ADHD Medication
Currently there are global problems with the availability and supply of a range of medication used to treat ADHD. Unfortunately, it is currently unclear when the supply disruptions are expected to be resolved, in September the Department of Health and Social care suggested the situation may take several months to resolve.
The following medications are in short supply at this time:
Methylphenidate:
- Equasym XL® 10, 20 and 30 mg capsules
- Xaggitin XL® 18 and 36 mg prolonged-release tablets
- Concerta XL® 54 mg prolonged-release tablets
- Xenidate XL® 27 mg prolonged-release tablets
Lisdexamfetamine:
- Elvanse® 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg and 70 mg capsules
- Elvanse® Adult 30mg, 50mg, and 70 mg capsules
Guanfacine:
- Intuniv® 1mg, 2mg, 3mg and 4 mg prolonged-release tablets
Atomoxetine – all strengths
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 national 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 and will be trying to do what they can to help you.
Reducing / stopping ADHD medication
Excluding Intuniv, it is usually safe to stop medications such as methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, and atomoxetine without needing to reduce the dose first.
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.
Treatment breaks / alternate days
Many people already take treatment breaks from their ADHD medication at weekends or certain days. This national shortage may be a good opportunity to see how you are on a treatment break. There are pros and cons to a treatment break.
Some Pros of a treatment break:
- Easing of medication side effects such as lack of appetite, weight loss, sleep troubles, or stomach pain.
- A chance to see if other therapies (such as support for your condition in educational setting/work, practical advice around managing ADHD symptoms and or talking therapies) work on their own.
- It can also help you find out if your ADHD symptoms are changing. For many people, ADHD symptoms (especially hyperactivity) lessen over time. Sometimes they even go away completely.
- It may be easier to determine how severe your symptoms are when you are not taking medication.
Some Cons of a treatment break:
- ADHD symptoms may reappear or get worse. Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention may become problems again within a day or so of stopping medication.
- You’ll need to be extra attentive. Medication helps people with ADHD pay attention during tough tasks like driving.
- It may lead to impulsive behaviours such as being indulgent, underestimating tasks, or acting without thinking.
- Once you re-start medication it might take a while for medication such as nonstimulants to work again.