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Formulary and Prescribing Guidelines SECTION SECTION 6: TREATMENT OF ADHD

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Page 1: Formulary and Prescribing Guidelines · 2017. 10. 19. · Section 6. Treatment of ADHD 4 Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017 2. Atomoxetine: o When tics, tourettes syndrome,

Formulary and

Prescribing Guidelines

SECTION SECTION 6: TREATMENT OF ADHD

Page 2: Formulary and Prescribing Guidelines · 2017. 10. 19. · Section 6. Treatment of ADHD 4 Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017 2. Atomoxetine: o When tics, tourettes syndrome,

Section 6. Treatment of ADHD

2

Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017

6.1 Introduction

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition. The core symptoms are hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention which may lead to educational and behavioural difficulties. The condition is often associated with learning difficulties, communication and motor co-ordination problems. Stimulant and other medications are recognised as part of the multi-modal management approach and help to improve concentration, reduce impulsivity and reduce hyperactivity.

The following guidelines provide information about the medications and outline the responsibilities of the primary and secondary care teams in prescribing. This guidance is not intended to be prescriptive and should be amended to the individual client and their circumstances. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines, September 2008, have recommended that Methylphenidate immediate (standard) release, methylphenidate slow- release, dexamfetamine and atomoxetine may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment programme in the management of persistent ADHD1.

This includes advice and support for family and teachers in addition to specific psychological treatments for patients (such as behavioural therapy). It is worth noting that whilst these wider services are desirable, any shortfall in provision should not be used as a reason for delaying the appropriate use of medication. Treatment and care should take into account the individual’s needs and preferences. Good communication across all parties involved is essential for a treatment plan to be successful.

6.2 Treatment choice

Medication for pre-school children is not recommended. Parents should be offered group-based parent-training/education programmes as first line treatment1. In school-age children (6-11) and young people/adolescents (12-18) with moderate ADHD, drug treatment should be reserved for circumstances when non-pharmacological interventions or programmes have failed or have been refused. Drug treatment may be used as first line treatment in school age children and young adults with severe ADHD. This should be offered alongside group based parent-training/education programmes. Seek additional resource (e.g. ICD-10) for classification criteria.

ADHD frequently presents with other psychiatric conditions such as conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, tics and tourettes syndrome. These need to be identified during the initial assessment and appropriate management strategies offered which may include other medication. Many patients with ADHD (particularly during early adolescence) do not like taking regular medication and sometimes feel this is a punishment for their perceived disruptive behaviour. During this time professionals need to give a clear and consistent message to the patient (and family) about the progress the client is making. Using simple drug regimens, for example, once daily modified release doses may be useful to support adherence in such circumstances.

6.3 NICE Clinical Guidelines – CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

NICE CG72, published September 2008, last updated February 2016. Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder: diagnosis and management1

Page 3: Formulary and Prescribing Guidelines · 2017. 10. 19. · Section 6. Treatment of ADHD 4 Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017 2. Atomoxetine: o When tics, tourettes syndrome,

Section 6. Treatment of ADHD

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Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017

Advise the family members or carers of children with ADHD that there is no evidence

about the long‑term effectiveness or potential harms of a 'few food' diet for children with

ADHD, and only limited evidence of short‑term benefits.

Drug treatment in children and young people should be based on a comprehensive assessment and always form part of a tailored treatment plan that includes psychological, behavioural and educational interventions.

Drug treatment should (in children and adolescents) only be started by a healthcare professional with expertise in ADHD and involve:

Full mental health and social assessment, including risk assessment for substance misuse and drug diversion

Evaluation (and documentation) of family history of serious cardiac disease including sudden death in young family members. An ECG should be carried out if there is family history of serious cardiac disease and/or sudden cardiac death in a young member

Full medical history and physical examination, including:

o Cardiac examination including heart rate and blood pressure plotted on a centile chart and assessment of history of exercise syncope, undue breathlessness, and any other cardiovascular symptoms. An ECG should be carried out if there is a past medical history of serious cardiac disease and/or abnormal findings on cardiac examination.

o Height and weight plotted on a growth chart

Methylphenidate, atomoxetine, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine and guanfacine are recommended, within their licensed indications as options for the management of ADHD. Co- morbidities, adverse effects, compliance issues and service user or their carer’s preference should all be taken into consideration when deciding a drug treatment. If there is a choice of more than one drug, consider the one of lowest acquisition cost.

When the decision has been taken to treat a child or adolescent with medication, consider;

1. Methylphenidate:

o For ADHD without significant co-morbidity (with the exception of co-morbid conduct disorder)

o Immediate release preparations if more flexible dosing is required or during initial titration to determine correct dosing levels

o Modified release preparations for convenience, improving adherence, reducing stigma, and reducing problems associated with storing and administering controlled drugs in schools

Page 4: Formulary and Prescribing Guidelines · 2017. 10. 19. · Section 6. Treatment of ADHD 4 Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017 2. Atomoxetine: o When tics, tourettes syndrome,

Section 6. Treatment of ADHD

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Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017

2. Atomoxetine:

o When tics, tourettes syndrome, anxiety disorders, stimulant misuse or risk of stimulant diversion are present

o If methylphenidate has been tried and was ineffective at the maximum tolerated dose, or the child or adolescent is intolerant to low or moderate doses of methylphenidate

o Monitor children and adolescents for agitation, irritability, suicidal thinking, and unusual changes in behaviour (including self-harming); particularly during the initial months of treatment, or after a dose change

o Highlight to parents/carers about the potential for suicidal thinking and self-harm, and, rarely liver damage (presenting as abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice, and unexplained nausea).

o Monitor for symptoms of cardiac disease. Atomoxetine should not be used in patients with severe cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders5.

o Offer Patient and carer advice. Medicines for Children leaflet: Atomoxetine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

www.medicinesforchildren.org.uk/atomoxetine-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd

3. Dexamfetamine:

o When symptoms are unresponsive to maximum tolerated doses of methylphenidate or atomoxetine

o Refer to risk materials as signposted from the SPC for dexamfetamine (http://www.dexamfetamine-guide.co.uk/ )

4. Lisdexamfetamine (currently formulary but not included in NICE CG72)

o Children aged 6 years of age and over when response to previous methylphenidate treatment is considered clinically inadequate

o Lisdexamfetamine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and hydrolysed primarily by red blood cells to dexamfetamine, which is responsible for the drug's activity as a once daily formulation

5. Guanfacine prolonged-release is a non-stimulant treatment for Children and young people aged 6-17 years old for whom stimulants are not suitable, not tolerated or have been shown to be ineffective

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Section 6. Treatment of ADHD

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Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017

In children and adolescents, parents and teachers should record symptoms (e.g. Conner’s 10-item scale), and side-effects at each dose change.

If there is no response to methylphenidate, atomoxetine or dexamfetamine, treat further only after referral to tertiary services. Further treatment may include unlicensed drugs (for ADHD) such as bupropion, clonidine (necessitates pre-treatment cardiovascular examination and ECG), modafinil, and imipramine

Continue treatment for as long as it is effective. Review at least annually in children and adolescents. This review should include:

o Clinical need, benefits and side effects

o The views of the person with ADHD, and those of the parents/carers, as appropriate

o The effect of missed doses, planned dose reductions and brief periods of no treatment

o The preferred pattern of drug use.

Do not use antipsychotics for ADHD in children and adolescents.

6.3.1 Initiation and Titration of Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine, Dexamfetamine,

Lisdexamfetamine and Guanfacine in children (6- 11 years) and adolescents

(12 – 18 years)1,2,3

The first line drug of choice should be methylphenidate standard release if all

three drugs are considered appropriate, as modified release methylphenidate,

dexamphetamine and atomoxetine all have higher acquisitions costs.

See Annex 1 for monitoring and intervention required for side effects of named

drugs as recommended by NICE CG 72, September 2008.

Drug1,2

3

Brand1,2,3

Titration & Dosing regimen1,2,3

M

E

T

H

Y

L

P

H

E

N

I

D

A

T

E

Methylphenidate

immediate release

(1st

line)

5,10, 20 mg Tabs

Max. 60mg daily in 2-3

divided doses

Medikinet XL

5, 10, 20 30, 40, 50,

60 mg Caps

Modified release

Max. 60mg daily

(50% immediate

release, 50% modified-

release)

Initial treatment should begin with low doses of immediate release or if necessary M/R preparations consistent with starting doses in the BNF, 5mg 1-2 times daily, increasing at weekly intervals by 5-10mg daily. If both Equasym XL and Concerta XL are considered appropriate, the preparation of lowest acquisition cost should be selected (Equasym XL)

The dose should be titrated against symptoms (Conners’ 10-item scale) and side effects over 4–6 weeks until dose optimisation is achieved. Review progress regularly (for example, by weekly telephone contact or at each dose change).

Dose titration should be slower if tics or seizures are present.

Consider dose reduction if side effects become

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Section 6. Treatment of ADHD

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Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017

Drug1,2

3

Brand1,2,3

Titration & Dosing regimen1,2,3

Equasym XL

10, 20, 30 mg Caps

Modified release

Max. 60mg daily

(30% immediate

release, 70% modified-

release)

Concerta XL

18, 27, 36, 54 mg Tabs

Modified release

Max 54mg daily

(22% immediate

release, 78% modified

release)

Controlled Drug

Other brands are listed

in the BNF

troublesome

Modified-release preparations should be given as a single dose in the morning. Equasym XL and Medikinet XL capsule contents can be sprinkled on a tablespoon of apple sauce (or yoghurt for Medikinet XL) and swallowed immediately without chewing. Immediate-release preparations may be given in two or three divided doses.

Prescribers should specify the brand name of modified release preparations, owing to their different ratios of immediate to modified release components.

If there has been a poor response to Methylphenidate, and in consultation with a tertiary or regional centre, consider gradually increasing the dose at weekly intervals to 0.7 mg/kg up to three times a day or a total daily dose of 2.1 mg/kg/day (up to a total maximum of 90 mg/day) [unlicensed]. Discontinue if no response after 1 month. If effect wears off in evening (with rebound hyperactivity) a dose at bedtime may be appropriate (establish need with trial bedtime dose). Treatment may be started using a modified-release preparation.

Total daily dose of methylphenidate (standard release) 15mg is considered equivalent to 18mg Concerta XL once daily.

A

T

O

M

O

X

E

T

I

N

E

Strattera

10, 18, 25, 40, 60, 80,

100mg Caps

4mg/1ml oral solution

Max total daily dose

100mg

In children: Doses above

100 mg daily not

licensed.

Atomoxetine doses in

BNF may differ from

those in product

literature.

For those aged 6-17 weighing up to 70 kg, the total starting dose should be approximately 0.5 mg/kg/day. This initial dose should be maintained for a minimum of 7 days prior to upward dose titration. The recommended maintenance dose is approximately 1.2mg/kg/day. Dose titration should be slower if seizures are present.

For those aged 6-17 weighing more than 70 kg, the initial total dose should be 40 mg/day. This initial dose should be maintained for a minimum of 7 days prior to upward dose titration according to clinical response and tolerability. The recommended maintenance dose is 80mg/day.

Offer as a single daily dose or as two divided doses with last dose no later than early evening.

If there has been a poor response to atomoxetine, and in consultation with a tertiary or regional centre, consider increasing the dose to 1.8 mg/kg/day (up to a total maximum of 120 mg per day). [unlicensed]

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Section 6. Treatment of ADHD

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Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017

Drug1,2

3

Brand1,2,3

Titration & Dosing regimen1,2,3

D

E

X

A

M

F

E

T

A

M

I

N

E

Dexamfetamine

5mg Tabs

Amfexa 5, 10, 20 mg

Tabs (scored).The score

line is only to facilitate

breaking for ease of

swallowing and not to

divide into equal doses.

Dexedrine 5, 10, 15 mg

Spansules (Imported

(United States))

Dexamfetamine

5mg/5ml oral solution

sugar free

Controlled drug

Initial treatment should begin with low doses consistent with starting doses in the SPC, i.e. 5-10mg daily, increasing as required at weekly intervals of 5mg daily to a maximum of 20 mg/day, but doses of up to 40mg/day may be occasionally required

The dose should be titrated against symptoms and side effects over 4–6 weeks. Review progress regularly (for example, by weekly telephone contact or at each dose change). Dose titration should be slower if tics or seizures are present

Maintenance dose can be given in 2-4 divided doses, but latest dose should not be taken too late after lunch time to avoid disturbances of sleep.

L

I

S

D

E

X

A

M

F

E

T

A

M

I

N

E

Elvanse 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg, 70mg

Capsules

Controlled drug

This medicinal product is subject to additional monitoring – see BNF

30mg lisdexamfetamine = 8.9mg of dexamfetamine. 50mg=14.8mg and 70mg=20.8mg

The starting dose is 30 mg taken once daily in the morning (For all patients, either starting treatment for ADHD or switching from another medication)

The dose maybe increased by 10 to 20 mg increments, at approximately weekly intervals

The maximum recommended dose is 70 mg/day; higher doses have not been studied.

Elvanse may be taken with or without food.

Swallow whole or mix contents of capsule in yoghurt or a glass of water or orange juice; contents should be dispersed completely and consumed immediately.

G

U

A

N

F

A

C

I

N

E

Intuniv 1mg ,2mg, 3mg, 4mg

Prolonged-release tablets

The starting dose is 1mg/day, irrespective of age and weight

The dose is then increased by 1mg/day each week, to a maximum dose that depends on age and weight

For a child aged 6-12 and weighing 25kg or more, the maximum dose is 4mg

For an adolescent aged 13-17, the maximum dose is as follows:

o 34 - 41.4kg – 4mg once per day

o 41.5 - 49.4kg – 5mg once per day

o 49.5 - 58.4kg – 6mg once per day

o 58.5kg and above – 7mg once per day

Adolescent subjects must weigh at least 34 kg.

As one of the side effects is somnolence it is

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Section 6. Treatment of ADHD

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Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017

Drug1,2

3

Brand1,2,3

Titration & Dosing regimen1,2,3

recommended that the dose be given in the evening.

Intuniv® can be administered with or without food, but manufacturer advises avoid administration with high fat meals (may increase absorption).

Manufacturer recommends effective contraception in females of childbearing potential.

Manufacturer advises that patients and carers should inform their prescriber if more than one dose is missed; consider dose re-titration.

Treatment is recommended only for those who are able to swallow the tablet whole without problems.

6.4 NICE Clinical Guidelines – ADULTS

NICE CG72, Published September 2008, updated February 2016. Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder: diagnosis and management1

Drug treatment should be first-line treatment unless the patient prefers psychological treatment and be commenced by practitioners competent in the management of ADHD. Drug treatment should remain part of a comprehensive treatment programme addressing psychological, behavioural and educational or occupational needs.

Pre-drug treatment assessment should include:

Full mental health and social assessment, including risk assessment for substance misuse and drug diversion

Full medical history and physical examination, including:

o Cardiac examination including heart rate and blood pressure plotted on a centile chart

o Assessment of history of exercise syncope, undue breathlessness, and any other cardiovascular symptoms

o ECG, if there is a past medical history of serious cardiac disease and/or abnormal findings on cardiac examination. An ECG should be carried out if there is family history of serious cardiac disease and/or sudden cardiac death in a young member of the family.

o Weight.

Methylphenidate should normally be tried first. Consider atomoxetine or dexamfetamine if symptoms do not respond to methylphenidate or the person is intolerant to it after an adequate trial (usually about 6 weeks). If a patient is at risk of or showing a tendency towards stimulant misuse or diversion, caution should be exercised if prescribing dexamfetamine. Consider atomoxetine as first-line treatment if there are concerns about drug misuse and diversion.

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Section 6. Treatment of ADHD

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Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017

Adults who take atomoxetine should be monitored for (and warned about) agitation, irritability, suicidal thinking, and unusual changes in behaviour (including self-harming) particularly during the initial months of treatment, or after a dose change. Adults taking atomoxetine should also be warned about unexplained nausea, abdominal cramping, dark urine, and jaundice (due to rare reports of liver damage). Atomoxetine should not be used in patients with severe cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders4. Cardiovascular status should be regularly monitored

Drug treatment for people who misuse substances should only be prescribed by healthcare professionals with expertise in managing both ADHD and substance misuse. For adults with ADHD and drug or alcohol addiction disorders, there should be close liaison between the professional treating the ADHD and an addiction specialist.

Dose titration should be slower if the patient has a history of tics or seizures.

Continue treatment for as long as it is effective and necessary. Review at least annually.

Do not use antipsychotics for ADHD in adults.

6.4.1 Initiation and Titration of Methylphenidate, Atomoxetine and Dexamfetamine

in ADULTS1,2,3. Guanfacine is not licensed for the treatment of adults

See Error! Reference source not found. for monitoring and intervention required

for side effects of named drugs as recommended by NICE CG 72, September

2008

Drug1,2,

3

Brand1,2,3

Titration & Dosing regimen1,2,3

M

E

T

H

Y

L

P

H

E

N

I

D

A

T

E

Methylphenidate

immediate release

5,10, 20mg Tabs

(1st

line)

Equasym XL

10, 20, 30 mg Caps

Modified release

(30% immediate release ,

70% modified-release)

Medikinet XL

5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60

mg Caps

Modified release

(50% immediate release,

50% modified release)

Concerta XL

18, 27, 36, 54 mg Tabs

Begin with low doses (5 mg three times daily for immediate-release preparations or the equivalent modified-release dose).

Increase the dose according to response (and side-effects) up to a maximum of 100 mg/day (over 4-6 weeks) (108mg for Concerta XL)

Offer immediate-release preparations up to four times a day

Modified- release preparations may increase adherence and be preferred if there is concern about misuse or diversion. Normally offer these once daily, but no more than twice daily. If both Equasym XL and Concerta XL are considered appropriate, the preparation of lowest acquisition cost should be selected (Equasym XL)

Prescribers should specify the brand name of modified release preparations, owing to their different ratios of immediate to modified release components.

Methylphenidate (standard release) 15mg = 18mg

Concerta XL

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Section 6. Treatment of ADHD

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Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017

Drug1,2,

3

Brand1,2,3

Titration & Dosing regimen1,2,3

Modified release

(22% immediate release,

72% modified release)

Max dose 108mg daily

Controlled drug

Other brands are listed

in the BNF

Unlicensed use

A

T

O

M

O

X

E

T

I

N

E

Strattera

10, 18, 25, 40, 60, 80,

100mg Caps

4mg/1ml oral solution

Max total daily dose

100mg

In adults: Dose maximum

of 120 mg not licensed.

Atomoxetine doses in

BNF may differ from

those in product

literature.

Up to 70 kg body weight: use a total starting dose of approximately 0.5 mg/kg/day, then gradually increase dose after 7 days according to response to approximately 1.2 mg/kg/day.

Over 70 kg body weight: use a total starting dose of 40 mg/day, then gradually increase dose after 7 days according to response up to a maximum maintenance dose of 100 mg/day.

The usual maintenance dose is 80 mg-100 mg/day which can be offered in divided doses. Trial this dose for 6 weeks to determine efficacy. If there has been a poor response to atomoxetine, and in consultation with a tertiary or regional centre, consider: increasing the dose to 1.8 mg/kg/day (up to a total maximum of 120 mg per day). (unlicensed)

D

E

X

A

M

F

E

T

A

M

I

N

E

Dexamfetamine 5mg

tabs

Amfexa 5, 10, 20 mg

Tabs (scored).

The score line is only to

facilitate breaking for

ease of swallowing and

not to divide into equal

doses.

Dexedrine 5, 10, 15 mg

Spansules (Imported

(United States))

Dexamfetamine

5mg/5ml oral solution

sugar free

Controlled drug

Begin with low doses (5 mg twice daily). Increase dose according to response (and side-effects) up to a maximum of 60 mg/day (over 4-6 weeks).

Offer divided doses, usually between two and four times daily but latest dose should not be taken too late after lunch time to avoid disturbances of sleep.

Unlicensed use

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Section 6. Treatment of ADHD

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Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017

Drug1,2,

3

Brand1,2,3

Titration & Dosing regimen1,2,3

L

I

S

D

E

X

A

M

F

E

T

A

M

I

N

E

Elvanse 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg, 70mg

Capsules

Controlled drug

This medicinal product is

subject to additional

monitoring – see bnf

30mg lisdexamfetamine = 8.9mg of dexamfetamine. 50mg=14.8mg and 70mg=20.8mg

The starting dose is 30 mg taken once daily in the morning (For all patients, either starting treatment for ADHD or switching from another medication)

The dose maybe increased by 10 -20 mg increments, at approximately weekly intervals

The maximum recommended dose is 70 mg/day; higher doses have not been studied.

Elvanse may be taken with or without food.

Swallow whole or mix contents of capsule in yoghurt or a glass of water or orange juice; contents should be dispersed completely and consumed immediately.

Unlicensed use

References

1. NICE CG 72, September 2008 (last updated February 2016). Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder: Diagnosis and management

http://guidance.nice.org.uk/CG72 (Accessed June 2017)

2. Summary of Product Characteristics (for individual drugs):

http://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/ (Accessed June 2017)

3. BNF: on-line current edition, (accessed June 2017)

4. MHRA drug safety alert, Atomoxetine: effects on heart rate and blood pressure,

25/5/2012

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Section 6. Treatment of ADHD

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Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017

Annex 1

Monitoring and intervention IN CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS and ADULTS

1 (see over for Guanfacine)

Monitoring and intervention Methylph-

enidate

Atomoxe-

tine

Dexamfe-

tamine

Lisdexam-

fetamine

HEIGHT & WEIGHT

Measure height at baseline then every 6 months &

record each observation on a growth chart. Should

height be adversely affected, consider ‘drug holiday’ to

allow catch up. Measure (and record on growth chart)

weight at baseline 3 & 6 months after initiation, & then

every 6 months in conjunction with height. If weight loss

occurs, obtain dietary advice & give medication with or

after food, rather than before meals.

Child

Adolescent

Adults

(weight only)

Child

Adolescent

Adults

(weight only)

Child

Adolescent

Adults

(weight only)

Child

Adolescent

Adults

(weight only)

CARDIAC FUNCTION, PULSE & BP

Measure BP & pulse (and record on a centile chart) at

baseline. Repeat before and after each dose increment

during titration. Thereafter record these parameters

every 6 months. Assess cardiac function concurrently.

Sustained resting tachycardia, arrhythmia or systolic

blood pressure greater than the 95th

percentile (or a

clinically significant increase) measured on two

occasions should prompt dose reduction & referral to a

paediatrician or physician.

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Child

Adolescent

Adults

REPRODUCTIVE SYS., & SEXUAL FUNCTION

NICE guidance recommends that patients on

atomoxetine be monitored for dysmenorrhoea, erectile

and ejaculatory dysfunction.

-

Adolescent

Adults

-

-

SEIZURE

All 4 have the potential to lower convulsive threshold, but

should a seizure (de novo) or exacerbation of

established epilepsy occur, NICE recommends that

dexamfetamine be considered and methylphenidate or

atomoxetine (if taking) be discontinued immediately.

Child

Adolescent

Child

Adolescent

Child

Adolescent

Child

Adolescent

TICS

Consider whether tics are stimulant-related, & whether

tic-related impairment outweighs the benefits of ADHD

treatment. If stimulant related, reduce the dose or stop

drug treatment or consider using atomoxetine instead.

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Child

Adolescent

Adults

PSYCHOTIC SYMPTOMS (delusions &

hallucinations)

Withdraw stimulant if believed to be related, carry out a

full psychiatric assessment & consider using

atomoxetine.

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Child

Adolescent

Adults

ANXIETY (INCLUDING PANIC)

Where symptoms are precipitated by stimulants,

particularly in children & young people with a history of

coexisting anxiety, use lower doses of the stimulant

and/or combine with an antidepressant used to treat

anxiety. Switching to atomoxetine may be effective.

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Although NICE CG72 recommends routine cardiac monitoring

every 3 months, the MMG has taken the decision that 6

monthly checks are satisfactory based on SPCs, the cBNF and

clinical opinion unless specifically required.

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Section 6. Treatment of ADHD

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Approved Medicines Management Group October 2017

AGITATION, IRRITABILITY & SELF-HARM

Patients on atomoxetine should be monitored for

increase in suicidal thoughts & acts of self –harm,

especially in the first weeks of therapy.

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Child

Adolescent

Adults

Child

Adolescent

Adults

DRUG MISUSE AND DIVERSION

If problematic, consider switching to MR methylphenidate

or atomoxetine

Child

Adolescent

-

Child

Adolescent

Child

Adolescent

Monitoring of Guanfacine

Prior to starting treatment with guanfacine, cardiovascular status should be assessed to

identify patients at increased risk of hypotension, bradycardia, and QT-prolongation or risk

of arrythmia. This includes heart rate, blood pressure and family history of sudden cardiac

or unexplained death.

Monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure should continue on a weekly basis during dose

titration and stabilisation and at least every 3 months for the first year of treatment. Six

monthly monitoring should follow thereafter with more frequent monitoring after dose

adjustment.

Weight , height and BMI should be monitored prior to starting treatment, every 3 months

for the first year and every 6 months thereafter with more frequent monitoring after dose

adjustment.