ADHD meds are in short supply. Here's why, and what can you do about it

Australia Broadcast Center

15 hours ago

Some of the most common medications for ADHD are set to be in short supply until the end of the year, which means plenty of people across Australia may find their pharmacist can't fill their prescriptions.
So, what are your options?
We asked the experts why this was happening and what you can do if you're unable to fill out your regular prescription.
In short, it's complicated.
As Professor Dave Coghill explained, it came down to both a supply issue for the raw ingredient from the United States used in methylphenidate — and found in popular brands such as Ritalin and Concerta — as well as an increase in diagnoses.
"It's actually a very complex supply chain problem. There's no malice and I think the companies that make the medication are quite embarrassed that they aren't able to fulfil their demands," he said.
"It's a global problem, but not one that it's very easy — even for the companies based in Australia selling the medicines — to do anything about because they're not in control of production."
It's difficult to put an exact number on the amount of people affected in Australia, because not everyone with a diagnosis is medicated.
But it's estimated more than one million Australians live with ADHD.
Professor Coghill, president of the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association, said the impact was significant.
"Of the total number [of people medicated], we're talking under 1 per cent, but 1 per cent of all Australians is still a lot of Australians," he said.
Firstly, don't panic.
Because the issue is specifically about the supply of methylphenidate, there are other medications that should be available.
If your regular medication isn't in stock, there are others that are equally as good, Professor Coghill said.
He suggested going to your prescriber — such as your psychiatrist or your child's developmental paediatrician — and explaining the issue.
They should be able to help.
"Talk to your prescriber, talk to them quickly. Don't leave it lingering. People with ADHD are very good at procrastinating," he said.
Professor Coghill said "almost always" your prescriber will be able to work out a good solution for you.
John Kramer, the chair of the Royal Australian College of GP's ADHD, ASD and neurodiversity specialist group, is a certified prescriber and GP.
He agreed.
"All prescribers will now be aware of the problem — you'd have to be living under a rock not to know about it," he said.
"I think if you've got an existing patient that you're prescribing for, then you've got a professional responsibility to not delay, too long, in them accessing their care.
"And that means you have to slow down seeing new patients."
Again, don't stress.
Dr Kramer said your regular GP can also assist.
"GPs who see patients with ADHD, who aren't actually prescribing for them, can still be helpful," he explained.
"If a patient or a child is completely out of their medication and can't get seen, they can still approach their GP because advocacy is still one of the most important roles that GPs have."
Your GP can also ring the regulatory authority in your jurisdiction and make an individual application for medication.
"If you've got a patient that's completely out [of medication] and they can't get seen, they can put the case that this person is completely out of their usual stuff. That they can't be seen for a couple of months," Dr Kramer said.
"I think that the regulator would have to show some compassion and flexibility."
Generally, this isn't a good idea.
While Professor Coghill acknowledged any adult with ADHD was able to make their own decisions, and the medication doesn't come with withdrawal symptoms, it's best to continue being treated during the shortage.
"ADHD isn't just a school thing or a work thing. Family tensions can be greater when people aren't treated and less when they are treated," he said.