Since September 2023 there has been a national shortage of ADHD medications across the UK. This is affecting both adults and children. This shortage is due to increased global demand and manufacturing problems.

Although some medication shortages are showing some improvements, there are still a number of medication types and strengths affected by the shortages.

Key Points:

• The ADHD medication shortage is ongoing and could affect various medications and strengths at any time.
• Different types, strengths, and brands may be out of stock for varying periods.
• If you’re already on medication, continue with your current prescription unless advised to change by your doctor.
• New patients may face delays in starting medication due to supply issues.
• The situation can change quickly, and we will keep you updated.
• Please note we are unable to contact pharmacies on your behalf to locate stock.

Which medications are affected by the shortage?

Some methylphenidate products are still in short supply, though which brands and strengths are affected keeps changing.

Lisdexamfetamine (Elvase®) is also in short supply, with some strengths possibly unavailable for a few more months.

Guanfacine (Intuniv®) and atomoxetine are currently available.

How long will the shortage last?

We cannot say when the shortages will end, but we are closely monitoring the situation.

What if I am about to start ADHD Medication?

Methylphenidate is typically the first-line option for ADHD treatment. However, due to the shortage of methylphenidate modified release, new appointments for starting medication are currently delayed. We will start these appointments as soon as a reliable supply of medication is available.

As medication becomes available, we will start the children & young people on our waiting list according to their age. In the next few weeks, we will be prioritising young people who will be taking exams. School years 11 and 13.

If I'm already on ADHD medication how does this affect my treatment?

If you are currently on ADHD medication, we strongly advise you to stay on your prescribed medication unless there are exceptional reasons to switch. Changing medications at this time may lead to further complications, as alternative medications could also face shortages.

Some medicines are available as different brand names but have the same effect as each other so patients can safely switch between these brands, without any difference on how they work. Where clinically appropriate, clinicians may issue generic prescriptions for these medicines, which allow pharmacies to dispense whichever brand is available.

Recommendations for managing the shortage

1. Order Your Medication Early

To avoid running out of your medication, place your prescription order well in advance.

2. Contact Different Pharmacies

If your usual pharmacy doesn’t have your medication, try contacting others. Prescriptions can be transferred electronically between pharmacies. We recommend trying both independent pharmacies and large chains, as their stock availability may vary. Use the following link to find local pharmacies: Find a Pharmacy..

Please note we are unable to contact pharmacies on your behalf to locate stock.

What can I do if I can’t find stock?

Intunviv/Guanfacine

At the time of writing, guanfacine (Intuiniv®) is available.

Guanfacine should not be abruptly stopped or reduced unless advised by the specialist. The specialist team will contact you to provide advice on what to do should there be a supply problem in future. Please ensure you order your medication in advance before running out.

Methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine

If you're unable to obtain these medications, here are some strategies to help manage your ADHD:

• Rationing Medication (with the exception of guanfacine/Intuniv/atomoxetine – see above): You may need to prioritise taking your medication on days when it's most necessary, such as workdays or during significant events like exams.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: If you run out of medication, you may experience temporary withdrawal symptoms such as tiredness, reduced functioning, and worsened ADHD symptoms, which typically subside within 3–4 days.
• Healthy Habits: Ensure you get good sleep, maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and stay organised. Effective communication and prioritising your wellbeing learning about and understanding mental health & wellbeing approaches can help manage symptoms during this time.
• Do Not Buy Medications Online or Abroad: Medications purchased from the internet or other countries may be unsafe, expired, or counterfeit.
• Generally, it's safe to stop medications like methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine, without needing to gradually reduce the dose.

If you experience severe mental health symptoms, contact NHS 111 for support.

Advice for schools & nurseries

If your child receives ADHD medication at school, it's important to inform the school's Special Educational Needs (SEN) team about the shortages. Here's some advice:

1. It might be helpful to agree a plan with the school SEN team and class teacher to help support your child whilst they are at school in the event your child attends school and has not taken their ADHD medication.

2. Some schools like to keep an ‘original pack’ labelled for the child at school. Due to the current shortages, it may not be possible to provide a separate supply for home and school. The advice would be to share the medication between home and school and agree with the school who the medication should be handed to at the start of the school day and who will hand it back to the parent at the end of the school day.

3. If you need to share the ADHD medication between home and school, request the next prescription when you have 14 days' worth of medication left. This allows time for the prescription to be processed by your GP or specialist team and for the pharmacy to source the medication.

4. If you are involved with social care, inform your social worker or family support worker about the medication shortages.

This communication and planning can help ensure your child's well-being and continuity of care despite the medication shortages.

Please note we are unable to contact pharmacies on your behalf to locate stock.