Private ADHD Medication Prescriptions

Private ADHD Medication Prescriptions in Belfast

Benefits of ADHD medication

ADHD medication can help improve focus, reduce impulsive behaviours, and manage hyperactivity. For many people, it can make day-to-day tasks feel more achievable and ease feelings of overwhelm.

Medication is often one part of a wider support plan, helping individuals build confidence and make the most of their strengths.

Your clinician will also explore whether non-medication approaches might be helpful for you.

Risks and side effects of ADHD medication

Side effects are possible with ADHD medications. They can range from decreased appetite and weight loss, to mood swings and sleeping problems. This is one of the reasons why titration is so important. By gradually adjusting the dosage, we aim to minimise and manage the possible side effects.

People with other medical conditions or pregnant people may require additional monitoring and support. Your clinician will always carefully balance the potential risks and side effects with the benefits.

At Belfast Private Medical Clinic (Belmont Road only) we can provide private ADHD prescriptions for patients who are:

• Registered locally with an NHS GP
• Who have an ADHD diagnosis and been seen in the last 6 months by a consultant Psychiatrist
• Who have a shared care agreement from their psychiatrist
• The Psychiatrist must be based in the UK and have a GMC registration.

This service supports patients who cannot get the prescription from their NHS GP.

The process and costs are explained below.

As with all private prescription you take your private prescription to a chemist where you pay for the mediation.

If you are travelling or passing through and have run out of your medication we must be able to contact your consultant psychiatrist to confirm your prescription. This is a legal requirement.

Prescribing ADHD medication is a structured process to ensure safe prescribing:

• You must see the GP on a monthly basis – (£75 for private GP appointment, £15 for private prescription.)
• You will pay a fee to the pharmacy for the costs of the medications.
• We share our notes with your NHS GP after each prescription is written so they have a record of this.
• We also share our notes with your psychiatrist.
• Prescriptions must be collected from the clinic.
• Each prescription is for a maximum of 28- 30 days only as per guidelines
• You must continue to attend your consultant psychiatrist for review appointments every 3 - 6 months.

All of this is required to ensure:

• Safe prescription of medication which are controlled drugs
• That you are well and that treatment remains suitable and beneficial
• To avoid dual prescription or duplication of ADHD medication

Controlled ADHD medication

Controlled drugs are drugs that can be used illegally usually and have an addictive element. They may also have a ’street’ value and if taken in excess can causes harm to the person.

They are controlled in the sense that our hand written prescriptions are monitored and audited by our clinic in Belfast and also centrally in Northern Ireland by the pharmacy directorate.