ADHD medication you can trust.
Safe, carefully monitored ADHD medication for children, young people and adults, wherever you are in the country.
Including NHS-funded and self-funded medication options.
Starting medication is a big step.
At Oakdale, we know that starting or managing ADHD medication can feel daunting. Our titration service for children, young people and adults is personalised, carefully monitored and built around helping you feel supported, confident and in control of your care.
We provide fast, nationwide access to ADHD medication, prescribed safely and in line with NICE guidance.
How the NHS route works:
Speak to your GP - Talk to them about how ADHD affects your daily life, education, work and relationships.
Ask for a referral - Your GP refers you using our referral form, including your ADHD diagnostic report.
We'll be in touch - Once we've received your referral, we'll contact you to start the process.
Starting the process doesn't guarantee that medication will be prescribed. This depends on clinical safety and suitability. If medication isn't right for you, we'll guide you towards safe, evidence-based alternatives.
NHS-funded titration and prescribing.
If you already have an ADHD diagnosis, your GP can refer you to Oakdale for medication and ongoing monitoring.
NHS access depends on a clinical diagnosis and assessment report, a GP referral, and approval from your NHS Integrated Care Board.
CQC regulated.
Oakdale is regulated by the Care Quality Commission to provide care through Oakdale ADHD Prescribing Services.
Experts in ADHD medication.
Our medication service is run by qualified prescribers and specialist clinicians, including consultant psychiatrists, psychologists and nurse prescribers.
They follow NICE guidelines and draw on years of NHS experience to provide safe, effective and compassionate care, shaped around you.
Finding the right treatment for you.
Medication can play an important role in managing ADHD, but it's never one size fits all. Our prescribers work with you, or with your child, to balance effectiveness, side effects and personal preference. Everything we prescribe is NICE-approved, clinically monitored and accepted by the NHS.
Stimulant medications
Supporting focus and attention
The most common ADHD treatments in the UK. They increase dopamine and norepinephrine, the brain chemicals that help with focus, motivation and self-control. Short-acting and long-acting options are available, and your clinician will help you find what fits your daily routine.
- Methylphenidate-based options (Ritalin, Concerta XL, Medikinet, Equasym XL), lasting between 4 and 12 hours.
- Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) and dexamfetamine, offering steady symptom control or shorter coverage when that suits you better.
Non-stimulant medications
Steady support for attention and emotional balance
Non-stimulants work differently, gradually balancing the brain chemicals that affect focus and impulse control. They're often chosen when stimulants aren't suitable or cause side effects.
- Atomoxetine Atomoxetine (Strattera) supports attention and emotional regulation. It can take several weeks to reach full effect.
- Guanfacine (Intuniv) supports emotional regulation and reduces hyperactivity, particularly in children and young people.
Risks and side effects.
ADHD medication can sometimes cause mild side effects, such as reduced appetite, changes to sleep or shifts in mood.
Your prescriber will start with a low dose and adjust it gradually to keep you safe and comfortable. We monitor closely and follow NICE and NHS guidance to balance the risks and benefits for every person we care for.
If you have any concerns while taking medication, please contact us. Our prescribers aim to respond within one working day.
If you need urgent support
We don't provide crisis or emergency support. If you need urgent help, contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency, dial 999.
You can also find immediate support through NHS urgent help for mental health.
Areas we can't accept medication-only referrals from:
Greater Manchester
Humber and North Yorkshire
Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
South Yorkshire
Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent
If you live in one of these areas, your GP or local NHS provider will need to refer you for a full ADHD assessment rather than medication only.
Already diagnosed with ADHD?
Can I come to Oakdale for NHS-funded medication only?
In most cases, yes. If you already have a formal ADHD diagnosis that meets NICE guidance, you can be referred to us for medication only. This is sometimes called a shared care or titration-only service.
A small number of NHS areas ask that people are referred for a full assessment and medication service combined, so we can't currently accept medication-only referrals from those regions.
Reviewing ADHD diagnostic reports.
Every report is reviewed with care when we receive your referral, so we can be confident your treatment meets NICE guidance and is safe, effective and evidence-based.
A valid diagnosis
Made using DSM-5 or ICD-10/11 criteria.
A qualified assessor
Completed by an experienced, appropriately qualified professional.
Evidence of daily impact
How symptoms affect work, education, social life and emotional wellbeing, in more than one setting.
Supporting evidence
Gathered through interviews and observations.
A full picture of your needs
Including any coexisting conditions, your social and family context, and your physical and mental health.
ADHD medication pathway.
For those starting or continuing ADHD treatment privately, we offer a self-funded medication pathway to ensure consistent, high-quality care.
Titration private fees
| Assessment | Age | Pay in 3 installments | Pay in full |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autism | 0-5 years | £633 | £1,899 |
| Autism | 6-17 years | £633 | £1,899 |
| Combined Autism & ADHD | 0-18 years | N/A | £2,499 |
*Price shown is based on selecting Klarna’s Pay in 3 installment option. Instalment payments are available on purchases under £2,001.00. Please see Klarna’s website for full terms and conditions.
Ongoing prescribing
| Route | What you’re paying for | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Shared care GP | Oakdale provider fee | £300/year |
| Self-funded | Ongoing prescriptions | £150/month (£1,800/year) * |
| Optional monitoring | 6-month review package | £900 |
*Medicine costs vary depending on prescription type.
Make a self-referral.
Ready to skip the wait and pay privately?
Complete our self-funded referral form
We’ll review your diagnostic report and confirm eligibility
Once accepted, we’ll be in touch to get started
Starting the process doesn’t guarantee medication will be prescribed.
Suitability and safety always come first. If you’d prefer a paper copy of the referral form, please call 0333 323 7773.
Ready to take the next step?
Our self-funded ADHD titration service is here to support you. See how medication could help you or your family manage ADHD with confidence.
NHS Right to Choose assessments
Information on eligibility, referral, and what to expect from NHS-funded assessments.
Got a question?
Visit our FAQ page for more information about the process, costs and what to expect.
ADHD Medication FAQs.
Commonly asked questions.
Yes. In line with NICE guidelines, ADHD medication can only be prescribed following a formal diagnosis, so treatment can be safely tailored to your needs. If you haven't yet been assessed, our assessment services page has more information.
If you are self-funding, use our referral form along with a copy of your ADHD diagnostic report. For NHS Right to Choose referrals, your GP completes our referral form and includes your diagnostic report. If you were already assessed via our NHS Right to Choose pathway, you're automatically eligible for our NHS medication pathway - just get in touch.
Titration is the process of finding the right medication and dose for you, starting low and adjusting gradually as your clinician monitors symptoms and side effects. It typically takes 6–12 weeks, with regular review throughout.
In some cases, yes. Our prescribers review medical history, mental health, and other relevant factors before any treatment decision, and will discuss alternative, non-medication strategies if medication isn't the safest option for you.
Care moves into a maintenance phase with regular specialist reviews. Your GP may take over prescribing under a Shared Care agreement, but you'll remain under Oakdale's care for as long as you're taking ADHD medication.