Medical professionals must follow strict laws and regulations when prescribing any medication. 
There are also laws and regulations that control the cost of medications, and how the government subsidises some of these costs.

​All these rules depend on what the medication is (including ADHD medication) and where in Australia it is being prescribed.

It's complicated, and can be confusing and frustrating.
We are not medical or legal experts, so we cannot guarantee how your own experience will progress, but we have put together some information that might help if you want to start exploring your own experiences and options.

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SA Health has information about the use of schedule 8 medicines in South Australia (which includes ADHD medication).
You may also find the NPS MedicineWise RADAR website useful for information about medication in Australia.

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HOW ADHD MEDICATION CAN BE PRESCRIBED FOR ADULTS

In Australia, both stimulant and non-stimulant medications can be used to treat adult ADHD:

Short-acting stimulants	Long-acting ​stimulants	Non-stimulants
methylphenidate ​(e.g. Ritalin)	methylphenidate ​(e.g. Ritalin XL, Concerta)	guanfacine (e.g. Intuniv)
​dexamfetamine	lisdexamfetamine (e.g. Vyvanse)	atomoxetine (e.g. Strattera)

All ADHD stimulant medications are classified under Australian legislation (Poisons Standard) as Schedule 8 controlled drugs.

All states and territories have different laws about prescribing schedule 8 drugs, which can create problems for patients moving between states/territories and for doctors engaging in telepsychiatry across state/territory borders. In addition, some states/territories do not honour prescriptions from other states/territories.

You can find out about the regulations that doctors in each Australian state and territory (and in New Zealand) have to follow when prescribing ADHD medication through the ​ADHD Stimulant Prescribing Regulations & Authorities In Australia & New Zealand.

THE COST OF ADHD MEDICATION FOR ADULTS

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises some ADHD medications with limitations on both age and dosage. 

​Adults diagnosed with ADHD ​after the age of 18

Prior to February 2021, if you were diagnosed with ADHD after you turned 18 the only PBS subsidy available to you was for short-acting stimulant medication (Ritalin).  In 2021 the Australian Government added long-acting lisdexamphetamine (Vyvanse) to the PBS for adults. NPS MedicineWise 2021 media release Australian Government 2021 media release In 2023 the Australian Government added long-acting methylphenidate (Ritalin) to the PBS for adults. PBS summary of changes, May 2023

VYVANCE LOCATOR

A member of the Adelaide Adult ADHD community has created a fantastic tool to track the availability of Vyvanse across Adelaide.