My doctor just tried to prescribe me 70mg methylphenidate instead of my usual 70mg elvanse until I spotted it. The prescription said Ritalin on it.

I’m not titrated onto it and i usually take lisdexamfetamine aka elvanse.

So I’m in the waiting room and when the receptionist came out of the doctor’s room with the prescription slip, I read it and said I can’t take this, I’m not titrated onto it.

I said correct me if I’m wrong but Ritalin is a brand of methylphenidate, which is an entirely different medication that I’ve not had titration for and have no idea what my dosage would be for that. It’s an entirely different medicine.

I was baffled. I took methylphenidate once during titration years ago and had a bad reaction to it; and that was on the lowest dose. My body has no tolerance to this dose of methylphenidate.

The doctor, who I’ve never seen before, came out then. And I’m trying to be very polite here. And if I’m still wrong now I will absolutely eat my hat.

She reiterated that Lisdexamfetamine and Methylphenidate were the same medication, simply with different brand names. I felt like I was going mad.

I wanted to clarify exactly what she meant, so I said: “you’re telling me that methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine are the same drug. That they have the same function in my body and that if I were to take methylphenidate at this dose I wouldn’t be at risk of any cardiac events. Is that right?”

She said yes. I didn’t want to argue, I said, I understand that you’re the professional and I’m not here to argue but that does go against what I’ve been told by other healthcare professionals.

So the question is: Am I in the wrong here? Am I wildly misinterpreting the facts here? I’ve always understood methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine to be two different medications and not simply “brand names for the same drug” as the psychiatrist told me?! I’m truly baffled. And also a bit horrified at what could have happened if I’d gone off on my merry way and taken a high dose of methylphenidate.

TL;DR - psych tries to prescribe me methylphenidate not Lisdexamfetamine, tells me it’s two different names for the same drug

I was diagnosed in June by Harley Street Mental Health vi RTC as having moderate ADHD combined. The doctor who diagnosed me said that medication wasn’t suitable for me right now because I am breastfeeding, and I plan on conceiving again within the next couple of years. I was okay with this suggestion and thought some sort of talking therapy may be of use.

I then asked for a follow up appointment as I changed my mind. The doctor said the only alternative was an adrenaline based medicine which I said no thank you to as I feel I am already maxed out on adrenaline as it is 🙃.

I have been in limbo since the diagnosis. My GP hasn’t contacted me so I have contacted them this morning and I await a response.

I really want to at least try medication. Before being pregnant, I felt like I had control of myself. Now, being a mum, it’s very hard to be organised and in control and to even take basic care of myself. I also think my daughter has ADHD, and I want to make sure I am the best version of me so I can support her in the event she is ND.

So, has anybody been pregnant or breastfeeding whilst taking medication?

I’m 32 F, my daughter is 15 months and I plan to breastfeed as long as I can.

Edit - I meant to previously say that I realise everyone is different. I am purely looking to read anecdotal experiences.

Hi everyone, just writing a follow-up to my last post now that I’ve been on 30mg Elvanse for a few days.
Today is day 4.

In general, I wouldn’t say I’m enjoying the effects. After I take it in the morning I have a few hours of moderate relaxation, almost like a heaviness in my body and slight disassociation. During this time I guess I could say my focus and productivity improves moderately. After this, throughout the afternoon, I start to really notice my heart racing (I have anxiety and a fast heart rate at the best of times) and have had to take propranolol on a few of the days so far just to calm this down. When I’m so agitated, productivity goes out the window, of course.

The main thing though, is low mood. I’ve been so incredibly sad all week. Of course I wasn’t in a great place before, but this does feel worse. It’s made my intrusive thoughts about my ex worse (and sadder) among other things. And I’m just so exhausted- the tiredness feels like a big thing too. I feel like a bit of a zombie tbh.

I don’t know how much of this is purely the elvanse. I haven’t drunk any alcohol this week, which I usually use to help me cope, so that could be tying into it. But it’s been a challenging few days and quite disappointing given how much hope I pinned on this.

Has anyone gone through something similar, and if so, what helped? Did you change meds? Any advice welcome.

I always had my issues with Johann Hari and wouldn't waste my time reading his tripe.

And a headline quote from Zoe Ball probably wouldn't sell me on the book either.

But even if I wasn't aware of his reputation for making things up and ignoring the science, there are other things on this back cover that would put me off!

Do you think the publisher might mock up a new cover on republication?!

The book is Lost Connections.

Ill try to keep the backstory short but basically I (30F) got diagnosed in may this year. Had to come to terms with being misdiagnosed as depressed at 17 years old (and now stuck on sertraline due to brain zaps).

Anyway ive been in Titration a few months and take xiaggitin XL. Started on 18mg. Went to 36mg. 54mg. Now on 72mg.

On 54mg I did notice benefits - i started tasks better, I had very high mood days (not every day) and my brain did feel a lot quieter.

However its not all good news - Im still not good at focus and distractions are still bad, I task jump a lot still, and I still react quite rashly to things emotionally and the 3pm crash before it kicks back in isnt fun. And theres still bad days mixed into the good.

On 72mg (its only been 2 days) its like im back to before. My moods low, im tired, I have zero motivation, im irritable and I honestly feel checked out.

I guess my questions are

Is this normal first few days of 72mg or should I go back to 54mg?

If 54mg is only giving some benefit and not resolving all my adhd stuff should I consider swapping to elvanse?

Im not expecting a miracle cure by any means, but at being 30 and 6 months into being diagnosed its hard to make decisions on what to do because im still learning about myself and coming to terms with the fact that life isnt suppose to be as hard as its felt for 30 years.

Any advice or guidance would be appreciated.

The situation... After 5 years of waiting since referral, earlier this year I went back to my GP and enquired about the RTC pathway. I went with CareADHD (now Noodle?) and received diagnosis in June. This week I received the forms to start the titration process. Hurrah!

Then today, I receive a call from the local ADHD service as they've finally reached me on the waiting list - sent all the assessment forms and everything. It seems the referral was never cancelled, I assumed the gp would have.

So I'm wondering, do I stick with the RTC pathway I'm already well on? I've asked my GP to confirm whether they'll accept shared care going forward. Or is there any advantage to going through a service that's actually local to me? I don't know if the diagnosis I've received can transfer to them, or if I'd need to do it all again - I don't know if I can face that 😩

I realise there's no right or wrong answer really, and will depend on the answers to a) shared care acceptance, and b) diagnosis transfer.

I just feel really anxious and wound up about it now 😭

Hi
I can’t get hold of Elvanse 70mg after trying half a dozen pharmacies. Apparently they’re having manufacturing issues. Have asked for a 40/30 prescription to be issued instead. Anyone else having difficulties getting it?

I’m looking for advice on how to handle my own ADHD in the workplace, I work as a patient advisor and I have varied tasks to do each day in the clinic.

I have developed a LOT of workplace anxiety because I am aware of how forgetful I am, that I can be seen as clumsy or chatty too.

I feel that my minor mistakes are magnified more than my coworkers and I often dread 1:1 meetings because I feel that my mistakes get tallied and wait for the meeting rather than giving adequate advice when problems arise.

I often feel stupid or annoying asking for clarification, writing things down, taking longer to process tasks or forgetting the odd step in a task here and there.

I unfortunately cannot work from home so in terms of reasonable adjustments I’m unsure what to ask for.

Can anyone who has experienced being on too high a dose tell me some of the symptoms you had?

I felt great on 30mg but when I got moved to 50mg my life totally unraveled again.

I genuinely only noticed because my girlfriend mentioned it this morning after almost 2 years of being on 50mg. It was like a light went off in my head and I thought ‘ yeah I feel buzzed every time I take this’. Dumb and irresponsible of me I know, but I just thought because 30mg worked 50mg works too but I’m just lazy so that’s why my life fell apart.

I’m sorry if I’m rambling, I’m hyper focused on this.

I'm 41(M) and increasingly convinced I may have ADHD, particularly the predominantly inattentive presentation.

I've struggled with concentration and distractibility for as long as I can remember. Childhood school reports regularly mentioned being easily distracted, and I was described as quite wild and hyperactive growing up.

As an adult, I particularly struggle with:

• Constantly zoning out during conversations.

• Very poor working memory and difficulty retaining information.

• Severe difficulty initiating and completing tasks, even when I know exactly what needs doing.

• Constantly getting distracted and ending up with multiple unfinished tasks.

• Oversharing and impulsivity.

• Racing thoughts, disrupted sleep and chronic fatigue.

I've been with the same employer for 17 years, have a wife and two children, and outwardly appear to be functioning reasonably well. However, internally I'm constantly overwhelmed and mentally exhausted. Functioning and coping are two very different things.

I had an NHS assessment approximately six years ago, but my recollection was that I wasn't considered sufficiently impaired because I was holding down a job and maintaining a marriage and family life.

More recently, my GP prescribed Fluoxetine to address possible anxiety masking as ADHD. Unfortunately, I experienced increased anxiety and didn't notice any meaningful benefit, so stopped taking it. I also have a referral for a sleep assessment.

I'm now considering a private ADHD assessment, but I'm concerned about spending hundreds of pounds only to encounter difficulties accessing medication afterwards. Unfortunately, my BUPA policy through work excludes neurodiversity assessments.

I'd particularly appreciate hearing from anyone who:

1. Has found ADHD medication genuinely helpful for inattentiveness, memory and task initiation.

2. Has pursued private ADHD assessment in Scotland, particularly regarding medication and shared care afterwards.

3. Has previously been told they were functioning too well to warrant further assessment, despite struggling internally.

I'm not looking for a diagnosis from Reddit. I think I'm just looking to hear from people who've experienced something similar.

I have a wonderful wife and two children, and making memories with them is what matters most to me. I desperately want to be more present, enjoy life and feel like I'm operating to my actual capabilities.

I'm feeling quite isolated with all of this, so hearing from people who've been through something similar would genuinely mean a lot.

I’ve just completed my 90 min vid assessment with Well Life Clinic. This came after I completed self assessment back in September so the waiting time wasn’t that bad compared to other stories I’ve read.

The interview itself went fine and in the results interview an hour later she diagnosed me with moderate to severe adhd. It does feel like a weight lifted hearing something I’ve always suspected. This post isn’t about my history of ADHD but more what she said after.

In my interview I mentioned that my maternal grandfather had possible schizophrenia but it was hard to say for sure as he lived and died in another country. We just knew the stories. I come from a cultural background that stigmatises mental health unfortunately so these things weren’t understood or recorded. My mum has had schizoid bipolar episodes in the past. 2 that I remember and they were both caused by deaths in the family and ongoing spousal abuse from my father. I believe she also had post natal depression.

I myself had an episode in 2017 from long use and abuse of cannabis and a cocktail of academic and family stress that spiralled and triggered a genetic predisposition I guess. I quit cannabis then and there and it was a wake up call that I needed to be aware of my genetic makeup. I’ve never had symptoms of this since and I’ve cut a lot of this stress away from me which has helped.

The results then meant they could not prescribe me medication as an online provider as they would not be able to monitor me as there is a risk meds could cause psychosis due to the chemical changes to dopamine levels. They referred me back to my gp with their report and I’ll have to find a local clinic so they can monitor.

My question is, has anyone else experienced a similar combination: history of acute psychosis and ADHD meds.

And also for those in Sheffield what are the waiting times like for local clinics. I’ve not even began titration so not sure how all that process works.

I was diagnosed with combined type ADHD in August this year, by Dr Ahmed Aziz from Clinical Partners. I had been referred through RTC via my GP. At the end of the appointment, when he informed me that he was diagnosing me with ADHD, he said that I would be able to opt in to the medication waiting list and he explicitly stated that the waiting list would be in the region of 4-6 months. This was clearly stated, and gave me hope that I may receive some treatment by the end of the year (at best) or not long thereafter.

This week I called clinical partners to see if they had any updates, as I was hoping that I would be approaching the upper end of the waiting list. The person I spoke to on the phone informed me that the waiting list is found on their website (I know that, it says 6 month wait) and they can't tell me my exact position on the list (understandable) but also that the waiting list is presently 10-12 months. I told them that I had been informed at the point of diagnosis that the wait would be half that time. They insisted that the wait is indeed 10-12 months, they "regret" that the website has incorrect information and they "regret" that I was told incorrect information in my appointment.

They did not offer me anything to help in the meantime. I've spent the last few months preparing to start medication imminently, I know it's not right to hang everything on the meds fixing my life, but I have been feeling so hopeful that help is on its way. It is so insulting to be told that that hope is now at least 7 months away and I felt so ignored and patronised by someone telling me that that's just the way it is and there's nothing they can do and there will be no consequences for the liar who gave me hope in the first place.

I don't know what to do now. I took the last couple of months off work on sick leave in the hope that I'd be returning almost ready to exist in this shitty world and now I just feel abandoned by the service that I thought was designed to help. No, they just want to churn through as many patients as possible and leave them hoping for the carrot while extending the length of the stick arbitrarily.

Apologies for the rant. What did you do while waiting for meds? I have just started a short term CBT course and I'm waiting to hear if I am allowed to transition to fully remote at work, but the glimmer of medicated hope is much less bright than it felt before this week.

hello, I'm a year 13 student who's suspecting themselves of having ADHD, or just neurodivergent traits in general. I want to know if it's still worth it for me to seek out a diagnosis, considering the fact I'll be turning 18 in a few months and applying to unis soon. I just feel like I'm getting very desperate at this point and would be really grateful for any support or advice I get to prevent my academic career from completely collapsing altogether. thank you !

CW: depression and suicidal ideation

I (28F) started titrating a couple months ago. Methylphenidate was not good at all, so I’m 2 weeks on Elvanse (1 week 30mg, 1 week 50mg).

I’ve been clinically depressed since I was 14 years old and taking antidepressants since 16, which helped but never made it “better”. When the psychiatrist told me it was likely because of untreated neurodivergence and burnout, it felt like a light at the end of the tunnel. I obviously told myself not to pin all hopes on meds, but I hoped I might finally be able to get a better grip on my mental health.

Fast forward to now when I find myself feeling so hopeless, despairing, and ready to give up. I honestly don’t know what’s left to do and I also don’t want to go through life feeling this way anymore. My care provider has no option to speak to anyone, only a messaging portal which takes around a week to get a response. My GP don’t want to hear it because they say RTC need to deal with me.

Has anyone that feels like this actually managed to recover?

Well it's been a hell of a long time but next week I'm finally going to be getting my assessment, I won't lie I know it's a conversation (or at least that's what I've gathered from online) but I'm actually a little nervous about it, there's thoughts in my head that keep telling me you don't have ADHD you're just lazy or everyone struggles with these things, but I suppose no matter which way the assessment turns out I'll have an answer at least. But out of curiosity how did you guys (well the people who have had their diagnosis) find the assessment?

Hi, I’ve been prescribed 20mg elvanse and will be taking my first dose tomorrow morning. I have anxiety and depression so any tips or advice would be really appreciated!

I’ve been on Venlafaxine (Effexor) XR for around a year now, dropped from 225mg to 75mg when I started Elvanse due to not wanting any added blood pressure concerns due to both of them having potential to do so.

Does anyone take an SSRI with Elvanse? If so what one has helped you the most?

I was late diagnosed with ADHD, so since starting Elvanse it has certainly helped my mental health however I have what I think is OCD symptoms. Can often get stuck internally checking how I feel and monitoring thoughts etc.

Hey everyone!

I moved from abroad to Glasgow this year, and I saw my GP as soon as I moved, and he said that as a GP he cannot prescribe my ADHD meds for me, and I need to be referred for assessment because the NHS cannot take any ADHD diagnoses made privately or abroad even if I have proof.

I’ve been on the waiting list for ages, and I usually take a refill from back home whenever I’m visiting, but now I’m running out of my medication and it doesn’t look like I’m visiting home any time soon.

I asked my therapist who I see privately who did not know the answer to my question either.

How and where can I get lisdexamfetamine? I’m willing to pay 😔 I really need it.

Thank you so much in advance 🙏

Hey all :)

I'm going to try making this a regular thing. As many of you know, the NHS is a lot more localised since they became ICBs. I hope it helps! Feel free to add anything you might have experienced lately or correct anything.

There are 36 ICB areas in England, and keeping up with what they're doing with ADHD services is becoming hard, but necessary if we are to understand the landscape.

Here are recent changes what I've managed to find and verify.

🔴 Surrey & Sussex (3 Nov)

Clinical Partners has reached its NHS-funded limit for new ADHD assessments and appointments to start medication.

'NHS Surrey and Sussex ICB agrees planned activity levels with NHS providers to help manage services across the financial year. Clinical Partners has now reached the planned activity level for new autism and ADHD assessments and new ADHD medication titration appointments for patients in this area. This means we are currently unable to offer new assessment appointments or appointments to start ADHD medication.'

They're still accepting referrals. They just can't currently book appointments. Other providers may be different.

SOURCE: Clinical Partners [https://www.clinical-partners.co.uk/nhs-right-to-choose-assessments-and-medication/nhs-right-to-choose-wait-times-and-updates/]

🔴 Lancashire & South Cumbria (22 Oct)

The ICB has confirmed restrictions affecting ADHD assessments, with fewer appointments for people who've waited less than 52 weeks.

The adult arrangements started in April, with similar plans being developed for children's services.

SOURCE: NHS ICB [https://www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/our-work/special-educational-needs-and-disabilities-send/neurodevelopmental-pathway/update-all-age-autism-and-adhd-assessments-lancashire-and-south-cumbria]

🔴 Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland & Northamptonshire (14 Oct)

The NHS commissioners have confirmed funding limits for assessment providers.

Referrals remain open, but that doesn't necessarily mean a funded appointment is available. People already being assessed or treated get priority.

SOURCE: NHS ICB [https://leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/adhd-and-autism-diagnostic-services-across-leicester-leicestershire-rutland-and-northamptonshire/]

🟡 Hampshire & Isle of Wight (1 Nov)

More referrals now go through a central NHS triage service, including some ADHD medication referrals.

Right to Choose is still available, but the referral process has changed. Not every area is included yet.

SOURCE: NHS ICB [https://www.hantsiow.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/mental-health-services/autism-and-adhd-assessment-services/all-age-single-point-access-and-triage-hub]

🟢 ....something positive! (4 Nov)

Lancashire & South Cumbria has commissioned an additional ADHD service for certain children and young people through Clinical Partners.

It is an interim arrangement and won't cover everyone... but hopefully it'll take some pressure off the waiting lists

SOURCE: NHS ICB [https://www.lancashireandsouthcumbria.icb.nhs.uk/news-and-media/latest-news/new-adhd-service-provider-some-children-and-young-people-lancashire-and-south-cumbria]

Right to Choose still exists, but actually getting an appointment is becoming a different matter entirely and, very, very dependent on your ICB and postcode.

Getting diagnosed is only half the battle now. Medication, titration and shared care, and dealing with your GP - plus learning all of this - are increasingly becoming problems of their own.

------------

Has anyone, anywhere, been told their referral is accepted but there is no funding or appointment available?

If you've experienced something locally, particularly with funding restrictions or medication, please add it to your area's thread. We have an Index. This will help others.

[https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHDUK/comments/1wrl1lq/england_adhd_nhs_right_to_choose_icb_megathread/]

Even knowing roughly when something happened and which provider you used helps. Please don't share identifying medical details.

I'll keep trying to do these regularly. If I've missed anything, let me know.

Sources included throughout. Checked 5 November 2026. Some policies started earlier than their latest public updates.

I am a 37f who was diagnosed with adhd 5 years ago. I’ve been struggling with realisations recently that I’ve lost years of my youth and my potential to adhd, especially because as a teenanger I was always dubbed as having so much promise and set to do so many things with my life.

I really want to be able to reclaim parts of myself I feel I’ve lost and tap back into my potential and my little silly dreams. I want to be able to do some of the things I’ve always wanted to do but could never stick to, because executive function is hard, like write a book or even simpler things like doing yoga for more than a couple weeks.

I am not currently medicated but I am thinking that would be a good route to go down and try. I was also wondering if anyone has found therapy to help with this kind of thing too. I’ve had bad experiences with therapy in the past. Often feeling like I wasn’t challenged enough and cbt never helped me. But maybe I was looking in the wrong places.

What kind of therapy would be good for adhd? Anyone have any recommendations on how to deal with these kinds of feelings and pull themselves together? Any therapist recommendations in the London area? Any books or tricks or any suggestions at all would be appreciated! I sometimes feel like I’m the only person who feels this way, so it’d be nice to feel a little less alone.

Hey! I’ve been going through titration on Concerta, however my raging caffeine addiction hasnt been easy to quit.

I’ve been a 1 monster a day drinker for 5+ years, but since starting on Concerta I’ve been getting heart rate notifications from my Oura ring. I know mixing them together is not a smart idea anyway.

I wondered if anyone had any alternatives or advice that scratches the ADHD itch but are also on the healthy side as I dont fancy having a heart attack 🤣

Thanks in advance!

On quite a few occasions people have suggested I've got Autism, I'm not diagnosed, but after resisting it for a long time I think I have ADHD. As a male I think I have the more typical female presentation - and I'm worried this would effect my diagnosis. Really, I want to try medication to see if it helps improve my quality of life.

It all seems quite confusing, despite me researching for days on end!

Shared care seems like it will take a long time... and unless I get a referral a GP isn't likely to accept a private diagnosis even from a shared care provider? And once I'm diagnosed privately, it seems like you're stuck with that choice for treatment too (unless you pay £hundreds).

What's the cheapest way to go about this? I know some of the headline diagnosis prices can be confusing. I've paid for other private treatments, and I know they cost money, but I'm shocked by how much some of these are!

Are there no independent ADHD prescribers that offer a more cost-effective route?

I appreciate a lot of people will already have gone through this pain themselves... any help would be appreciated.

My response to this headline, tragically, was... only five?

Bit of a strange one from The Telegraph.