Once a diagnosis of ADHD has been made it is likely that Dr Mason will recommend medication. Initially the medication will be issued by Dr Mason as a private prescription and when you are on a stable dose he will ask your GP to take over the prescribing under what is known as a “Shared Care Agreement”

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A private prescription is different to an NHS prescription as the usual prescription charge does not apply and the patient pays for the cost of the drug at the pharmacy, plus a fee that the pharmacist will add on. The cost of the drugs used to treat ADHD is variable and depends on the drug prescribed and the daily dose.

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For example:

Drug	Daily dose	Monthly cost*
Methylphenidate	5mg to 100mg	£3.03 – £54.60
Concerta XL	18mg to 108mg	£31.19 to £127.35
Lisdexamfetamine	30mg to 70mg	£58.24 to £83.16
Atomoxetine	40mg to 100mg	£15.17 to £23.14

Costs from British National Formulary (22 November 2022)

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Dr Peter Mason ADHD & Psychiatry Services Limited does not charge for issuing private prescriptions providing you are under regular review at the clinic. Prescriptions can only be issued if you are seen at least every 6 month.

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Occasionally a GP may refuse to enter into a “Shared Care Agreement” and not take over the prescribing of your ADHD medication. This may be due to unfamiliarity with the drugs used or a position taken by the practice not to recognise recommendations from a private provider. Dr Mason is happy to offer any guidance, training or reassurance that GPs may need to enable them to prescribe.

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