Medicines for ADHD in children
ADHD is also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Key points about ADHD medicines for children
- Medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children are used to support behaviour therapy.
- Examples include methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and atomoxetine.
- Find out more about ADHB medicines for children including information on side effects.
Note: The information on this page is about medicines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. For information about medicines for ADHD in adults, see medicines for ADHD in adults.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, medicines used to treat ADHD in children include:
- methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin, Ritalin LA, Rubifen)
- dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine (funded from 1 December 2024)
- atomoxetine (Strattera).
Methylphenidate is the preferred first choice. Methylphenidate is available in a variety of tablets and capsules. It may take some time for your doctor and you to find the dose and timing that works best for your child. Dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine or atomoxetine are usually prescribed if tamariki are unable to take methylphenidate or if it has not worked well to improve their symptoms or their are supply issues. Read more about medicines and ADHD(external link) on the KidsHealth page.
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. Children (under 5 years of age) needed renewal every year.
- Read more about the removal of the renewal criteria for stimulant treatments(external link).
In Aotearoa New Zealand, the stimulant medicines (methylphenidate and dexamfetamine) are controlled medicines, which means they can only be prescribed in short courses.
For all medicines used for ADHD, your doctor will review your child regularly to assess the need for ongoing treatment. Your doctor may suggest your child has some time off their medicine (for a few days or up to 2 weeks) every now and then to see how well they can manage without medicine. If problems occur, the medicine can be re-started. It is important that you don't start or stop your child's medicine unless you have been told to by your doctor. Most children will need to continue taking medicine for several years.
References
- CNS stimulants and drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(external link) NZ Formulary for Children (NZFC), NZ
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)(external link) KidsHealth, NZ
Brochures
Medicines and side effects
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ, 2024
Health Quality and Safety Commission, NZ, 2019 English, te reo Māori
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Credits: Sandra Ponen, Pharmacist, Healthify He Puna Waiora. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
Reviewed by: Dr Peter Ou, GP, FRNZCGP, Auckland
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