ADHD medication support for children and young people
For some children and young people, medication can be a helpful part of ADHD support, helping with focus, emotional regulation, learning and day-to-day life. It is not the right option for everyone, and there is no pressure to pursue it.
If your child has received an ADHD assessment through Melios or Healios, our specialist prescribing team can help you understand whether medication may be right for them. We’ll guide you through every stage of the process, from exploring your options and starting medication to ongoing reviews and monitoring.
Our approach is personalised, clinically led and focused on helping you make informed decisions about your child’s care.
Is this service right for my child?
This service may be suitable if your child or young person has received an ADHD diagnosis through Melios or Healios and you would like to explore whether medication could help.
We currently do not offer a standalone prescribing service for children and young people diagnosed by a different provider. Safe prescribing depends on having the right assessment information, clinical context and ongoing review in place.
During your free consultation, we will explain whether the ADHD medication pathway may be appropriate for your child and answer any questions you may have.
Medication is a clinical decision
ADHD medication may help some children and young people with focus, attention, impulsivity, restlessness, emotional regulation or day-to-day functioning. For others, medication may not be suitable, or non-medication support could be a better option.
Every child is different. That’s why medication decisions are made on an individual basis, taking into account your child’s needs, health and circumstances.
Your child’s prescriber will discuss the potential benefits, side effects and health considerations with you, helping you make an informed decision about treatment.
How the ADHD medication pathway works
1. Free initial consultation
You start with a free scheduled call with a Melios specialist. This may include a screening questionnaire and a discussion about whether it is suitable to progress to an initial medication appointment for your child.
2. Initial medication appointment
You and your child attend an online appointment with a prescribing clinician. This includes a health check and discussion of relevant clinical and personal information. If medication is suitable, your child’s prescriber will create a personalised medication plan.
3. Guided titration phase
Titration is the process of finding the right medication and dose. Your child’s prescriber will review how they are responding, monitor side effects and adjust treatment carefully until medication is stable..
4. Shared care review
Once medication is stable, we can discuss whether prescribing can be transferred to your child’s GP through a shared care agreement, with your consent. If shared care is not possible, private prescribing and annual reviews may continue where appropriate.
How ADHD medication may support your child
Where clinically appropriate, ADHD medication may help your child or young person with:
- focus and concentration
- following instructions
- completing tasks and schoolwork
- impulsivity
- restlessness and hyperactivity
- emotional regulation
- organisation and daily routines
- building confidence and independence
- day-to-day functioning at home, school or college
Every child is different, and medication affects people in different ways. The aim is not to change who your child is, but to help reduce the impact ADHD symptoms may have on their daily life.
ADHD medication is only one part of support. Depending on your child’s needs, practical strategies, environmental adjustments, psychoeducation, therapy or post-diagnostic support may also be helpful.
What is titration?
Titration is the process of carefully adjusting ADHD medication to find the dose that works best for your child with the fewest side effects.
Some children and young people find the right dose quickly, while for others it can take longer. During this stage, your child’s prescriber will review how the medication is affecting their symptoms, wellbeing and any side effects.
Regular review is an important part of the ADHD medication pathway and helps ensure treatment remains safe and effective.
ADHD medication package
Our medication package is designed to support your child through the full process of starting treatment and finding the right dose, with ongoing clinical oversight throughout.
The Melios ADHD medication package includes:
- free consultation
- initial medication appointment
- tailored medication plan
- guided titration phase
- three titration reviews
- shared care review
Current package price: £955
Additional review appointments can be arranged if needed beyond the appointments included in the package.
Safe, personalised prescribing
ADHD medication support is delivered by experienced prescribing clinicians and designed around safe prescribing, clear communication and ongoing review.
Where appropriate, care may include:
- health checks before prescribing
- personalised medication planning
- regular titration reviews
- monitoring of side effects
- discussion of shared care with your GP
- ongoing private prescribing where shared care is not possible
Our approach follows recognised clinical guidance and best practice.
Connected to your Melios or Healios ADHD diagnosis
Because your child’s medication support is connected to their Melios or Healios assessment, the prescribing clinician will have access to the clinical information gathered during diagnosis. This helps create a safer, more joined-up treatment experience.
ADHD medication support FAQs
Do I need an ADHD diagnosis before I can start medication?
Yes. ADHD medication can only be considered after an ADHD assessment and diagnosis. Melios medication support is currently only available after a Melios or Healios ADHD diagnosis.
Can I access ADHD medication if I was diagnosed somewhere else?
Melios does not currently offer ADHD medication as a standalone service for people diagnosed elsewhere.
Is ADHD medication my only option?
No. Medication is not the only option, and it is not right for everyone. Some children and young people benefit from practical strategies, psychoeducation, therapy, environmental adjustments or other forms of support.
What types of ADHD medication are available?
There are stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications. Your child’s prescriber will explain the options and discuss what may be clinically suitable.
When would medication be prescribed?
If medication is clinically appropriate, your child’s prescriber will agree a personalised plan with you during the initial medication appointment. Medication may be prescribed if it is safe and suitable to do so.
How will I receive my prescription?
We will send your prescription either directly to you or your nominated pharmacy, which ever is best. You can then pay the relevant medication charge and collect the medication.
What if my child needs urgent help between appointments?
Melios is not an emergency or crisis service. If your child needs urgent help, call 999, go to your nearest A&E, or use urgent local or national crisis support.
How long does it take to find the right dose?
This varies. Some children and young people find the right dose quickly, while others need a longer titration period. The prescriber will review your child’s response and adjust treatment carefully.
Will medication change my child's personality?
No. The aim of ADHD medication is not to change who your child is. When medication is effective, many families report that their child feels more able to focus, manage their emotions and cope with daily demands. If medication is not helping, or side effects are causing concern, your prescriber will discuss alternative options with you.
Is ADHD medication addictive?
When taken as prescribed and monitored appropriately, ADHD medication is not considered addictive in the way many people fear. Your child’s prescriber will discuss risks, benefits and monitoring with you.
What are the possible side effects?
Side effects can happen. Common side effects may include changes in appetite, sleep difficulties or feeling more anxious. Your child’s prescriber will explain what to look out for and what to do if you are concerned. If you have concerns at any stage, you can contact the prescribing team for support.
Will my child need to take medication forever?
Not necessarily. Some children and young people use medication long-term, while others use it during particular stages of life or decide it is not right for them. This is reviewed regularly with the prescriber.
What happens after medication is stable?
Once medication is stable, we can discuss whether prescribing can be transferred to your child’s GP through a shared care agreement, with your consent. If this is not possible, ongoing private prescribing and annual reviews may be discussed.
Talk to Melios about ADHD medication support
As a parent or carer, deciding whether to explore ADHD medication can feel like a big step. You may have questions about how it works, whether it is the right option for your child and what to expect from the process.
A free consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss these questions with a specialist clinician and understand whether medication support may be appropriate for your child.
If your child has received an ADHD diagnosis through Melios or Healios, our team are here to help you make an informed decision about what comes next.
There is no pressure to start treatment. The consultation is simply a chance to explore your options and understand the support available to your family.