Medicines for ADHD in adults

Also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Key points about ADHD medicines for adults

Medicines for ADHD are used to support other changes to your lifestyle and behaviour.
The information on this page is about medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. For information about medicines for ADHD in children, see medicines for ADHD in children.
Examples of medicines to treat ADHD in adults include methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine.

Note: The information on this page is about medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. For information about medicines for ADHD in children, see medicines for ADHD in children.

Medicines for ADHD in adults can help you to concentrate better, be less impulsive, feel calmer and learn and practise new skills. Read more about ADHD in adults.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, medicines used to treat ADHD in adults include:

methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Rubifen)
dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine (funded from 1 December 2024)
atomoxetine (Strattera).

Methylphenidate is the preferred first choice of medicine.

Dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine or atomoxetine are usually prescribed if you are unable to take methylphenidate or if it has not worked well to improve your symptoms, or if there are supply issues.
For people with some medical conditions, the use of ADHD medicines may not be suitable, for example if you have heart problems, thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism), stroke, epilepsy or tic disorder, or glaucoma. If this is the case, your doctor will discuss the suitability of other treatment options with you.

Funding of methylphenidate and dexamfetamine

In Aotearoa New Zealand methylphenidate and dexamfetamine are funded under a Special Authority, for people who meet the criteria. A special authority means your specialist will need to make an application to Pharmac (the government medicine funding agency) for approval before the medicine can be funded for you.

From December 2024 Pharmac has removed the special authority renewal requirements for methylphenidate and dexamfetamine.
This means that once special authority approval has been granted, it won't need to be renewed. Your doctor or nurse practitioner can continue to prescribe them.
Previously, people needed input from a specialist every 2 years to renew their special authority.
Read more about the removal of the renewal criteria for stimulant treatments(external link).

Medication is used to support other changes to your lifestyle and behaviour. ADHD is best managed with a combination of treatments including medication, lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, education and knowledge. Read more about how ADHD is treated.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the stimulant medicines (methylphenidate and dexamphetamine) are controlled medicines, which means they can only be prescribed in short courses. For all medicines used for ADHD, your doctor will review you regularly to see how well your treatment is working. Your doctor may suggest you try going off the medicine (for a few days or up to 2 weeks) every now and then to see how well you can manage without medicine. If problems occur, the medicine can be re-started. It is important that you don't start or stop your medicine unless you have been told to by your doctor.

ADHD in adults | Mate mauri rere
Atomoxetine
Methylphenidate