Update on ADHD medication shortage

11 July 2024

We are providing an important update on the ongoing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medication shortages affecting the UK.

This situation impacts several medications commonly used to treat ADHD, leading to significant disruptions for patients. We acknowledge the challenges this shortage presents and are committed to providing support to our clinicians and patients.

There is no one reason there are shortages in the ADHD medication supply. There has been an increase in demand for medication to manage ADHD. There has also been a change in the companies who produce and supply the medication. All this combined has led to difficulties in meeting the supply needs of patients. 

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside are aware of this situation and are utilising our services to support the patients and families affected.

The medicines affected are:

  • Methylphenidate prolonged-release capsules and tablets

  • Lisdexamfetamine capsules

  • Guanfacine prolonged-release tablets

  • Atomoxetine capsules and liquid

Key Points for patients/parents and carers

  • Please do not make decisions about the type of medicine or dosage without guidance from the ADHD team or your Doctor

  • Please do not share medication or use old supplies.

  • Anyone who is currently waiting to be started on ADHD medication will not receive a prescription until stocks are available.

  • It is usually safe to stop medications such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine. Many patients take breaks from these medications over weekends and during school holidays. If this is possible, please do so.

  • For those on atomoxetine please seek advice before stopping.

  • If you are prescribed Guanfacine (Intuniv®) please contact your ADHD service and this medication must be stopped slowly as it can cause your blood pressure to increase if stopped suddenly. Consult your GP or ADHD service as soon as possible if you cannot get your prescription from the pharmacy.

  • You may receive different quantities of medication than usual as we try to make the supply cover everyone that needs it. Please don’t submit a request sooner than the 21 days before you run out of medication.

  • Please do not buy medicines from the internet or from abroad as these may be out of date, diluted or fake and could be dangerous to your health.

  • Please remember to be respectful at all times when communicating with NHS staff.

What should I do if I cannot get my ADHD prescription from my usual community pharmacy?

  • Pharmacies may use different suppliers or wholesalers to source medicines so availability will depend on whether each pharmacy’s suppliers have stock or not. Please try visiting independent pharmacies as well as the larger pharmacy chains, as their suppliers will differ.

  • 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 (FP10) with a pharmacy that could check wholesaler stock levels daily and place an order.

Frequently asked questions

Why is there a shortage in ADHD medications?

There is a global shortage of medicines used to help manage ADHD symptoms. The shortage of these products is caused by a combination of manufacturing issues and an increase in global demand.

How long will the shortage last?

Unfortunately, the situation continues to change.  Although some products have come back into stock recently, supply chains remain fragile. The same products may only be available on a temporary basis and may go out of stock at short notice. 

It is important to receive health advice before stopping any ADHD medication, or reducing the amount that you take.

Who are the shortages affecting?

Shortages in ADHD medications have impacted on many people and places and everyone may be affected at some point. This shortage affects children and adults, general and specialist services, and all doctors and pharmacies.

Are there alternative medications?

Although some products have come back into stock recently, supplies remain unpredictable. The same products may only be available on a temporary basis and may go out of stock at short notice. 

Whilst there may not be an alternative medicine, there are coping strategies to help if you are without medicines. Things such as effective communication, increased physical activity, and supporting an organised approach to daily living can all help cope with ADHD. Other support measures include getting a good sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercise, and psychoeducation

Is it worth ringing around pharmacies to see if stock is available?

If you cannot get your ADHD prescription from your usual pharmacy, please try other pharmacies who may have it in stock. If you are unable to get your prescription after trying a few different pharmacies, please contact the person who prescribed the medication for advice. This may be your GP or specialist health team.

Please remember that this is a global shortage so it still may not be possible to obtain a supply of your medicine. Your pharmacist or doctor is not responsible for the lack of medicines. They will be trying to do what they can to help you.

Can I ration and conserve my supplies?

It is important to receive health advice before stopping any ADHD medication or reducing the amount that you take.

  • It is usually safe to stop medications such as methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine. Many patients take breaks from these medications over weekends and during school holidays. If this is possible, please do so.

  • For those on atomoxetine please seek advice before stopping.

  • For those on Guanfacin (Intuniv) DO NOT stop this medication abruptly. Seek advice from your Doctor/ADHD team.

What will happen if I or someone I care for is due to start medication soon?

You may recently have received a letter with an appointment to discuss starting medication for the treatment of ADHD. Unfortunately, due to the global shortages of ADHD medications, appointments are delayed until the medication becomes available with a supply that is consistent and guaranteed.

What should I do if my child is administered ADHD medication at home and at school?

If your child is having medication administered at school by staff it is important to let the school Special Educational Needs (SEN) team know about any shortages in ADHD medication that are affecting your child.

Schools generally 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.

In cases, where the ADHD medication is needing to be shared between home and school, please request the next prescription when you have 21 days of medication left. This should allow enough time for the prescription to come from GP/specialist team and for the pharmacy to source the medication.

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. If you or the SEN team would like advice and support please contact your child’s CAMHS team.

If you are open to social care - please let your social worker/ family support worker know of the shortages

How else can I support myself or my child during medication shortages?

Things such as effective communication, increased physical activity, and supporting an organised approach to daily living can all help cope with ADHD.

Other support measures include having a good sleep routine, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and psychoeducation. This communication and planning can help ensure your child's well-being and continuity of care despite the medication shortages.

Further information

The following links signpost to national and local resources that patients/parents may find helpful: