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).
