Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has become much more prevalent as of late. Social media plays a huge part in this, along with an increase in normalising symptoms by openly talking about ADHD. However, this rise in awareness has caused a surge in diagnosis, which has unfortunately led to a national supply issue, which at present, is still unclear when it will be resolved.
We understand this situation is very concerning for those affected, especially for parents of children affected by ADHD. Here at Beyond, a private ADHD clinic in Manchester, our advice is still to remain calm, continue with your current, or your child’s current medication, and order your repeat medication a few weeks before your prescription ends.
The Surge in ADHD Diagnosis
As awareness and understanding of ADHD have grown, more individuals are seeking ADHD assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. This increased demand, coupled with a growing recognition of ADHD in adults, has led to a higher number of prescriptions being written for ADHD medications.
A decrease in stigma is also a cause for the surge in ADHD diagnosis, as mental health conditions slowly become more accepted, individuals, parents, educators, and the medical community become more aware of ADHD symptoms.
What’s causing the Current Shortage in ADHD Medication?
This increase in awareness and understanding has led many people to feel less sensitive about obtaining an ADHD assessment. Being able to readily see ADHD symptoms over channels such as social media means that we have access as we have never had before and the more rare and obscure symptoms of the neurodevelopmental condition become apparent, leading many people who have dealt with feelings of being “different” to get checked out.
This awareness, manufacturing issues, and an increase in global demand are the main factors in the medication shortage.
Which Medications are Affected?
All ADHD medications are likely to be affected at some point, as many types of medicines were starting to run out in early October and it is important to note that even when medicines do start to come back into stock, the national shortage means they may run out again. Along with an ongoing national supply issue with Atomoxetine, the medications affected by the current supply disruption are:
Methylphenidate
· Equasym XL 10, 20, and 30mg capsules
· Xaggitin XL 18 and 36mg prolonged-release tablets
· Concerta XL 54mg prolonged-release tablets
· Xenidate XL 27mg prolonged-release tablets
Lisdexamfetamine
· Elvanse 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70mg capsules
· Elvanse Adult 30, 50, and 70mg capsules
Guanfacine
· Intuniv 1, 2, 3, and 4mg prolonged-release tablets
How Long Will It Last?
Unfortunately, the situation continues to change, and a national patient safety alert issued by the Department of Health and Social Care issued at the of end September 2023, suggested the situation may take several months to return to the usual levels of supply. As often is the case with national shortages, supply chains remain fragile even when a product becomes available again, so some medications may only be available temporarily and go out of stock again at short notice.
What to do if Your Medication is Affected by the Shortage
There are steps you can take to ensure you are affected as little as possible by these shortages, including calling other pharmacies that may have your medication in stock. If, after trying a few pharmacies you still struggle to source your medication, contact the person who prescribes the medication for advice, they will be doing all they can to help you and others affected by the shortage.
You may be wondering if it is possible to switch to a similar medication that Is not affected by the shortages. Switching is a complex process and not something advised unless the circumstances are exceptional. Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has reported several patients requesting to switch medications based on a conversation with their GP but the response in almost all cases is that it is not advisable or possible.
Effective communication, increased physical activity, and supporting an organised approach to daily living can help those affected by the shortage to cope, alongside getting good sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising, and psychoeducation.
Rationing and Conserving Supplies.
This approach could work for those taking Methylphenidate, Lisdexamfetamine, and Atomoxetine without the need to reduce the dose first, however, in all cases of reducing or stopping medication, it is important to receive health advice first. For those slowly stopping or starting Guanfacine, it is highly advisable to contact your specialist or prescriber before you run out.
Taking a Break from Medication.
There are pros and cons to taking a medication break, many people already take breaks at weekends or on certain days they feel their symptoms may benefit them. Pros of taking a break from medication are that it gives you a chance to see if your ADHD symptoms are changing, as hyperactivity symptoms tend to lessen over time. It is also a chance to see if other forms of therapies can work on their own, such as talking therapies. Cons of a medication break are that your symptoms are likely to reappear, and it could lead to impulsive behaviours such as acting without thinking.
Supporting Your Child Through the ADHD Medication Shortage.
If your child is due to start taking ADHD medication, it is understandable to feel worried about the current situation. Unfortunately, the NHS has had to delay all new appointments until medication becomes available again, this is where a private ADHD clinic may come in useful.
Some children have separate medication provided for home and school, but due to the shortages, it may not be possible for both to be provided, in this case, it is recommended to share the medication between home and school, where the medication is handed over to teachers in the morning and handed back in the evening. The NHS is currently advising the next prescription to be requested when you have 14 days of medication left, allowing enough time for the prescription to be sourced and delivered.
Beyond Clinic’s Model of Prescribing ADHD Medication
Beyond is a private ADHD clinic in Manchester, founded by a team of people who have ADHD, in response to the challenge of gaining an ADHD assessment and diagnosis both from the NHS and within the private sector. Our comprehensive medication care pathway includes prescribed medication delivered straight to your door. Without the ties to suppliers that the NHS has at Beyond we can access the medication you need and deliver it when you need it.
Signing up for our medication care plan ensures you receive ongoing monthly reviews and support from specialists and ADHD nurse practitioners, with calls in between from a dedicated patient coordinator who can answer concerns or interlink with the clinical team if needed. Our team of skilled clinicians will ensure this runs smoothly with prescribed medication being delivered straight to your door.
A Private ADHD Clinic in Manchester
Our team at Beyond Clinics is a dedicated group of specialist psychiatrists and practitioners with a shared passion for helping individuals who suspect they may have a neurodevelopmental condition. Our team is committed to providing a robust ADHD assessment and evidence-based interventions that meet the needs of each individual.
We put you at the heart of your health journey and will work to ensure that you are not affected by the current medication shortages. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
