ADHD Prescribing

Recommended appointment: Long Consultation (30 minutes) — in person

DC Medical Centre provides continuation of existing ADHD medication only, where clinically appropriate. We do not diagnose ADHD or initiate ADHD medication treatment. An initial in-person GP appointment is required, along with specialist documentation and any NSW Health prescribing approval that applies. Book a Long Consultation (30 minutes), in person, for your initial ADHD medication continuation review. A prescription is not guaranteed.

ADHD medication management

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can affect attention, organisation, impulsivity and everyday functioning. Treatment can involve psychological support, practical strategies and, when indicated, medication.

In New South Wales, prescribing ADHD stimulant medicines is regulated. Our service is limited to specialist-supported continuation of established treatment. The treating GP must agree that ongoing prescribing is appropriate, review the relevant clinical information and satisfy any regulatory approval requirements.

Examples of ADHD medicines

Stimulants: lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), dexamfetamine and methylphenidate products.

Non-stimulants: medicines such as atomoxetine and guanfacine may be considered when appropriate. Prescribing requirements and suitability vary.

How ADHD prescribing continuation works at our practice

1. Specialist letter addressed to your GP

Ask your treating psychiatrist or specialist to address the authorisation or shared-care letter to your intended GP at DC Medical Centre. It should include your ADHD diagnosis, medication, dose and ongoing management recommendations.

2. In-person GP assessment

Book an initial Long Consultation (30 minutes), in person. Your GP reviews your documents, treatment and monitoring needs and, where individual approval is required, applies through SafeScript NSW before taking over prescribing.

3. Allow time for approval

Straightforward applications may take approximately 2–3 business days. New patients should allow up to one month for records, assessment and any required approval. These are estimates, not guarantees.

4. Book your prescription appointment

Once your GP has completed the review and any required prescribing approval is in place, book another appointment to obtain your medication prescription. We recommend a Standard Consultation (15 minutes) or Video Consultation (15 minutes), as clinically appropriate. Telephone consultations and the routine telehealth queue cannot be used for stimulant prescriptions.

The GP must agree that continuation is clinically appropriate and hold any necessary prescribing authorisation. For information on NSW approval requirements see NSW Health prescribing information →.

Schedule 8 stimulant prescriptions require specific authority

NSW Health approval or authority is required to prescribe stimulant medicines such as lisdexamfetamine, dexamfetamine and methylphenidate. The prescription must contain the applicable NSW Health approval number for a pharmacy to dispense it.

Under DC Medical Centre policy, Schedule 8 stimulant prescriptions cannot be issued during telephone consultations or through our routine telehealth queue. Following the required initial in-person assessment and any necessary approval, ongoing prescriptions may be issued during a Video Consultation when clinically appropriate. We do not initiate ADHD treatment. Official NSW prescribing requirements →

Frequently Asked Questions

No. We only consider continuation of existing ADHD treatment initiated by your treating specialist. We do not currently offer ADHD diagnosis or initiation of medication.

Book a Long Consultation (30 minutes), in person, for ADHD medication continuation. After the initial in-person review and any required approval, we recommend a Standard (15-minute) or Video (15-minute) Consultation for subsequent prescriptions. Telephone appointments are not suitable.

Ask your psychiatrist or treating specialist to address the shared-care or authorisation letter to your intended GP at DC Medical Centre. It should set out your diagnosis, medication, dose and ongoing management recommendations.

Possibly. Your GP will assess your history, specialist recommendations and monitoring requirements, and must obtain any individual NSW Health approval required before taking over treatment. Continuation is never guaranteed.

Where individual NSW Health approval is required, your GP submits an application through SafeScript NSW. The GP must also be clinically willing and appropriately authorised to continue prescribing.

Straightforward applications may take about 2–3 business days. New patients should allow up to one month for records review, clinical assessment and approval where required. These are estimates, not guaranteed processing times.

A Video Consultation may be used for subsequent prescriptions after the initial in-person assessment and any necessary approval, at the treating GP’s discretion. Telephone consultations and the routine telehealth repeat-prescription queue cannot be used for stimulant prescriptions.

Any change is subject to the GP's clinical judgement, the specialist's management plan and the applicable authorisation. More substantial changes may require a review by your treating specialist.

Bring the specialist letter addressed to your intended GP, diagnostic and treatment records, current medicines and doses, prescription history, and any relevant monitoring information.

Your GP may check blood pressure, pulse, weight, sleep, mental health, side effects and other clinical factors during treatment reviews.

No. Prescribing is at the GP's discretion and subject to regulatory requirements. If a prescription is issued, DC Medical Centre generally sends an electronic prescription token by SMS.

The fee depends on the consultation and your eligibility. Please check our Fees page and book a Long Consultation (30 minutes), in person.

Enquire about ADHD prescribing

For specialist-initiated ADHD treatment continuation, book a Long Consultation (30 minutes), in person, and ensure your specialist letter is addressed to the intended GP. Please allow time for records review and any required approval. We do not provide new ADHD diagnosis or treatment initiation.

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