National Shortage of ADHD Medications

The NHS has been advised that there is currently a national shortage of several medications used in the treatment of ADHD. This is expected to last until December 2023.

Please let us know in good time if you are unable to obtain the medicine you need from a pharmacy, as we may need to discuss with your specialist a suitable alternative for you.

For newly diagnosed patients

Please be advised that the medications prescribed for ADHD require careful monitoring in conjunction with your specialist, and we in general practice are unable to make changes to the drugs or doses used in your treatment.

Given the current uncertainty around supply of these medications, we have made the decision currently not to accept any requests for shared care from psychiatry providers. This means that your specialist will not currently be able to discharge you to the care of your GP, and will need to continue obtaining prescription from your mental health clinician. This will make it quicker and easier for you to source an alternative if your medication becomes unavailable.

We are currently reviewing our long-term policy on accepting shared care for ADHD medications from private psychiatry providers, and will update this page with further information once available.

Click here if you'd like to view the National Patient Safety Alert.