3.2 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD
NICE NG87 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management.
Shared care protocol for prescribing and monitoring of treatment for ADHD in children, young people and adults
Not all medications used for ADHD have a UK marketing authorisation for treating symptoms of ADHD in adults. Check individual SPC for details.
| CNS stimulants and drugs used for ADHD | Preparations | Comments | ||
| Atomoxetine hydrochloride |
10mg,18mg, 25mg, 40mg, 60mg, 80mg, 100mg capsules 4mg/ml oral solution
|
For specialist initiation. Consider shared care after 12 weeks or once patient is stable (whichever is longer). |
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| Dexamfetamine sulphate |
5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets 1mg/ml oral solution sugar-free |
For specialist initiation. Controlled Drug (CD) Consider shared care after 12 weeks or once patient is stable (whichever is longer). |
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| Guanfacine hydrochloride | 1mg, 2mg, 3mg, 4mg MR tablets | Not approved for adults. For specialist initiation. Consider shared care (for children and adolescents) after 12 weeks or once patient is stable (whichever is longer) . | ||
| Lisdexamfetamine | 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg, 70mg capsules | For specialist initiation. Controlled Drug (CD). Consider shared care after 12 weeks or once patient is stable (whichever is longer). | ||
| Methylphenidate hydrochloride |
Immediate release Modified release Matoride XL: 18mg, 36mg, 54mg MR tablets Equasym XL®: 10mg, 20mg and 30mg MR capsules Medikinet XL®: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg and 60mg MR capsules Metyrol XL®, Meflynate XL®: 10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 60mg MR capsules |
For specialist initiation. Controlled Drug (CD). Consider shared care after 12 weeks or once patient is stable (whichever is longer). Different versions of modified release preparations may not have the same clinical effect. To avoid confusion between these different formulations prescribe by brand name and one with the lowest cost where possible. |
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| % dose immediate release | % dose modified release | |||
|
Affenid® XL Matoride® XL Xenidate® XL |
22 | 78 | ||
|
Delmosart® XL Xaggitin® XL |
25 | 75 | ||
| Equasym XL® | 30 | 70 | ||
| Medikinet XL® | 50 | 50 | ||
|
Metyrol XL® Meflynate XL® |
50 | 50 | ||
| Alpha2-adrenergic agonist | Preparations | Comments |
| Clonidine | 25 microgram tablets |
Off label use in children with ADHD and sleep disturbance, rages or tics on the advice of tertiary ADHD service (NICE CG87) |
Continue to 3.3 Bipolar disorder and mania