Changes to the way you receive your ADHD medication

As of 1^st December 2024 Myhealth will be unable to prescribe drugs for ADHD. This includes Methylphenidate (Concerta), Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse), Dexamphetamine, Atomoxetine and Guanfacine. Instead, your medication will be prescribed by the local mental health team.

ADHD medication is specialised and generally only prescribed by specialist clinicians such as Psychiatrists. This is because it has complex side effects and rare but significant risks including aggression, mood changes, tics and heart issues. Whilst taking these medications you need regular check ups and reviews. For a period of time we had a ‘shared care agreement’ with our local mental health team where we would prescribe the medication for them and do some of the monitoring. Unfortunately, we have had to withdraw from that agreement. We have struggled to get timely responses when some of our patients have had issues with the medication and the monitoring requirements were inadequately resourced.

How will I get my medication:

Adults: The Retreat have the responsibility to prescribe. We have written to them with 3 months notice. They should be in touch to explain how they are going to do this. If you haven’t heard from them please contact: 01904 412551.

If you are struggling to get in touch with them you could try contacting the ICB, who commission them to do this:  [email protected].

Children: CAMHS based at Orca House have the responsibility to prescribe. We have written to them with 3 months notice. They should be in touch to explain how they are going to do this. If you haven’t heard please contact: 01904 420950.

The above applies to patient monitored by the NHS service based at either ORCA house or The Retreat in York. Sometime ago we stopped agreeing to shared care with all other organisations, whether NHS or private – if you currently get your medication this way please contact the surgery; from 1^st December you will need to get your medication from them. We can refer you to the local service in York if you would like, the wait as of summer 2024 is 18-24 months though.