Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - methylphenidate, atomoxetine and dexamfetamine (review)

Summary

If a child or adolescent needs treatment with medication for ADHD, methylphenidate, atomoxetine and dexamfetamine are all recommended as possible choices. When deciding which to use, doctors should consider the following:

• whether the child or adolescent has other conditions such as epilepsy
• the side effects of each medicine
• factors that might make it difficult for the person to take the medicine at the right time (for example, if it is difficult to take a dose during school hours)
•  the possibility that the medicine might be misused, or passed on to another person for misuse
• the individual preference of the child or adolescent and/or their family or carer.

Where more than one of the medicines is considered to be appropriate for a child or adolescent, their doctor should choose the cheapest one.

Treatment with methylphenidate, atomoxetine or dexamfetamine should only be started after a specialist who is an expert in ADHD has thoroughly assessed the child or adolescent and confirmed the diagnosis. Once treatment has been started it can be continued and monitored by a GP.

Documents

For healthcare professionals

• TA98 Methylphenidate, atomoxetine and dexamfetamine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents - Quick reference guide
• TA98 Methylphenidate, atomoxetine and dexamfetamine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents - guidance (Word)
• TA98 Methylphenidate, atomoxetine and dexamfetamine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents - guidance

For patients, carers and the public

• TA98 Methylphenidate, atomoxetine and dexamfetamine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents - Information for the public

Background information

• 2006/013 NICE issues guidance on drug treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Appeal panel decision - Methylphenidate, atomoxetine and dexamfetamine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents
• Assessment report: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - methylphenidate, atomoxetine and dexamfetamine (review)

Implementing this guidance

Any further information NICE has produced to help the NHS implement this guideline locally is linked to below:

• None found