Major changes to the way that ADHD medications can be prescribed have just been published by the Western Australian Department of Health. Specific information on these changes was hard to find – there does not seem to be any media release or update for GPs publicly available.
When does this apply?
- You are continuing an existing medication at the same dose
- The medication is dexamfetamine (“dex”), methylphenidate (Ritalin), or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
- The medication has been reviewed by a specialist (usually psychiatrist or paediatrician) within the last 3 years for adults or last 12 months for under-18s
- You don’t have a few specific other conditions or medications, such as bipolar, psychosis, substance abuse, or prescribed opioid pain medications
Is it that simple?
Of course not. The new Monitored Medicines Prescribing Code is 51 pages. The summary above is a rough guide to the most common circumstances.
How?
- Direct your GP to the following Summary of Changes, as it’s likely they haven’t been made aware of them
- Your GP likely also needs to review the full criteria to check you are eligible, including checking for any restrictions listed on ScriptCheckWA
- Your GP can then prescribe continuing stimulant medication of the same type and dose without further authorisation.
Bonus news
Recent changes included in this update also allow prescriptions for stimulant medications issued via telehealth or from other states of Australia to be accepted by WA pharmacists.
Are you waiting for diagnosis?
Waitlists for ADHD diagnosis by psychiatrists and paediatricians have been exceeding 9-12 months. These changes will hopefully free up a lot of appointments and cut those waiting times.
Call your specialist in a few weeks and see if you can get an earlier appointment.
Or try one of the newer national telehealth providers. As with any provider, make sure they have the correct registrations to diagnose and to prescribe medication.