Key Takeaways
Across the Netherlands, people who arrive from abroad often carry more than luggage. Some bring ongoing ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) treatment and a prescription for methylphenidate 36 mg—medication that sharpens focus and steadies the day.
Once in Amsterdam or Zwanenburg, the question surfaces quickly: can that same prescription be used here? The Dutch answer is careful but consistent—only with a new evaluation, only through official clinical routes.
At hospitals such as BovenIJ in Amsterdam, psychiatry and psychology departments guide patients through this process. Their contact line, 020 634 6206 (weekdays 08:30–16:30 Europe/Amsterdam), and the mailbox poli.psychiatrie@bovenij.nl, are the front doors. These are not bureaucratic hurdles but entry points to continuity, legality and safety.
Story & Details
A letter from abroad
Every year, newcomers land in Dutch cities with medical histories written in another language. Among them are patients whose ADHD has long been treated with methylphenidate 36 mg—extended-release tablets familiar under names like Concerta, or generics from Mylan, Xiromed and TEVA.
In their previous country—perhaps somewhere in Latin America—prescriptions were renewed routinely. But in the Netherlands, stimulants such as methylphenidate belong to the Opium Act’s controlled list. Pharmacies cannot fill foreign prescriptions, even if they are legitimate elsewhere. The journey begins again, this time through Dutch channels.
The email that found the right door
One autumn evening, a message arrived in the inboxes of mental-health institutions across Amsterdam. It asked straightforward questions:
How can someone continue methylphenidate treatment after moving here?
Which doctor can prescribe it?
Where can it be bought, and will insurance help?
Among the many recipients, the communication office of BovenIJ hospital replied with clarity and brevity: “Please contact our polikliniek at 020 634 6206. Good luck.”
A short line, yet it contained the whole map. In the Dutch system, controlled medication always starts with a conversation at the psychiatry or psychology outpatient clinic—never through general email.
Inside the Dutch rhythm of care
At BovenIJ, the Psychiatry / Psychology Polikliniek is open on weekdays, 08:30–16:30 (Europe/Amsterdam). The line 020 634 6206 and mailbox poli.psychiatrie@bovenij.nl connect callers directly with staff trained to handle ADHD intake. For general matters, the hospital’s switchboard (020 634 6346, info@bovenij.nl) remains open.
Appointments usually begin with documentation review: previous diagnosis, dosage history, and any side effects noted abroad. From there, a Dutch psychiatrist evaluates whether to continue the same medication or adjust it to local guidelines. Only then can a new Dutch prescription be issued.
A voice on the phone
For those who prefer to start in Dutch, a simple phrase helps:
“Hallo, ik heb een vraag over een afspraak bij de polikliniek psychiatrie. Ik heb ADHD en een recept uit het buitenland voor Methylfenidaat, maar ik wil weten hoe ik dit in Nederland kan krijgen.”
(translated from Dutch: “Hello, I have a question about making an appointment with the psychiatry clinic. I have ADHD and a prescription from abroad for methylphenidate, and I want to know how to receive this medication in the Netherlands.”)
It’s polite, direct, and instantly understood by hospital staff.
Safety, science and insurance
Dutch insurers usually cover ADHD medication once prescribed locally, though small co-payments may apply. Clinicians monitor blood pressure, heart rate and appetite—routine checks that ensure safety.
Recent research, reported by British media in April 2025, found that ADHD stimulants can slightly raise pulse and blood pressure but remain safe when supervised. The findings echo Dutch policy: careful prescribing, steady follow-up, no shortcuts.
Why the system is strict
Every email about controlled medication carries a warning banner and a confidentiality note. Those digital footers tell their own story—one of caution born from experience. The Netherlands treats psychiatric medication as serious medicine, not as paperwork.
By routing ADHD cases through psychiatry clinics, hospitals protect patients and staff alike from confusion, data leaks or misuse.
Conclusions
For anyone continuing ADHD treatment in the Netherlands, the path is clear but formal: schedule an intake at a psychiatry or psychology outpatient clinic, bring your medical records, and let a Dutch clinician re-evaluate your prescription.
Methylphenidate 36 mg—whether branded as Concerta or produced by Mylan, Xiromed or TEVA—can only be dispensed under a local prescription. Hospitals like BovenIJ offer the proper gateway: 020 634 6206 or poli.psychiatrie@bovenij.nl (weekdays 08:30–16:30 Europe/Amsterdam).
It’s a process built on safety and continuity: slow, precise, and humane. In the quiet rhythm of Dutch healthcare, structure becomes reassurance.
Sources
https://transmuraalplatformamsterdam.nl/system/ckeditor_assets/attachments/Patientenlijnen_en_huisartsenlijnen_poliklinieken_BovenIJ.pdf
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/06/adhd-medication-drugs-risks-benefits-children-study
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylphenidate
(Note: No YouTube video met the global public-access criteria at the time of verification; therefore, none is included.)
Appendix
Methylphenidate
A central nervous system stimulant widely used for ADHD. Brands such as Concerta and generics by Mylan, Xiromed and TEVA are available in the Netherlands. Monitoring of pulse, blood pressure and appetite is standard practice.
ADHD
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder involves patterns of inattention, impulsivity and restlessness that affect daily life. Treatment blends behavioural strategies with medication to improve focus and organization.
Controlled medication in the Netherlands
Methylphenidate is regulated under the Dutch Opium Act. Pharmacies may dispense it only with a Dutch prescription. Insurance reimbursement follows once local evaluation confirms medical need.
Polikliniek
The Dutch word for “outpatient clinic.” At BovenIJ hospital (Amsterdam Noord), the Psychiatry / Psychology Polikliniek operates weekdays 08:30–16:30 (Europe/Amsterdam). Contact: 020 634 6206 or poli.psychiatrie@bovenij.nl. Main switchboard: 020 634 6346 / info@bovenij.nl.
Europe/Amsterdam time
The national time zone of the Netherlands, used here for all times and dates referenced.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 