18th October 2023
National shortage of ADHD medications
Unfortunately, there is currently a national shortage of ADHD medication, which was highlighted to the team via a patient safety alert issued on 27 September 2023 by the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England.
The patient safety alert advises services not to initiate patients on products affected by this shortage.
The alert highlighted that the shortage is across a range of ADHD medications including:
- Methylphenidate (Equasym, Concerta, Xenidate, Xaggitin)
- Lisdexamfetamine (Elvanse)
- Guanfacine (Intuniv)
This alert is in addition to existing supply issues with Atomoxetine (Strattera).
The shortage in supply has been caused by manufacturing issues and an increase in global demand.
CWP has no control over the supply of this medication and the shortage is being experienced by all healthcare providers.
Please be reassured the ADHD Team are working closely with the Trust Pharmacy Team to keep up to date with the supply situation.
The ADHD Team will continue to offer advice via e-mail and review appointments with our specialist nurses to support during this challenging time.
Please take some time to look at the following support services and resources which you and your child may find helpful:
Useful website links
Advice
- Eat a Healthy Diet - While diet does not cause ADHD, it does have an effect on mood, energy levels, and symptoms. Set regular snack and mealtimes. Add more omega-three fatty acids to your child’s diet and make sure your child’s getting enough zinc, iron, and magnesium. For further help: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/
- Get Plenty of Sleep Regular quality sleep can lead to vast improvement in the symptoms of ADHD. Simple changes to daytime habits go a long way toward resting well at night. Have a set bedtime and stick to it. Avoid using screens (phones, tablets, etc.) before bedtime. For further help: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/how-to-get-to-sleep/
- Mindfulness/Meditation - The benefits of mindfulness and meditation include enhanced attention control, memory, emotional regulation, coping with stress, and relationships with others; all of which can be areas of challenge for young people living with ADHD. Your child may find it helpful to practice mindfulness/meditation online (i.e., http://www.freemindfulness.org/download) or through apps (i.e., Headspace, Insight Timer, Calm).
- Exercise Regularly - Exercising is one of the most effective ways to reduce the symptoms of ADHD. Physical activity boosts the brain's dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels; all of which affect focus and attention.
Parent training/education programmes - This is to help parents learn specific skills to manage behaviour and many parents benefit from the support they get from meeting other parents living with a child or young person with ADHD.
Please be advised that if there are any concerns regarding your child’s mental health and wellbeing, then the CWP 24/7 All Age Urgent Mental Health Helpline Freephone 0800 145 6485 can be contacted for advice.
Yours sincerely,
CWP Child and Young Person ADHD Team
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