Medikinet XL instead of Elvanse - advice

[WinterIsReallyComing]

Hoping someone can help settle my (likely irrational) anxiety over this.

I had my ADHD assessment in December last year with psychiatry UK. At that time the psychiatrist said that I would be started on lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse). I reached the top of the waiting list this week and have been told I will be started on Medikinet XL which is a different type of ADHD medication.

I have autism as well as ADHD and I have spent lots of time this year researching Elvanse and getting my head around this. I am having anxiety about the plan changing and I am just wondering if anyone has any reassurance about Medikinet XL. I asked them why this has changed from the recommendation and they just said it is Psychiatry UK's policy to start with this type of medication for ADHD (methylphenidate hydrochloride). This didn't really settle my worries about the change. I am still wondering why the psychiatrist would have said Elvanse was best for me to start on and then to be prescribed something different.

Has anyone had positive experiences with Medikinet XL?

Hi OP, I'm afraid that I can't give specific advice on Medikenet XL, but just wanted you to know I'm in exactly the same situation. I'm also AuDHD. My Pysch UK titration will start in the next week or 2, also with Medikenet XL.

Bear in mind you will be closely monitored, so there will be a check-in after/on day 5, and then fortnightly. This should give us a chance to discuss how the medication is making us feel, and also check any physical affects re: blood pressure, etc.

I'm going to keep a daily diary for the first few weeks to note pro's and cons. It is true that Physch UK start people on Medikenet first, unless there's a medical reason not to, but I'm sure other options will be offered if it isn't suitable or makes people feel worse.

Hi @keepincool thanks so much for replying! That all makes total sense thank you - I have been doing a bit of research too and have got my head around the change a bit more now (takes me a while!)

I have currently asked them to put my titration on hold as I have an operation coming up and it could make it all a bit complicated. I have already had my pre-operative assessment. Will see what they say - I really don't want to risk missing my chance to access meds though.

If you'd like someone to chat to whilst going through it, feel free. I very rarely meet anyone in a similar position (despite all the threads I read suggesting we are everywhere 🤣).

I hope your op goes well 💐

My start was delayed as I have glaucoma and Psych UK needed to check with the eye hospital that medication was suitable for me. NHS didn't respond to their request, which resulted in further delays (about 7 weeks). However I kept in touch with the person issuing the medication and once she heard back from the hospital it was all go. I dont think you will miss your chance. They probably need to hit target times so will be keen to get people who have reached the top of the titration list started on meds as soon as they can.

Thanks so much for your reply. Any news on your start date @keepincool?

I just heard back that they can't delay my titration until my surgery, so I am now waiting to hear back from pre-assessment to see if I can start before surgery and really hoping I haven't already been discharged from PUK.

I get so anxious when waiting for answers.