Can GP surgeries in Norfolk, UK, prescribe generic Methylphenidate medication for adult ADHD?

[HalfwayGum]

To address the ongoing shortage of Methylphenidate medications, my psychiatrist asked my GP surgery to prescribe generic medication instead of a particular brand.

Now they told me that the IT system only allows them to prescribe brands, but not generics. I should name the brand currently available at a particular pharmacy. Then ask them to prescribe that.

My problem is that the pharmacy would not reserve the medication until they receive the prescription.

What now?

[Billybostin]

I’m in the UK but not England and on Elvanse. I’ve had issues with tablet size - I’ve recently switched to GP care and it’s been a PITA getting scripts changed from 30x40mg to 60x20.

When my script is due I first contact the pharmacy to ask what size tablets they have and immediately put in a request for a repeat prescription for those. I allow 10-14 days and so far it’s working.

Last year while working out my meds I do know here though that my psychiatrist used to write Xaggatin and switched to writing methylphenidate- supposedly they were only to prescribe Xaggatin. I was offered a mixed prescription of Xaggatin and generic.

[Mamamichl]

have you asked the pharmacy or your gp nurse whether gp’s can prescribe generic?

I know here in the USA, the equivalent of gp can prescribe any ADHD med (brand or not), but our insurance companies determine if it is generic or brand.