Navigating the ADHD Medication Shortage in the UK

The ongoing ADHD medication shortage across the United Kingdom has left thousands of patients struggling to access their prescribed treatments. This situation, which began in late 2023 and continues into 2025, affects methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine, and other essential ADHD medications.

Understanding the Current Shortage

The shortage stems from manufacturing difficulties, increased global demand, and supply chain disruptions. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) reports intermittent availability of various ADHD medications, with some formulations completely unavailable for weeks at a time.

Recent data from the British Medical Association indicates that 92% of pharmacies report difficulty obtaining ADHD medications regularly. This affects an estimated 1.5 million adults and children diagnosed with ADHD across the UK, according to ADHD UK's latest survey.

Practical Steps During Medication Shortages

When facing medication unavailability, several evidence-based approaches can help maintain symptom management. A systematic review published in the Journal of Attention Disorders (2024) suggests that structured daily routines significantly improve executive function when medication access is limited.

Contact your prescriber early when supplies run low. Many GPs now issue prescriptions for alternative formulations or dosages that may have better availability. The NHS recommends calling multiple pharmacies, as stock levels vary considerably between locations and chains.

Consider asking your prescriber about different release formulations. If your extended-release medication is unavailable, immediate-release versions might be accessible, though this requires dose adjustment and more frequent administration.

Alternative Management Strategies

Cognitive behavioural therapy specifically designed for ADHD shows substantial benefits. Research from King's College London demonstrates that CBT reduces ADHD symptoms by approximately 30% when used alongside or instead of medication during shortages.

Regular exercise provides measurable symptom relief. A meta-analysis in Pediatrics found that 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise improves attention and reduces hyperactivity for several hours. Swimming, cycling, and running appear particularly beneficial.

Sleep hygiene becomes even more crucial during medication gaps. Maintaining consistent sleep-wake times, limiting screen exposure before bed, and creating a cool, dark sleeping environment helps regulate the circadian rhythms often disrupted in ADHD.

Working with Healthcare Providers

Document your symptoms carefully during medication shortages. This information helps your healthcare provider adjust treatment plans and provides evidence if you need workplace or educational accommodations.

Some patients benefit from temporarily switching to non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine or guanfacine, which have different supply chains and may be more readily available. These medications work differently from stimulants and require several weeks to reach full effectiveness.

The situation requires patience and flexibility. Many patients find that combining partial medication doses with behavioural strategies provides adequate symptom control until full supplies resume.

If you're struggling with ADHD medication access or need support developing alternative management strategies, book a free consultation via WhatsApp with our specialist team at TheOnlineGP to discuss personalised solutions.