Many neurodivergent conditions are managed without medication. However, medication can help people with ADHD pay attention during tough tasks like exams, driving, or at work.
There continues to be a national shortage of some ADHD medications. Please be patient and remember that this is a worldwide manufacturing problem and healthcare staff are doing their best to help.
Please do not share your medication with anyone else or stop your medication suddenly.
Anyone who is currently waiting to be prescribed ADHD medication will not receive any until stocks are available.
A non-clinical helpline is available for patients who would like more information on the supply disruption. Phone 01634 335095, option 3 then option 3 – ADHD medicine shortages.
Below are some tips to help you during the medication shortage.
- Tell your family, friends, school, or workplace about the shortage of medication. This can help them understand so they can be more supportive and make adjustments for you.
- Check how much medication you have on a regular basis, so you can manage your supply as well as you can.
- Try different pharmacies if you cannot get your prescription from your usual pharmacy.
- Some coping strategies may help such as increased physical activity, having an organised approach to daily living, good sleep, eating a balanced diet, and talking therapies. However, we know that this might be not possible for everyone.
We know these things are not as simple as they sound for people with ADHD. Below are some questions and answers to help you manage.
Methylphenidate
- Equasym XL® 10, 20 and 30 mg capsules
- Concerta XL® 54 mg tablet
- Xaggitin XL® 18 and 36 mg tablets
- Xenidate XL® 27 mg tablets
Lisdexamfetamine
- Elvanse® 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 mg capsules
- Elvanse® Adult 30, 50, and 70 mg capsules
Guanfacine
- Intuniv® 1, 2, 3 and 4 mg tablets
Atomoxetine
If you are taking any of the medications mentioned above, your ADHD medicine prescriber will contact you to review your situation and advise the most appropriate option for you.
If your needs are very complex, for example you have mental health problems, or your ADHD symptoms causes you severe difficulty, you can discuss this with your GP, and they may recommend a specialist consultant review.
Anyone who is currently waiting to be prescribed ADHD medication will not receive any until stocks are available.
The shortage of ADHD medicines is caused by a combination of manufacturing issues and an increased global demand as more people are diagnosed as there is greater awareness of ADHD.
Supplies of these products are expected to be reinstated gradually. Patients should not attend hospital pharmacies to collect their ADHD medications.
Check the amount of medication you have available. Inform your usual prescriber if you have less than two weeks treatment remaining. Your prescriber may suggest taking a medication ‘holiday’, using your medication only on a ‘when required’ basis or a temporary change to brand, drug, or dosage.
NICE guidelines recommend having regular treatment breaks from ADHD medications. It is not unusual to take medicine breaks.
The disruption may affect different products at different times. Your prescriber will advise if you need a review as a result of a change to your current medication.
Your ADHD treatment may need to be changed in view of the disruption. This may mean changing to a different brand and in rare cases, a different medication. This will be determined by stock levels of different brands.
If one pharmacy is unable to get supplies, please try a different pharmacy. You can find pharmacies in your local area.
Pharmacies may use different suppliers or wholesalers to source medicines. Availability will depend on each pharmacy’s supplier. Try visiting independent pharmacies, as well as the larger pharmacy chains, because their suppliers will differ.
Some larger pharmacy chains have stock checkers online so you can find out which branches have the medication you need. This is an example of a stock checker – other pharmacy chains may have their own versions.
Where there is a known disruption to medication, supply levels can change quickly. This is why pharmacies in one area may be able to find a medicine and others may not.
Alternatively, it may be best to leave the prescription form (known as an FP10) with a pharmacy that could check wholesaler stock levels daily and place an order.
No. All medicines for ADHD need a prescription – Methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine are controlled drugs. Please obtain all medication legally via a prescription and a pharmacy.
If you feel unwell or unsafe, please seek care by the usual routes. This may be via a specialist or with your pharmacist, GP, 111 or, in an emergency 999.