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National ADHD medication shortages

Last updated on 12 March 2024
Hertfordshire County Councilby Hertfordshire County Council

You may be aware there are shortages in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications across the UK. In this letter you will find some information to explain the current situation and some suggestions about what your education setting can do to support students, parents and carers to manage this period of shortage.

The shortage is a result of a supply issue and has been caused by a combination of manufacturing issues and an increased global demand. The shortage in medication is affecting both children and adults who require it and is likely to remain into the first few weeks/months of 2024. Practices and specialists have contacted affected patients (or parents/carers) directly.

ADHD medication can help children in different ways. For some, it may help them move less in class, for others, it will help improve their attention/concentration, so that they are able to listen and engage with learning. For other children, it may help them be less impulsive, for example, not running out of class, unable to wait their turn etc.

How your education setting can help

  • Ensure a plan is put in place to help manage ADHD and related behaviours if you are aware that children are off ADHD medication for more than ONE week.
  • If your education setting administers ADHD medication to a child, have a system in place to take and handover the medication at the end of the school day and during holiday periods. Due to the current shortages, it may not be possible to provide a separate supply for school and another supply for home.
  • If there are any concerns or if education settings require support, please ask the parent to contact the child’s specialist team.What parents and carers have been advised• To let the child’s education setting know there is an issue with their supply of ADHD medication.
  • To agree a plan with the school’s SEN team about how to support their child to remain at school if their child is attending without having ADHD medication.
  • To continue ordering repeat ADHD medication as usual and when required, but not stockpile the medication.
  • To check stock at their local pharmacy when required.
  • Not to abruptly stop the treatment unless advised and to contact the GP/specialist service if they are unable to find the ADHD medication for their child.