After leaving a specialist consultation, a prescription is not always enough to answer parents’ questions. When a child lives with severe or very bothersome ADHD on a daily basis, the arrival of a new drug name can arouse as much hope as worry: TENTIN, based on dexamphetamine.
Since November 3, 2026, this treatment can be reimbursed in France, but only within a specific framework: children and adolescents aged 6 to 17, diagnosed ADHD, insufficient response to methylphenidatespecialized prescription and supporting documentation sent with the prescription.
Who can be affected by this reimbursement?
TENTIN is not intended for all children who move around a lot, have difficulty concentrating or encounter academic difficulties. According to the decree published in the Official Journal and information from Health Insurance, its reimbursement only concerns children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 in the context of diagnosed ADHD.
Another central condition: the drug intervenes when the response to previous treatment with methylphenidate has been judged clinically insufficient. In other words, it is not a first-line treatmentbut an option framed after a medicinal strategy which did not provide the expected benefit.
The High Authority for Health also recalls that this option must be part of overall care: psychological, educational, behavioral, academic and social measures. The medication therefore does not replace daily support, clinical assessment and adjustments around the child.
To better understand this framework, parents can reread the references on the symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD in children. The diagnosis is not based on an isolated sign: it requires a thorough evaluation, taking into account the duration, intensity and impact of the symptoms.
Which doctor can prescribe it?
The prescription of TENTIN is strictly regulated. The annual initial prescription is reserved for specialists and specialized services in neurology, psychiatry or pediatrics. In its support system, Health Insurance cites in particular child psychiatrists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, neuropediatricians and neurologists.
Annual renewal is the responsibility of the same specialists. Between two specialized annual prescriptions, other renewals can be made by any doctor, within the framework provided by the texts. This organization aims to maintain specialized monitoring while avoiding a break when treatment is deemed necessary.
Another important point: TENTIN is a drug classified as a narcotic. It must be prescribed by secure prescription, with a prescription duration limited to 28 days, or four weeks. This framework responds to issues of good use, but also to identified risks of misuse, abuse, dependence or diversion.
The question of the place of drug treatments in ADHD therefore remains essential: it must be discussed with the medical team, with regard to the impact of the disorder, the expected benefits and monitoring constraints.
What should I present to the pharmacy?
Since November 3, 2026, a support for prescription applies to allow coverage by Health Insurance. Concretely, the pharmacist does not rely only on the prescription: he must also have proof of support for the prescription.
This proof must be positive to allow billing to Health Insurance. It indicates, on the basis of the elements provided by the prescriber, that the prescription respects the reimbursable therapeutic indication, in particular the age of the patient, the ADHD context and the insufficient response to methylphenidate.
In practice, parents are advised to check with the specialist that the prescription is accompanied by the necessary document. In case of doubt during dispensing, the pharmacist may ask for details, because he must be able to justify the treatment in the event of an inspection.
Also be careful not to confuse TENTIN with other similar or recent medications. Health Insurance distinguishes dexamphetamine TENTIN from lisdexamphetamine XURTA, the indications and reimbursement conditions of which are not identical.
The rules of one should not be applied to the other.
Finally, medical monitoring remains essential. The HAS recommends a re-evaluation 3 to 6 months after initiation, as well as regular monitoring, particularly cardiovascular monitoring, with monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure during dosage adjustments then at least every 6 months. Changes in sleep, appetite, weight, mood or behavior should be reported to the doctor. For families, the challenge is therefore not only to obtain reimbursement, but to ensure that this treatment is part of careful monitoring, adapted to the child’s real difficulties on a daily basis.