A plan that fits your life
ADHD care aims to make everyday life more manageable: learning, work, relationships, sleep and the things that matter to you. A useful plan combines education, practical adjustments, psychological or family support, and medication when appropriate. Decisions should reflect your goals, health, preferences and circumstances. Children and young people should have a voice in their care. AADPA: treatment and support
There is no single treatment that suits everyone. Medication can reduce core symptoms; other supports build skills and improve day-to-day functioning. Treatment should be reviewed as your needs change. AADPA: guideline overview
Understanding medication
Medicines can reduce core ADHD symptoms. The right option depends on your age, health, goals and response.
Stimulants
Methylphenidate, dexamfetamine and lisdexamfetamine are the Australian guideline's first-line medication options when ADHD causes significant impairment, for children aged 5 years and over, adolescents and adults. “First-line” means the usual starting options to discuss, not that everyone needs them or can safely take them. Short- and long-acting formulations offer different coverage. If one is ineffective or poorly tolerated, another stimulant type or formulation may help. AADPA: medication choice
Common unwanted effects include reduced appetite, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, headache, stomach discomfort and irritability or anxiety. Pulse and blood pressure can rise. Report troublesome effects: your prescriber can review the medicine and plan. Healthdirect: ADHD medicines
Non-stimulants
These may be considered when stimulants are unsuitable, ineffective or not tolerated; sometimes they are added under careful supervision. They usually take longer to show benefit than stimulants. AADPA: medication choice
Atomoxetine
an option for adults and children aged 6 years and over. Possible effects include nausea, reduced appetite, tiredness, sleep changes and, in adults, sexual or urinary problems. It can increase pulse and blood pressure. Atomoxetine consumer information, TGA safety advice
Guanfacine modified-release
approved for ADHD in ages 6–17, alone in specified circumstances or alongside a stimulant after a suboptimal response. Adult ADHD use is outside the approved indication. Drowsiness, dizziness, low blood pressure and a slow pulse are important considerations. Abrupt stopping can cause rebound high blood pressure. TGA indication, Intuniv medicine information
Clonidine
sometimes used off-label for ADHD, particularly in children and adolescents. This needs an individual discussion about evidence, risks and monitoring. AADPA: medication choice, Australian clonidine product information
Children & young people
Support the family
Parent and family training offers practical tools for the extra demands of supporting a child with ADHD. It does not mean ADHD is caused by poor parenting. Strategies can include clear routines, manageable instructions, positive reinforcement and support with transitions. AADPA: GP factsheet
Adjust the environment
Work with the school on adjustments matched to the child: quieter workspaces, written instructions, shorter task steps, movement breaks and predictable routines are examples to discuss. Support should build on strengths as well as address difficulties. AADPA: cognitive-behavioural approaches
For children under 5, prioritise parent/family interventions and developmental support. Medication decisions require expertise in ADHD and early childhood; evidence is more limited in this age group. For older children, medicine and non-medication supports can be used together. Plan the transition to adult services before paediatric care ends. AADPA: medication choice, AADPA: overview
Adults: support beyond medication
ADHD-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help with planning, organisation, managing emotions and unhelpful patterns of thinking. It can also address co-existing anxiety or depression. Practical tools such as reminders, task breakdowns and workplace adjustments can be part of a personalised approach. AADPA: cognitive-behavioural interventions
Coaching may help some people organise daily life, but its evidence base is less established than recommended psychological treatments. Ask about the provider's training, approach, costs and how progress will be measured. AADPA: GP factsheet
Regular sleep, movement and balanced meals support health and wellbeing. Sleep difficulties deserve assessment and treatment in their own right. These habits complement care; they are not a promised cure for ADHD. AADPA: lifestyle changes
Starting safely. Checking progress.
Before you start
Before medication, your clinician should review the diagnosis, other conditions, current medicines, substance use and physical health. Baseline checks include weight, height where relevant, pulse and blood pressure. Heart symptoms and a family history of early sudden cardiac death matter. An ECG is not routinely needed for everyone; cardiac risk can warrant further assessment. Mention pregnancy, pregnancy plans or breastfeeding. AADPA: clinical guideline, Atomoxetine consumer information
Review benefits and side effects
Expect closer follow-up while medication is being adjusted, then an individual review schedule. Check real-life benefits alongside appetite, sleep, mood, pulse, blood pressure, weight and children's growth. A short symptom and side-effect diary can make appointments more useful. Follow-up matters even when treatment does not include medicine. AADPA: clinical guideline
Make changes with your prescriber
Do not change doses, stop treatment or take a medication break without advice. Some medicines need gradual withdrawal. Keep medicines secure, never share them, and ask your pharmacist about missed doses or interactions. Healthdirect: ADHD medicines, Intuniv consumer information
When to get urgent help
- Call 000 for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, collapse or another life-threatening emergency. Healthdirect: urgent care
- Possible overdose: call the Australian Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 immediately, even if there are no symptoms. Healthdirect: ADHD medicines
- Seek urgent medical assessment for new suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, severe agitation or major behaviour changes. Atomoxetine carries a particular warning about suicidal thoughts and behaviour in children and adolescents. TGA: atomoxetine warning
- Get prompt medical help for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or other possible liver-injury symptoms while taking atomoxetine. Atomoxetine consumer information
Your next step
Start with your GP. Prescribing rules vary across Australia. Since 1 December 2025, Queensland specialist GPs can initiate, modify and continue adult ADHD psychostimulant treatment within authorised limits. Not every practice provides this service; a referral may still be needed. Paediatricians' authorisation extends to young adults aged 18–24. Queensland Health: prescribing ADHD medicines, Queensland Government: accessing care
Questions for your next appointment
Tick questions to bring along, then print this guide. Ticks stay only on this page and are not saved or sent anywhere.
About this guide & sources
This page is educational and cannot diagnose ADHD or choose a treatment for you. It does not replace assessment, your prescriber's instructions or the Consumer Medicine Information for your medicine. No individual dosing advice is provided. Sources were checked on 1 October 2026; this is not a claim of independent clinician review.