Medication · Clinically reviewed

ADHD Medication UK

Clinically reviewed by Mark Thornton-Jones(GPhC) Last reviewed September 2026

Direct answer

What medications are used for ADHD in the UK?

ADHD medications licensed or recommended in the UK include stimulants (methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine) and non-stimulants (atomoxetine and guanfacine). NICE NG87 sets out which to consider first by age. Medication must be started by a specialist with ADHD expertise after a physical health assessment.

Stimulant and non-stimulant options
Started by a specialist only
Physical health baseline required
Dose found by titration

Types of ADHD medication

Methylphenidate — stimulant, often first choice for children and adults
Lisdexamfetamine — stimulant, commonly used in adults
Atomoxetine — non-stimulant
Guanfacine — non-stimulant, mainly used for children and young people

ADHD medicines compared

A simple overview of the four ADHD medicines most commonly used in the UK. Which medicine, if any, is suitable is an individual clinical decision made with your prescriber, following NICE NG87. Durations are typical and vary between people and preparations.

Medicine	Type	How it is taken	Typical duration	Onset	Controlled drug	UK licence
Methylphenidate	Stimulant	Tablets or capsules (immediate or modified release)	3–5 h (IR) / 8–12 h (MR)	Within about an hour	Yes (Schedule 2)	Children 6+ and adults (varies by brand)
Lisdexamfetamine	Stimulant (prodrug of dexamfetamine)	Capsule, once daily	Up to around 13 h	Within 1–2 hours	Yes (Schedule 2)	Children 6+ and adults
Atomoxetine	Non-stimulant	Capsule or oral solution, once or twice daily	Continuous cover	Gradual, up to 8–12 weeks	No	Children 6+ and adults
Guanfacine	Non-stimulant	Prolonged-release tablet, once daily	Continuous cover	Gradual, several weeks	No	Ages 6–17 (adult use off-label)

Before starting medication

NICE recommends a baseline assessment including cardiovascular history, blood pressure, pulse, weight and height, and a review of other conditions and medicines. An ECG may be needed in some cases.

Private prescribing

ADHD medication can be prescribed privately by an appropriately qualified specialist. You pay for the prescription and the medicine. Some stimulant medicines are controlled drugs with prescription limits.

Driving and medication

You may need to tell the DVLA if ADHD affects your driving. Some medicines are covered by drug-driving laws; you can drive if taking them as prescribed and your driving isn't impaired.

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Frequently asked questions

Can ADHD medication be prescribed privately?

Yes, by an appropriately qualified prescriber, following a medication assessment.

Is medication guaranteed after diagnosis?

No. It depends on clinical assessment and your preferences.

What side effects can occur?

Common side effects include reduced appetite, sleep difficulty and raised heart rate or blood pressure; these are monitored during titration.

Related ADHD Path services

Clinical authorship & review

Written by

Shamir Patel

MPharm, Independent Prescriber · CQC Registered Manager & Clinical Pharmacist

GPhC 2049338

Clinically reviewed by

Mark Thornton-Jones

MPharm (Liverpool John Moores, 2010), Non-Medical Prescribing (Distinction), CPPE General Practice Pathway, ADHD diagnosis & management (2025) · Specialist ADHD Pharmacist & Independent Prescriber

GPhC 2076283

Published: 1 September 2026
Last reviewed: 28 September 2026
Next review: 28 September 2027

References

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management (NG87). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), 2018, updated 2019. Source
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — Treatment. NHS. Source
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — Clinical Knowledge Summary. NICE CKS. Source
ADHD and driving. GOV.UK / DVLA. Source