ADHD Medication Shortages in the UK: What's Happening & What to Do

Why Are ADHD Medications in Short Supply?

Several overlapping factors are driving UK ADHD medication shortages:

• Surge in diagnoses: ADHD diagnosis rates have increased significantly since 2019, driven by increased awareness, social media, post-pandemic reassessments, and NHS Right to Choose access — far outpacing manufacturing capacity.
• Global supply chain constraints: Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for stimulant medications are manufactured by a small number of facilities worldwide, creating fragile supply chains.
• Manufacturing delays: Regulatory requirements for Schedule 2 controlled drug production add additional complexity and lead time.
• Formulation preference shifts: Patient and prescriber preference for certain branded formulations (particularly Elvanse) has concentrated demand unevenly.
• MHRA shortage notifications: The MHRA has issued multiple formal shortage notifications for methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine products since 2022.

Which Medications Are Most Frequently Affected?

• Elvanse (lisdexamfetamine) capsules — all strengths (20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg, 70mg): the most commonly reported shortage.
• Concerta XL (methylphenidate extended-release) — particularly 18mg and 54mg.
• Medikinet XL (methylphenidate modified-release) — multiple strengths.
• Ritalin 10mg tablets — periodic shortages.
• Dexamfetamine tablets — occasional shortages.
• Atomoxetine (Strattera) — generally better availability; worth asking your prescriber about as an alternative.

What to Do If Your Pharmacy Is Out of Stock

1. 1

   Ring around multiple pharmacies

   Phone — do not visit — 5–10 pharmacies in your area, including both chains (Boots, Lloyds, Well) and independent pharmacies. Independents often have access to different wholesalers and can sometimes source stock that chains cannot.

2. 2

   Check our stock tracker

   Our crowd-sourced medication stock tracker shows recent reports from patients and pharmacists in your area. Filter by drug name and postcode area to find the most recently confirmed in-stock pharmacies near you.

3. 3

   Ask your pharmacist about alternatives

   Ask your pharmacist: "Is there a bioequivalent alternative to [medication] that my prescriber could switch me to?" They can identify therapeutically equivalent options and advise your prescriber.

4. 4

   Contact your prescriber

   If you cannot find stock within a reasonable radius, contact your prescriber or GP. They can issue a new prescription for an alternative formulation or drug if clinically appropriate.

5. 5

   Ask your pharmacy to order ahead

   Many pharmacies will place a forward order for controlled drugs if you give them enough notice. Ask your pharmacy to order your next prescription 2–3 weeks in advance to reduce the risk of running out.

Can I Switch to an Alternative Medication?

Yes — in many cases your prescriber can switch you to a bioequivalent or therapeutically similar medication. This is a clinical decision that requires a new prescription.

• Elvanse shortage: Consider switching to dexamfetamine (the active metabolite of lisdexamfetamine — note: doses are not directly equivalent).
• Concerta XL shortage: Other methylphenidate modified-release products (Medikinet XL, Xenidate XL, Equasym XL) may be available.
• Methylphenidate shortage generally: Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse) may be in stock when methylphenidate products are not.

Report Stock to Help Others in Your Area

Our medication stock tracker is crowd-sourced — it only stays accurate because patients and pharmacists submit reports. When you find a pharmacy with your medication in stock (or confirm it is out), please take 30 seconds to submit a report.

Every report you submit helps other patients in your area find medication faster. Over time, reports build a pattern that reveals which areas and pharmacies reliably stock which medications — invaluable intelligence during a shortage.

Frequently Asked Questions