PBAC backs wider subsidised access to ADHD medicines
21 Oct 2026
Australian GPs have welcomed a recommendation from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to change subsidy rules for two non-stimulant medicines used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
At its September 2026 meeting, the PBAC recommended easing PBS restrictions on atomoxetine and guanfacine. This would allow eligible patients who tolerate stimulant medicines but get limited benefit from them to access subsidised treatment.
The recommendation also supports allowing authorised prescribers beyond specialists to initiate treatment.
According to the PBAC, the changes would bring eligibility rules into closer alignment and improve access when stimulant treatment has not worked or is not clinically suitable.
The committee said atomoxetine and guanfacine would remain second-line treatment options under the proposed changes.
The recommendation follows calls from healthcare professionals to make it easier for GPs to start ADHD medication. The recommendation comes as Australians face lengthy waits for ADHD care, while the number of adults receiving treatment for the condition has risen sharply.
Associate Professor John Kramer, chair of the RACGP Specific Interests ADHD group, welcomed the recommendation, describing the proposed easing of restrictions as overdue.
He said the changes could reduce medication costs for patients and give GPs more flexibility when stimulants are not tolerated or cannot be used for medical reasons.
He also noted that the cost of medicines can make treatment difficult to afford for people experiencing financial disadvantage when PBS subsidies are unavailable.
Associate Professor Kramer said GPs across Australia were becoming increasingly involved in diagnosing and managing ADHD. He added that the proposed changes could give doctors and patients more options when medication is needed alongside non-medication approaches.
The PBAC also considered the potential financial impact of the changes. It said expected use and spending were substantially higher than earlier estimates, while the number of people with untreated ADHD remained uncertain.
Although the committee had not formally established cost-effectiveness, it considered the proposed changes likely to offer acceptable value for money across the wider eligible population. It also supported monitoring medicine use and prescribing patterns after implementation.
The recommendation drew on advice from the Drug Utilisation Sub-Committee, feedback from stakeholders and issues raised during a Senate Community Affairs References Committee inquiry.
The PBAC said the recommendation partly addresses findings from the Senate’s 2023 inquiry into ADHD, with further work expected on PBS listing arrangements for stimulant medicines used to treat the condition.
PBAC backs wider subsidised access to ADHD medicines
Source: Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), September 2026 meeting recommendations.