Shortage of medicines for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Information for people with ADHD and schools- October 2023

Shortage of medicines for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Information for people with ADHD and schools- October 2023

Information for people with ADHD - October 2023

 

There is a worldwide shortage of ADHD medicines because of increased global demand and manufacturing problems. In the NHS we are doing everything we can to address this situation, and to support patients until this problem is resolved. Below we have set out answers to some of the questions you may have about this situation. 

 

Which medicines are affected?

At the moment, some methylphenidate and atomoxetine preparations are affected, and all lisdexamfetamine and all guanfacine preparations are affected. This may change and different strengths and preparations may be affected over the coming weeks.

 

How long will the shortage last?

Shortages of the various products are expected to resolve at different times between October and the New Year.

 

Is this affecting all pharmacies?

This is an international shortage affecting all suppliers. Some products remain available, but we do not think there will be enough to cover all shortages of the affected preparations. 

 

What if I cannot get my ADHD prescription?

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. Your local pharmacy may also help you to find a supply, and you can ask for your prescription to be made available to other pharmacies. 

 

If you are still unable to get your prescription, please contact your GP or ADHD service for advice. Do not try to substitute other medications yourself as this may be dangerous.

 

Are there alternatives available?

In most cases, there are alternatives, but they may not be suitable for everyone. Your GP and the ADHD service may be able to advise on alternatives for you, or they may recommend a dose change or short treatment break, and direct you to additional self-help resources.

 

What if I run out?

 

Guanfacine must always be stopped slowly as it can cause your blood pressure to increase if stopped suddenly. You may need to use the supplies you have to do this. Consult your GP or ADHD service as soon as possible if you cannot get your prescription from the pharmacy. 

 

Atomoxetine does not usually cause problems if stopped suddenly, but it is always best to ask your GP or ADHD service for guidance if you think you are running out of medication. 

 

Methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine: for most methylphenidate products there is an equivalent product that can be substituted. Both of these medicines can safely be stopped for a few days, for example over weekends, but it's best to consult your GP or ADHD service for guidance if you think you are running out of medication. 

 

National guidelines recommend having regular treatment breaks from ADHD medications, so it is not unusual to stop taking medication over the weekend or during school holidays.

 

Please remember…

Our doctors, nurses and pharmacists are doing everything they can to help people through a difficult situation. We know that this may be an upsetting situation, but please be patient and remember that this is a worldwide manufacturing problem and healthcare staff are doing their very best to help.

 

Information for schools - October 2023

 

 

Unfortunately, there is a national shortage of some of the medicines used in ADHD. This has been caused by a combination of manufacturing issues and an increased global demand. Other ADHD products remain available, but it is expected that there is not enough supply of these to meet the increases in demand.

 

The shortages are expected to resolve at various dates between October and December. All hospital trusts and GP practices are working with people with ADHD to either prescribe alternative medicines or identify other methods of managing behaviour and engagement.

 

Clinicians are identifying people who are in short supply and have been asked to:

  • Agree an individual management plan with the person/carers according to their current supply, and current/expected availability of the product being taken
  • Consider a treatment break, treatment-free days (e.g. on non-school days) or reduced dosage to extend existing supply 
  • Consider prescribing an alternative medicine or switching to a different brand

 

An information leaflet will be sent out to people with ADHD, parents and carers over the next few days. 

 

Impact

Where medications are being changed, the young person may have a reduction in their current medication before a new medication is introduced. In this time you may notice an increase in hyperactivity and a decrease in that person’s attention. 

 

Where medication dosage is reduced, you may see an increase in hyperactivity and reduction in attention and concentration. 

 

During this period, you may need to consider making reasonable adjustments within your environment to accommodate the additional needs of children/young people affected by the shortage. If you need advice and support about making reasonable adjustments in your environment, please contact your designated clinical officer. 

 

 

Advice

  • ADHD foundation advice for schools supporting children with ADHD in the classroom 
  • Young Minds advice for parents supporting a child with ADHD 

  • There is a range of other support groups and services which will be published on the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board's website. 

Click here to download a copy of the EPIC Strategy Guide Booklet for Teachers of students with ADHD.

 

Other support for ADHD

Medicines play an important part in supporting people with ADHD, but many people find other services and support groups are also helpful. We have outlined some of those services below:

 

All areas

 

You can also find helpful information on the NHS website on healthy living, mindfulness and sleeping and tiredness. 

 

North Cumbria

  • Coaching sessions via Psychiatry UK
  • Support group through the Recovery College   

 

Northumberland

  • Post-diagnostic peer led support group at the Recovery College
  • Tyneside and Northumberland Mind Autistic and ADHD Adult (18+) service, led and facilitated by neurodiverse experts-by-experience. The service is for anyone living in Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside or Northumberland who is diagnosed or self-identifying as neurodiverse and wants to improve their mental health and wellbeing. 
     
    This service offers a regular social group, one-to-one sessions with an occupational therapist to help devise coping strategies and personal goals, and a five-week ‘ADHD and me’ course.
  • ADHD North East

 

North Tyneside

  • Tyneside and Northumberland Mind Autistic and ADHD Adult (18+) service, led and facilitated by neurodiverse experts-by-experience. The service is for anyone living in Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside or Northumberland who is diagnosed or self-identifying as neurodiverse and wants to improve their mental health and wellbeing. 
     
    This service offers a regular social group, one-to-one sessions with an occupational therapist to help devise coping strategies and personal goals, and a five-week ‘ADHD and me’ course.
  • ADHD North East

 

Newcastle and Gateshead

  • Post-diagnostic peer support at the Recovery College.
  • Tyneside and Northumberland Mind Autistic and ADHD Adult (18+) service, led and facilitated by neurodiverse experts-by-experience. The service is for anyone living in Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside or Northumberland who is diagnosed or self-identifying as neurodiverse and wants to improve their mental health and wellbeing. 
     
    This service offers a regular social group, one-to-one sessions with an occupational therapist to help devise coping strategies and personal goals, and a five-week ‘ADHD and me’ course.
  • ADHD North East

 

South Tyneside

  • Tyneside and Northumberland Mind Autistic and ADHD Adult (18+) service, led and facilitated by neurodiverse experts-by-experience. The service is for anyone living in Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside or Northumberland who is diagnosed or self-identifying as neurodiverse and wants to improve their mental health and wellbeing. 
     
    This service offers a regular social group, one-to-one sessions with an occupational therapist to help devise coping strategies and personal goals, and a five-week ‘ADHD and me’ course.
  • ADHD North East

 

Sunderland

 

Durham and Tees Valley

  • Online recovery colleges
  • Adult ADHD Support Groups Northeast UK offers friendly, informal meetings for adults who have a diagnosis or are in the process of seeking a diagnosis of ADHD and partners of adults with ADHD. Friends and relatives are welcome. 07856 212 564 / aadhd_ne@yahoo.co.uk
  • Daisy Chain runs social groups for neurodivergent adults in Tees Valley. Darlington, Middlesbrough, and Hartlepool groups are open for expressions of interest; groups in Stockton and Redcar & Cleveland are planned. 
  • ADHD North East

 

If you have further questions, please speak with your GP practice or ADHD service. 

 

Created in partnership by North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust and Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust. Accurate in October 2023

www.northeastnorthcumbria.nhs.uk

NHS NE
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