Website update in progress

We are in the process of updating this website's content to provide quality and reliable information for the ADHD community. This may mean links break from time to time as we work through. Thank you for your patience!  

ADHD and medication 

The different types of ADHD medication

There are many different medications medical professionals can choose from when treating ADHD. These include: 

ADHD medication news

There have been a lot of changes in the ADHD medication space with global methylphenidate shortages, changes to prescribing and diagnosing rules, new medication approvals and the introduction of roadside drug testing. You can find the latest updates here: 

Special authority numbers and ADHD medication 

Everyone who is prescribed medication for ADHD in New Zealand is required to have a special authority number. This is a form a prescriber submits to Health New Zealand to say you meet the funding requirements for the medicine they are prescribing.

  • Not every medicine has a special authority, but most ADHD treatments do.
  • As of December 2025, the requirement to see a specialist every two years to keep your special authority number active has been removed. Now special authorities for ADHD treatments don’t expire, once you have one you have it for life.
  • You can have multiple special authorities for ADHD treatments at any one time.
  • It’s a matter for you and your prescriber to decide the best treatment for you – a special authority number just means it’s funded.

For more information visit: Special Authority details for ADHD treatments - Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | NZ Government

Travelling with ADHD medication 

Because stimulant medication for ADHD is a restricted substance, there are rules around travelling with it. Our Travelling with ADHD medication page has advice from the Ministry of Health, Medsafe and New Zealand Customs on travelling with ADHD medication and what do about medication when moving to New Zealand. 

Travelling with ADHD medication 

ADHD medication videos

ADHD medications and co-occurring conditions 

For more information watch: What ADHD medication won't fix
Brett Harrington 

Trialling medication 

Prescribing doctors can choose from many medications to address ADHD symptoms. They differ in the way they work, how long they work for, and how strong they are.

You and your prescribing doctor will work together to figure out which (if any) medication is right for you or your whānau member, along with the ideal dose (amount) and schedule (how often or when you need to take it).

As each individual is unique it can take some time to get the best result.

A good time to start trialing medication is during the holidays or weekends so you can observe any changes and note any unwanted side effects. It’s important to seek immediate medical advice should there be any serious unwanted side effects (although this is very rare). 

For more information watch: ADHD medication
Dr Mirsad Begic

Many people with ADHD also have other conditions. In fact, it’s more common to have ADHD alongside another condition than to have it on it’s own.

These co-occurring conditions can include anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, eating disorders, learning difficulties, tic disorder or Tourette’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and substance use disorders. For children or young people it may also co-exist with problems with behaviour such as oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder.

These conditions and their treatment can affect ADHD and vice versa. It's important to work closely with your treatment provider on what might be getting in the way the most, and to target this first. Your prescribing doctor can usually safely combine treatments for co-occurring conditions and may suggest both medications and other treatment options. 

For more information watch: To medicate or not? 
Dr Jamie Speedan

Trialling medication 

Prescribing doctors can choose from many medications to address ADHD symptoms. They differ in the way they work, how long they work for, and how strong they are.

You and your prescribing doctor will work together to figure out which (if any) medication is right for you or your whānau member, along with the ideal dose (amount) and schedule (how often or when you need to take it). As each individual is unique it can take some time to get the best result.

A good time to start trialing medication is during the holidays or weekends so you can observe any changes and note any unwanted side effects. It’s important to seek immediate medical advice should there be any serious unwanted side effects (although this is very rare). 

FAQs on ADHD medication

Q: If my specialist suggests medication for treatment, do I have to take it/give it to my child?

​​​​​​​A: No, you do not have to take it/give your child medication if you prefer not to. It’s your choice, not the doctors. However, you might need to have an alternative plan.

Q: What are the alternatives to medication for ADHD treatment?

​​​​​​​A: There are many things you can try which can help.

Other disciplines that have helped people with ADHD include: 

Acupuncture, brain gym, chiropractics, counselling, Cranial Osteopathy, diet - including supplements (especially zinc and essential fatty acids), micronutrients, naturopathy, sensory modulation and Occupational Therapy. 

Therapists of all kinds can help if ADHD is clearly understood.