Emergencies

Summary: We don’t provide emergency support. If you need urgent help or feel unwell because of your ADHD medication, this article explains what to do and who to contact. 

• If you feel unwell because of your ADHD medication 

• If you've taken too much medication 

• If you've missed a dose 

• If your medication is lost or stolen 

• If you need mental health support 

• Useful resources 

Please note that we don't provide emergency support. If you feel unwell due to your ADHD medication or need urgent medical help, here's what to do: 

ADHD medication can be stopped straight away without any ill effects – unlike some medications, it doesn't need to be tapered. The only time this might not be the case is if someone was taking non-stimulant medication. In this situation, follow the instructions given by your clinician. 

Call 111 (select the mental health option) or visit 111.nhs.uk if: 

• You need urgent help for your mental health but it's not an immediate emergency. 

• You're not able to reach your local NHS urgent mental health helpline. 

• You're not sure what to do. 
   

Contact your GP for support with your general health, or to access mental health services. 

Call 999 or go to your nearest A&E immediately if: 

• Someone's life is at risk – for example, they have seriously injured themselves or taken an overdose. 

• You don't feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe. 

Please also let your clinician know about any adverse reactions or concerns at your next appointment. 

If you take too much medication by accident, contact your GP or nearest hospital straight away. 

Missing a dose won't harm you, though your ADHD symptoms may feel more noticeable than usual. A few things to bear in mind: 

• Don't double up on doses to make up for a missed one. 

• You can take it later than usual if needed – but stimulants can affect sleep, so avoid taking them after midday. 

If your medication is lost or stolen, please call us on 020 4525 0709 to arrange a replacement prescription. We may ask for a police report or proof of loss depending on the circumstances. 

• Call 111 (select the mental health option) or visit 111.nhs.uk if: 

• You need urgent help for your mental health but it's not an immediate emergency. 

• You're not able to reach your local NHS urgent mental health helpline. 

• You're not sure what to do. 

• Where to get urgent help for mental health – NHS guidance on emergency mental health services 

• British National Formulary (BNF) – key information on the prescribing, dispensing, and administration of medicines