ADHD Medication for Children
A Parent’s Guide to Common Prescriptions in the UK
A Parent’s Guide to Common Prescriptions in the UK
When your child receives an ADHD diagnosis, one of the first questions you may have is about medication — what it does, how it helps, and whether it’s the right choice for your child. In the UK, ADHD medications are carefully prescribed and monitored under NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines, ensuring each child receives the most appropriate and effective treatment for their individual needs.
Medication is not a “cure” for ADHD, but it can make a huge difference. By helping improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and manage hyperactivity, it allows children to better engage with school, friendships, and family life. For many families, medication — combined with behavioural support and understanding — transforms day-to-day experiences.
This article explains the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications in the UK, how they work, what to expect, and what parents should know about side effects, monitoring, and long-term use.
There are two main categories of ADHD medication available for children: stimulant medications and non-stimulant medications.
1. Stimulant Medications
Stimulants are the most commonly prescribed type of ADHD medication and are usually the first line of treatment. They work by increasing activity in certain parts of the brain — particularly those involved in attention and self-control.
The two main stimulant types are based on methylphenidate and amphetamines.
Methylphenidate-based medications include:
- Ritalin
- Equasym XL
- Concerta XL
- Xaggitin XL
- Medikinet and Medikinet XL
- Lisdexamfetamine-based medications include:
- Elvanse (known as Vyvanse in the US)
- Dexedrine (dexamfetamine)
Each brand and formulation can work slightly differently, with variations in how quickly they act and how long the effects last.
2. Non-Stimulant Medications
Non-stimulant options are typically considered if stimulant medication isn’t effective or causes difficult side effects. These include:
- Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) – affects norepinephrine levels in the brain and is taken once daily.
- Guanfacine (brand name Intuniv) – originally developed for high blood pressure but effective in supporting emotional regulation and focus in children with ADHD.
Non-stimulants may take longer to show effects, but they can be a good option for children who don’t tolerate stimulants well or have co-existing conditions like anxiety.
Stimulant medications help regulate brain chemicals — mainly dopamine and norepinephrine — that affect attention, focus, and impulse control. Children with ADHD tend to have lower activity in brain regions responsible for these skills. By balancing these neurotransmitters, the medication helps improve concentration, reduce impulsivity, and manage hyperactive behaviours.
Non-stimulants, while working differently, also influence similar brain systems. They tend to have a gentler, more gradual effect and are less likely to interfere with sleep or appetite.
This depends on the type of medication prescribed.
- Stimulant medications (like Ritalin or Concerta XL) usually start working within 30 to 60 minutes of taking a dose. Short-acting versions last around 4 hours, while extended-release forms can last 8 to 12 hours, covering the school day.
- Non-stimulant medications, such as Atomoxetine or Guanfacine, take longer to build up in the body — typically 2 to 6 weeks before full benefits are noticed.
It’s common for the prescribing clinician to adjust the dose over time during a titration period to find the right balance between effectiveness and side effects.
In the UK, ADHD medication can only be prescribed by a specialist, such as a psychiatrist, paediatrician, or another qualified clinician trained in ADHD management. After the initial assessment and diagnosis, the specialist will start your child on a low dose and gradually increase it during the titration phase.
Once the correct dosage is established, your GP may take over under a shared care agreement with the specialist. Regular monitoring will continue, checking things like:
- Your child’s weight, appetite, and sleep patterns
- Blood pressure and heart rate
- Behavioural and emotional responses to the medication
These reviews help ensure your child’s medication remains safe and effective as they grow.
All medications can cause side effects, though many are mild and improve as the body adjusts. Common ones include:
- Reduced appetite – often most noticeable at lunchtime; offering a larger breakfast or dinner can help.
- Difficulty sleeping – taking medication earlier in the day or switching to a different formulation may help.
- Stomach aches or headaches – usually mild and temporary.
- Mood changes or irritability – sometimes related to the medication wearing off (a “rebound” effect).
- Slight increase in heart rate or blood pressure – monitored regularly by your clinician.
Non-stimulant medications can sometimes cause fatigue, dizziness, or stomach upset, but these are generally manageable.
If any side effects become distressing or persistent, it’s important to contact your child’s prescriber — adjustments can often resolve them quickly.
Not necessarily. ADHD medication can be long-term or short-term, depending on your child’s needs. Many children take it during their school years to help manage focus and behaviour, and later decide with their clinician whether to continue. Some take breaks during holidays (“drug holidays”) under medical supervision.
The goal is not dependency — it’s to support your child in building confidence and coping skills while their brain develops. Some individuals continue medication into adulthood, while others find they can manage symptoms through strategies, structure, and lifestyle adjustments.
A well-adjusted dose of ADHD medication should not change who your child is — it should help them show more of their best qualities. When medication is working as intended, children often feel calmer, more focused, and better able to follow through on tasks.
If your child seems unusually withdrawn, overly quiet, or unlike themselves, it could mean the dose is too high or the medication isn’t the right fit. In such cases, it’s important to contact the prescribing clinician so adjustments can be made.
Medication is most effective when combined with behavioural strategies, routines, and understanding from family and school. Many children benefit from additional interventions, such as:
- Parent training programmes (like those offered by ADHD Foundation or local NHS services)
- School support, including classroom adjustments and learning plans
- Therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), coaching, or social skills development
At Atypically, we always encourage parents to view medication as one part of a wider support plan — not the only solution.
It’s important to help your child understand why they’re taking medication in a way that’s age-appropriate. Explain that it’s something to help their brain focus better or make school and friendships easier — not because anything is “wrong” with them. Encourage them to share how it makes them feel and involve them in monitoring any changes.
A positive and open approach helps children feel empowered, not ashamed, about managing their ADHD.
It’s important to help your child understand why they’re taking medication in a way that’s age-appropriate. Explain that it’s something to help their brain focus better or make school and friendships easier — not because anything is “wrong” with them. Encourage them to share how it makes them feel and involve them in monitoring any changes.
A positive and open approach helps children feel empowered, not ashamed, about managing their ADHD.
Deciding whether to use medication for ADHD is a deeply personal choice for every family. For many children, it can make an enormous difference in confidence, relationships, and academic progress. With the right supervision and support, ADHD medication is safe, effective, and life-changing for countless families across the UK.
At Atypically, we help parents understand every part of the ADHD and Autism assessment process — including what happens after diagnosis. Whether you’re exploring private assessments or NHS Right to Choose options, we can connect you with trusted professionals who provide clear guidance and ongoing support for your child’s wellbeing.
Written by Ben Friedman, Founder of Atypically.
Ben has years of first hand experience as a father of an autistic son and a SEND advocate. All content is thoroughly researched to help parents to be as informed as possible when navigating private assessments and meaningful interventions for their neurodiverse children. Ben also holds a CPD Accredited Certification in the Treatment and Management of Additional Needs Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
With NHS waiting lists now taking up to 2 years in some areas for a final diagnosis, now is the time to get your child the help they need. By going private, you can cut the waiting time down to a few weeks instead and it it doesn't cost as much as you might think!
Private autism or ADHD assessments typically take 2 to 12 weeks from initial enquiry to diagnosis. These assessments are conducted by qualified professionals and follow the same diagnostic criteria used by the NHS.
Let us now what you need and we will put you in touch with the right team for your child's needs.
Atypically connects parents with top neurodiversity assessors, tailored to their child's needs. Bypass NHS waits with expert private evaluations.
