| Choice | Drug | Dosage |
1st choice For information Specialist initiation only | Delmosart ® (methylphenidate) 18mg, 27mg, 36mg, 54mg prolonged-release tablets | Dose: See BNF for dosing [Initiation unlicensed in adults] |
2nd choice For information Specialist initiation only | Methylphenidate standard release tablets 5mg, 10mg, 20mg | Dose: See BNF for dosing [Initiation unlicensed in adults] |
Prescribing Notes
- Methylpenidate is an amber list drug. Initiation and titration of treatment should be carried out by a specialist. A shared care protocol is available which provides information about prescribing in hospital and general practice.
- See NICE NG87 ADHD.
- Following a decision to start drug treatment in adults with ADHD, methylphenidate should normally be tried first. Refer to NICE NG87 for details of other treatment options.
- Modified-release preparations of methylphenidate should be prescribed by brand. GPs should prescribe the brand of methylphenidate that has been recommended by the specialist.
Cautions
- Atomoxetine causes clinically important increases in blood pressure, heart rate, or both, in a small proportion of patients. Refer to Drug Safety Update – Atomoxetine (Strattera▼).