Switching from US ADHD medication in the UK

The short answer: several common US ADHD medicines, including Adderall, Adderall XR, Focalin and Mydayis, are not available in the UK. Each one has a close UK equivalent built on the same active medicine, so most people switch without losing control of their symptoms. We work out the nearest UK dose from what you take now, usually start you at or just below it, and adjust over the first few weeks.

Why Adderall does not simply have a UK version

Adderall is a mix of two forms of amphetamine: dextroamphetamine (about three quarters) and levoamphetamine (about a quarter). The UK licenses dexamfetamine on its own, and lisdexamfetamine, which the body turns into dexamfetamine. Because the levo form is the weaker of the two, a milligram of Adderall is not quite the same as a milligram of dexamfetamine, which is why the dose usually comes down a little on the switch rather than staying identical.

Focalin works the other way round. It is the active half of methylphenidate, so the UK methylphenidate dose is usually about double the Focalin dose.

How we make the switch

1. Bring your records. A letter from your US prescriber with your diagnosis, medicine, dose and how long you have been on it, plus your most recent prescription or a photo of the label. Your current pharmacy printout is fine.

2. A consultation with us, in person at Westfield or by video. We go through how your current medicine works for you across the day, side effects, sleep, appetite, heart history and anything else you take.

3. Baseline checks. Blood pressure, pulse and weight. An ECG only if your history calls for one.

4. We choose the UK equivalent with you. If you are on a once a day medicine, we keep you on a once a day medicine where we can.

5. We dispense it ourselves. Your medicine is handed to you at Westfield or sent to you, so there is no hunting for a pharmacy that has a controlled drug in stock. If you would rather take a prescription elsewhere, we can do that too.

6. Your first review comes a few weeks in, to see how the new medicine is landing and adjust if needed.

Things that catch people out

• Monthly supply. In the UK, stimulants are Schedule 2 controlled drugs and a private prescription covers no more than 30 days. US 90 day fills do not exist here, so you will see us monthly to start with.

• Bringing medicine with you. You can bring up to three months' supply for personal use in its original packaging with your prescription or a letter. More than three months needs a Home Office personal licence.

• A US prescription cannot be dispensed here. Only a UK registered prescriber can write one.

• It may feel different. Same medicine family, different release profile. Some people notice a different start or wear off time in the first week or two. Tell us, because it is usually fixable with timing or strength.

• Your NHS GP may not take over. Shared care for private ADHD prescribing is at each practice's discretion, and many decline it for patients diagnosed abroad. See ADHD shared care with your GP.

• Driving. UK rules on driving with ADHD medication are covered in ADHD medication and driving.

What it costs

• £120 to transfer your care with a letter from your US prescriber.

• £495 for a full UK assessment if you have no letter or would like a fresh review.

• £79 for each routine review after that.

• Medication is priced separately.

Ready to move your care?

Book a transfer consultation, by video or in person at Westfield London. Book a transfer consultation