You may have heard, either from your clinician, pharmacist or in the media, that there is a national supply shortage of the medication prescribed to help manage ADHD symptoms. The shortage has been caused by a combination of manufacturing issues and an increased global demand.

Our ADHD service is working closely with local GPs and community pharmacies to address the shortage and find supplies of ADHD medicines. We know how important your medication is to you so please be patient with our staff who are working hard to support you until the problem has been resolved.

Below we have set out answers to some of the questions you may have about the situation. If you have any worries or concerns, please contact your GP surgery or specialist team.

Which medications is there a shortage of?
The medication that we are receiving shortages of include:

• 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:
Capsules 10mg, 25mg, 40mg and 60mg
Oral solution 4mg/ml

What is the current situation?
At the moment, there are problems with the availability and supply of a range of medication used to help manage ADHD symptoms. There are supplies of medication coming in, but this is changing every day.

Why is there a shortage?
There is no single reason why there is a shortage. 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. Some have stopped making certain strengths and others have stopped making certain products. All of this combined has led to difficulties in meeting the supply needs of patients.

How long will the shortage last?
It is expected to last until the start of January 2024.

What should I do?
For now, please continue with the medication you have been prescribed.

Please order repeat medication from your GP with at least 7-14 days’ supply of medication left.

If you cannot get your medication from your usual pharmacy, the first step is to try other pharmacies, as another one may have it in stock. You can use the find a pharmacy page on the NHS website, www.nhs.uk. Some pharmacies also have an online stock checker e.g. Boots pharmacy | Online Prescription stock checker.

What should I do if I am still unable to get my prescription?
Please contact your GP at the earliest opportunity if your medication is a regular repeat from your GP surgery.

Please contact us at ndsadhd@yourhealthcare.org if we are prescribing your medication (or you have only recently started ADHD medication).

Where your medication or a particular strength is not available, your GP/member of our team will talk to you about other medication strengths or options available. Please do not try to substitute other medications yourself as this may be dangerous.

For further information or queries, you can contact us at ndsadhd@yourhealthcare.org. Please bear with us as we are dealing with a very high level of queries at the moment.

Adapted from South West London and St Georges document 6.11.23

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