we ask your GP to enter into something called a shared care agreement. This would then allow you to get medication through the NHS and still have private care.  

The other option is to continue with private treatment while your GP refers you to the NHS, so that you will still be receiving ongoing medication in the meantime, albeit at a higher price.  

NHS ADHD service patients (including Right to Choose patients)

Whether you need to pay for your prescription depends on the way it is dispensed.

If your prescription is dispensed through a community pharmacy in England, the standard NHS prescription charge will usually apply, unless you are eligible for free prescriptions.

Whether a charge applies can depend on whether electronic prescribing is set up in your local area by your Integrated Care Board (ICB).

For more information on NHS prescription costs and eligibility for free prescriptions, please refer to our website guide.

Private patients

If you are a private patient, you will need to pay both the prescription charge and the cost of the medication. Prescriptions can be sent to your chosen pharmacy or via PPG with secure delivery. 

You can find more information in our downloadable guide to private ADHD medication treatment.

How long it takes to receive your medication depends on how your prescription is issued.

To help avoid running out of medication, please ensure you request your next prescription at least 10 working days before your current supply is due to run out.

If you receive your medication via home delivery (PPG):
Once your prescription has been processed, the pharmacy will arrange delivery directly to your address. Delivery times may vary, and you will usually be contacted to confirm a suitable delivery date.

If your prescription is sent to a local pharmacy (electronic prescribing):
Your prescription can be sent securely to a pharmacy of your choice, helping to reduce the time it takes for your medication to reach you.

Many ADHD medications, including methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, are controlled medicines. Because of this, some pharmacies may not always keep them in stock and may need to order them once they receive your prescription.

To help avoid delays, it can be useful to:

• Build a relationship with a local pharmacy you plan to use regularly.
• Contact the pharmacy ahead of time to check whether your medication is in stock.
• If not available, ask whether they can order it in. Your pharmacy team can usually advise when your medication will be ready for collection.

If your pharmacy cannot supply your medication, you have a few options:

• Your pharmacy can release your prescription back into the NHS electronic system so another pharmacy can access it.
• Another pharmacy may then retrieve and dispense your prescription if they have the medication in stock.
• Your pharmacy or prescriber can provide a prescription code, which you can take to another pharmacy.

If you are unsure what to do, please contact your prescriber via your patient portal, and we will support you.

This ensures we have time to review your treatment, answer any questions, prepare and order your next prescription, so that it arrives before your current supply runs out.

• Start your medication as outlined in your treatment plan. 
• Complete your first monitoring form on Day 5 (found in your portal). 
• Record your blood pressure and pulse 1–2 hours after taking your dose. 
• Report any side effects promptly — especially chest pain, palpitations, or dizziness. 
• Keep submitting your forms so your prescriber can adjust your treatment if needed. 

• If you receive your medication via home delivery (PPG):
  Please contact the pharmacy directly to arrange delivery.

  • Email: [email protected] (please include your details and preferred delivery day)
  • Telephone: 0330 124 4305

  If your prescription is sent to a local pharmacy (electronic prescribing):
  Please contact your chosen pharmacy in the first instance to check the status of your medication.

  If you continue to experience issues, please contact your prescriber via your patient portal.

  For urgent concerns:
  Please contact our Patient Support Centre via Live Chat or by calling 0330 124 1980 (Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm).

• Long-release stimulants: Take early in the morning (before 9am) after breakfast. If you miss a dose, wait until the next morning. 

• Short-release stimulants: Take doses 4 hours apart, with your last dose before 4pm (until you’re sure later doses don’t affect sleep). 

• Always take with or after food and eat regularly through the day. 

Please contact your prescriber to arrange your new prescription, allowing 10 working days before your current supply is due to run out.

Please note: If you haven’t submitted your weekly monitoring forms, we won’t be able to issue a new prescription.

Unfortunately, we can’t speed up prescriptions if you run out. Always request 10 working days in advance. 

No — for your safety, never take medication prescribed for another person.

If changes in your health make it unsafe to continue, your prescriber may discontinue your medication. They’ll explain the reasons and guide you through next steps.

ADHD medication supply can be affected by national shortages. Please see our ADHD page for guidance.

ADHD often continues into adulthood, but many medications are only officially licensed for children. In practice, clinicians follow NICE guidelines and prescribe these medications “off-label” when they’re safe and effective for adults. Your prescriber will discuss this with you. 

For more information, see the NICE website or the Choice and Medication Handy Fact Sheet: Unlicensed Uses of Licensed Medicines.  

Titration is the process of introducing medication safely and finding the dose that helps you most with the fewest side effects. Your prescriber will closely monitor you and ask for regular feedback. 

If, during your assessment, you and your doctor agreed that medication could help with your ADHD, you’ll be referred to titration.

NHS or Right to Choose patients

If you are an NHS or Right to Choose (RTC) patient, titration will be provided under the NHS, with no charge to you. 

However, you may need to pay an NHS prescription charge, depending on the way your medication is dispensed.

If your prescription is dispensed through a community pharmacy in England, the standard NHS prescription charge will usually apply, unless you are eligible for free prescriptions.

Whether a charge applies can depend on whether electronic prescribing is set up in your local area by your Integrated Care Board (ICB).

For more information on NHS prescription costs and eligibility for free prescriptions, please refer to our website guide.

Private patients

If you are a private patient, you will need to pay both the prescription charge and the cost of the medication. Prescriptions can be sent to your chosen pharmacy or via PPG with secure delivery. 

You can find more information in our downloadable guide to private ADHD medication treatment.

Every journey is different, but titration usually takes around 14 weeks. 

For the majority of patients the titration process takes between 12 and 16 weeks, but for some individuals, this may take longer and can be discussed with your clinician.

You’ll send in regular readings (blood pressure, pulse, weight) and share how the medication is working for you. Your prescriber will use this to fine-tune your treatment. 

While waiting, we’ll keep in touch and share resources. To prepare, you’ll need: 

Baseline readings: 2 sets of blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight readings. 

Medical investigations: If requested by your doctor. 

Pre-titration checklist: Consent form, prescription confirmation, health forms, and up-to-date ID/GP details. 

NICE guidelines recommend that ADHD treatment is started by a specialist clinician. Not all GPs have the knowledge to prescribe and titrate ADHD medications, and some prefer not to carry out this process. 

Our titration service doesn’t follow a traditional appointment booking system. Instead, when it’s your turn on the waiting list, a prescribing clinician will contact you directly through the portal. 

This approach is designed to be flexible and convenient. It means you don’t need to schedule time away from work or home life for regular appointments. Instead, all communication happens through your portal notes, allowing you and your prescriber to exchange information as needed throughout your treatment. 

Once your titration begins, there are no set time limits or restrictions. You’ll simply be asked to complete regular feedback forms to keep your prescriber updated on your progress. This helps quickly resolve any issues and ensures your treatment stays on track. 

We’ve found this system to be more responsive and efficient than the traditional model of fixed follow-up appointments. 

Before starting your medication, we’ll ask you to provide some baseline health information. This usually includes your blood pressure, pulse, and weight. In some cases, your clinician may also recommend an ECG and/or blood tests. 

Once titration begins, it’s important to continue monitoring your blood pressure, pulse, and weight at regular intervals. These checks help your prescriber make sure the medication is safe and effective for you. You’ll be asked to share your readings at the end of each four-week prescription period. 

Once your baseline health information has been reviewed and is safe, your prescriber will issue your first prescription and treatment plan. Please be aware that high demand can cause delays — thank you for your patience.

At the end of titration, once your medication is stabilised, your prescriber will ask your GP to continue prescribing under a Shared Care Agreement (SCA). If your GP accepts Shared Care, your prescriptions will be issued by your GP surgery with NHS charges (and exemptions, if applicable). 

Forms help your prescriber track your blood pressure, pulse, weight, and any side effects. This is essential for your safety and ensures your medication is working well. 

In your portal, under Forms > Pending Forms. You’ll also get email and SMS reminders. Always click Submit after completing. 

• Latest weight, blood pressure, and pulse 
• Notes on improvements or side effects 
• An ASRS form every 3 weeks to track symptoms 

Why so often?
Frequent updates let your prescriber adjust medication quickly and keep you safe. 

What if I miss a form?
Contact your prescriber straight away. Missing three forms may result in your care being returned to your GP. 

You’re considered stable once the right dose is found and side effects are manageable. At this stage, you’ll have an End of Titration Review. 

Yes — your prescriber will review your progress, answer questions, and confirm your next steps. After 12 months, you will be invited to attend an Annual Review with Psychiatry UK (or your local service).  

We’ll contact your GP to request a Shared Care Agreement. If accepted, your GP will issue ongoing prescriptions and review your medication every 6 months. You’ll also have an annual review with Psychiatry UK (or your local service). 

While most GPs do, some cannot. If your GP declines, we’ll continue prescribing and invoice the ICB. If you were referred by a local ADHD service, your prescribing will be transferred back to them.

Until shared care is confirmed, you’ll continue to request prescriptions via your prescriber, just as you did during titration. 

Please contact our customer support team via our Live Chat or call 0330 124 1980. You’ll find more information about our opening times on our Contact Us page.