Dexamphetamine vs Vyvanse vs Ritalin: how your GP chooses
A guide to how dexamphetamine, Vyvanse and Ritalin differ in class, duration and PBS cost, and how your GP chooses between them.
ADHD medication is individual. A qualified prescriber considers your health history, goals and response to treatment when deciding what is appropriate. These articles explain common questions about starting medication, monitoring, side effects, shortages and ongoing scripts.
They can help you prepare for a useful conversation with your prescriber, but they do not replace personal medical advice.
Start here
Three useful places to begin
ADHD Medication Dose Too Low or Too High? Signs and How Your GP Adjusts It
Signs your ADHD medication dose may be too low or too high, and how your GP adjusts dexamphetamine, Vyvanse, Ritalin or Concerta…
Can a GP Prescribe ADHD Medication in Australia?
Some GPs can prescribe ADHD medication, but the rules depend on your state, age, diagnosis and the GP's authority.
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Dexamphetamine vs Vyvanse vs Ritalin: how your GP chooses
Read more →: Dexamphetamine vs Vyvanse vs Ritalin: how your GP choosesA guide to how dexamphetamine, Vyvanse and Ritalin differ in class, duration and PBS cost, and how your GP chooses…
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Do You Need an ECG or Blood Tests Before ADHD Medication? What GPs Check
Read more →: Do You Need an ECG or Blood Tests Before ADHD Medication? What GPs CheckNo, an ECG isn’t routinely required before ADHD medication in Australia. Here’s what your GP checks instead, and the full…
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ADHD medication side effects in the first 3 months: what to expect week by week
Read more →: ADHD medication side effects in the first 3 months: what to expect week by weekA week-by-week guide to ADHD medication side effects in the first three months, including the Vyvanse honeymoon period and when…
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ADHD Medication Dose Too Low or Too High? Signs and How Your GP Adjusts It
Read more →: ADHD Medication Dose Too Low or Too High? Signs and How Your GP Adjusts ItSigns your ADHD medication dose may be too low or too high, and how your GP adjusts dexamphetamine, Vyvanse, Ritalin…
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ADHD ongoing care: what your GP does after diagnosis and why it matters
Read more →: ADHD ongoing care: what your GP does after diagnosis and why it mattersOngoing ADHD care with a GP in Queensland covers regular medication reviews, physical monitoring, mental health check-ins, repeat prescriptions, and…
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What to Expect in the First 4 Weeks on ADHD Medication
Read more →: What to Expect in the First 4 Weeks on ADHD MedicationA week-by-week guide to starting ADHD medication in Australia, covering titration timelines for Vyvanse, dexamphetamine, and methylphenidate, common side effects,…
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Getting the Best Results from Vyvanse: What Your GP Wants You to Know
Read more →: Getting the Best Results from Vyvanse: What Your GP Wants You to KnowWhat you eat, when you take it, and what you drink all affect how well Vyvanse works. A GP explains…
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What people wish they knew before starting ADHD medication
Read more →: What people wish they knew before starting ADHD medicationFrom appetite changes to the grief of late diagnosis, the first months on ADHD medication are not what most people…
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Understanding ADHD Medication Side Effects: What Is Normal and What Is Not
Read more →: Understanding ADHD Medication Side Effects: What Is Normal and What Is NotA practical guide to ADHD medication side effects in Australia, categorised by stimulant and non-stimulant. Covers appetite suppression, sleep disruption,…
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Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications: When Your GP Might Suggest Them
Read more →: Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications: When Your GP Might Suggest ThemAn Australian guide to non-stimulant ADHD medications including atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine, and clonidine. When stimulants are not suitable, how non-stimulants…