ADHD Medication Shortages in the UK 2026: What to Do if You Can't Get Your Prescription
You've done the hard part. You got diagnosed, navigated the NHS waiting list (or went private), found the right medication, and finally felt like yourself again. And then your pharmacy says: "Sorry, it's out of stock. We don't know when it's coming back."
You're not imagining it. And you're absolutely not alone.
If you're in this situation right now, this guide is for you. It explains what's driving the shortages, what your realistic options are, and how to stay safe and supported while things are uncertain.
What's Going On With ADHD Medication Shortages in the UK?
Why are ADHD medicines hard to get right now?
There are several overlapping reasons why ADHD medication supply has become tighter across the UK.
Manufacturing capacity isn't keeping pace with demand. Many ADHD medicines are made by a small number of manufacturers globally, and when one facility experiences delays or reduced output, it ripples across supply chains. Some production has been disrupted by equipment maintenance, regulatory changes, or quality assurance issues that actually exist for good reasons—but they still create gaps.
Supply chain issues from international logistics mean longer lead times for active ingredients and finished products. Even small delays in raw materials can push back UK pharmacy stock by weeks or months.
Rising global demand for ADHD medications is real. More countries are recognising ADHD, more people are being diagnosed, and more of those people are accessing treatment. That's genuinely positive for ADHD care worldwide—but it means competition for limited supply.
Increased ADHD recognition in the UK means more people are seeking diagnosis and treatment than ever before. The NHS is working through a historic backlog, and more people are turning to private services. All of this drives demand that manufacturing capacity hasn't caught up with.
The key thing to understand: this is a system issue, not a personal failing. Your prescriber isn't "doing something wrong." Your pharmacist isn't being unhelpful. You haven't done anything wrong by needing your medication. The supply chain has a genuine bottleneck, and you're dealing with the real consequences.
How long could shortages last?
The honest answer is: it varies by medication, by strength, and by region—and timelines can shift.
Some medicines might become available again within weeks. Others could take months. A particular strength might be unavailable while others are fine. Your pharmacy might have stock while the one three miles away doesn't.
Rather than waiting passively and hoping the shortage resolves overnight, it's worth treating this as something to plan around. That doesn't mean panicking—it means having a conversation with your prescriber sooner rather than later, so you're not scrambling when you run out.
Which ADHD Medications Are Most Affected?
Stimulant medications
The stimulant medications under pressure include methylphenidate (available as immediate-release and extended-release formulations) and amphetamine-based options like lisdexamfetamine.
The shortage isn't uniform. You might find that your usual strength is unavailable, but a different dose of the same medicine is in stock. Or one brand might be unavailable while a generic version is available. These variations matter for your treatment plan, but they also mean there's sometimes more flexibility than you'd expect.
Non-stimulant medications
Atomoxetine and guanfacine, which are important non-stimulant options for people who can't take stimulants or who need an alternative, are also affected in some areas, though the pressure on these has been less intense than on stimulants.
If your medication is unavailable, your prescriber may be able to suggest a different medication, a different formulation of the same medicine, or a temporary alternative while you wait for your usual supply to come back.
First Steps If Your Pharmacy Can't Fill Your ADHD Prescription
Confirm exactly what is unavailable
When your pharmacy tells you they can't fill your prescription, the first step is to get specific. Ask them:
Which exact brand, strength, or formulation is unavailable?
Do they know when it might be back in stock?
Can they check availability at other branches or nearby pharmacies?
Can they order from an alternative supplier or a different version of the same medicine?
Some pharmacies can order from other branches or wholesalers quickly. Sometimes a generic version is available when a brand name isn't. Getting clarity on exactly what's missing helps your prescriber find a solution.
Contact your prescriber or clinic
Your prescriber needs to know about this so they can advise on safe alternatives, dose adjustments, or a temporary plan to keep you stable.
Here's a simple script you can use in a message, phone call, or email:
"My usual medication [name] at [strength] mg is out of stock at my pharmacy. They've checked availability and it's not available locally, and they don't know when it will be back. Are there any safe alternatives or adjustments you can suggest?"
That's it. You're giving your prescriber the information they need and asking them to help you find a solution. It's straightforward and keeps the focus on your safety.
Possible Options Your Prescriber Might Discuss
(This is information to help you understand what might be possible, not individual medical advice. Always follow your prescriber's specific guidance for your situation.)
Switching to a different strength or brand of the same medicine
Sometimes a different strength of your current medication is available. For example, if your usual 20 mg dose is out of stock, your prescriber might suggest trying 18 mg or 30 mg instead, with a plan to review how you get on and adjust if needed.
Or, if a branded version is unavailable, a generic version of the same medication might be in stock. These are chemically identical and usually work the same way, though occasionally people notice small differences in how they feel.
If your prescriber suggests a dose change or a switch to a generic, they should explain the reasoning, monitor how you get on, and be ready to review if something doesn't feel right.
Trying a different ADHD medication
If switching to an alternative strength or brand isn't possible or appropriate, your prescriber might suggest trying a different ADHD medication altogether.
This could be another stimulant from a different family (for example, switching from methylphenidate to lisdexamfetamine), or it could be a non-stimulant like atomoxetine or guanfacine if that's appropriate for you.
A medication switch is a bigger change than a dose adjustment, so your prescriber should discuss why they think it's safe and right for you, what to expect, and when you'll review how it's working.
Never change, split, or combine your medications on your own without professional guidance. If you're thinking about trying something different—including combining doses, skipping doses, or using someone else's medication—please talk to your prescriber first. These changes can carry real risks.
Adjusting the dose temporarily
If the exact strength you usually take isn't available, your prescriber might suggest a temporary lower dose while you wait for supplies to improve. This keeps you on medication (rather than stopping) while minimising the risk of running out.
A temporary dose reduction needs careful thought. Your prescriber should be clear about why they think a lower dose is safe for you, how long it might be needed, and what to watch out for. It's important to monitor how your symptoms and side effects change so your prescriber can adjust the plan if needed.
How to Cope If You're Temporarily Off Medication
If medication isn't available and other options aren't feasible in the short term, you might be looking at a period without your ADHD medication. That's difficult, and it's worth planning for it.
Planning for work, study, and home
If you know a gap is coming—or even if it might happen—it's worth having a conversation with the people who need to know.
This doesn't mean over-sharing or getting into detail. It might be as simple as:
Telling your manager or team that you're managing a health issue and may need to adjust some deadlines or working patterns for a few weeks.
Letting your tutor or study group know that your focus might be less reliable for a period.
Having a calm chat with family about the fact that you might be a bit more distracted, forgetful, or overwhelmed than usual.
If people understand what's happening, they're usually more able to work with you. And you're not left managing ADHD symptoms and the shame of not being able to explain why you're struggling.
For getting through the day without medication, small ADHD-friendly strategies help:
Shorter task blocks: instead of trying to focus for hours, work in focused 25–45 minute bursts with breaks.
External reminders: use phone alarms, written checklists, sticky notes, or a shared calendar. Don't rely on remembering.
Written to-do lists: get things out of your head and onto paper or a digital list so you're not holding them all in working memory.
Lower your expectations slightly: you might not achieve the same volume as when you're on medication, and that's okay for now. Prioritise the things that actually matter.
Build in buffer time: give yourself longer than you think you'll need, because task-switching and re-starting are harder without medication.
None of this replaces medication, but it does make the gap more manageable.
Protecting your mental health
It's completely normal to feel frustrated, angry, or grieved about losing the stability medication gave you. You're not being dramatic. Your body and brain have adjusted to having medication support, and losing that is a real loss.
You might also feel anxious about whether you'll be able to cope at work, get things done, or keep your life on track. Those feelings are valid too.
Be genuinely kind to yourself during this time:
Prioritise sleep: ADHD without sleep becomes much harder to manage. If sleep is already tricky, consider whether sleep support might help for this period.
Eat properly: skipping meals makes ADHD and mood worse. Keep easy, brain-friendly foods around.
Move your body: even a 10-minute walk, some stretching, or a quick yoga video reduces stress and can help focus slightly.
Stay connected: isolation makes ADHD and mood harder. Check in with people who get it—friends, family, online communities, or a therapist if you have one.
Reach out if your mood drops significantly: if you're struggling with anxiety, depression, or hopelessness, tell your prescriber or GP. Medication shortages can be stressful, and that's real—you deserve support.
What not to do
In the stress of a medication shortage, it can be tempting to try things that feel like they might help in the short term but are actually risky. Please don't:
Share medication with someone else or use someone else's pills. It's not safe—the dose and timing are prescribed for a specific person—and it's illegal.
Buy ADHD medication from unregulated sources, online pharmacies without a prescription, or people selling privately. You can't know what you're getting, and the risks are real.
Suddenly double up on other stimulants (caffeine, energy drinks, nicotine) to compensate. This can be hard on your body and doesn't actually replace ADHD medication.
Stop other medications you're taking for other health conditions. If anything, medication gaps make it more important to stay on top of treatment for depression, anxiety, blood pressure, or anything else.
These might feel like they'd help, but they're genuinely dangerous. Your prescriber and pharmacist are there to help you find safe options instead.
When Medication Shortages Become a Crisis
Most of the time, a medication shortage is stressful and frustrating but manageable with some planning. Sometimes, it becomes urgent.
Red-flag symptoms that need immediate help
If any of these happen, don't wait for a routine appointment. Seek urgent medical help—call 999, go to A&E, or call 111 if it's less urgent but you need advice quickly.
Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or collapse. These could suggest a physical health crisis.
Sudden, intense mood changes, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or urges to hurt yourself. These need immediate support.
Hallucinations, severe agitation, or feeling completely out of touch with reality. These are serious and need urgent assessment.
These are rare, but they're important to know about. If something feels genuinely unsafe or like a crisis, get emergency help. Don't try to manage it alone, and don't wait.
When to push for a quicker review
Even if things don't feel like a crisis, significant changes warrant an earlier appointment:
Your ability to function at work or study has dropped sharply.
You're at real risk of losing your job or failing important exams.
Your mood has worsened significantly, or you're struggling with anxiety that feels unmanageable.
You're having thoughts that worry you, even if they're not immediately dangerous.
When you contact your prescriber, be clear and direct about how the medication shortage is affecting you:
"Without my medication, my focus has dropped so much that I'm at risk of not meeting deadlines at work" or "My anxiety has increased significantly, and I'm struggling to manage day-to-day."
Being specific about the impact on your safety, work, or wellbeing helps your prescriber understand that this needs faster attention.
How to Prepare for a Medication Review During Shortages
When you do get an appointment with your prescriber, going in prepared makes the conversation more useful and less overwhelming.
Keep a simple symptom and side-effect log
Track how you're managing without your usual medication or with any temporary changes. You don't need anything fancy—just notes on:
Focus and concentration
Organisation and planning
Impulse control and decision-making
Sleep and appetite
Mood and motivation
Any physical symptoms (headaches, dizziness, etc.)
If daily tracking sounds exhausting (fair—that's very ADHD), try:
Weekly summaries: write down how the week felt rather than tracking each day.
0–10 rating scales: instead of detailed notes, rate focus, mood, and function on a simple scale.
Voice notes on your phone: just record yourself talking for a minute or two about how you're getting on. No need to write it down.
This log becomes really useful evidence in your appointment. Instead of trying to remember vaguely how the past three weeks have been, you've got actual data.
Questions to ask at your appointment
Come with a list of things you want to understand:
"What are my safest options if this shortage continues for several more months?"
"Is there a similar medication or a different strength we could try that might be easier to access right now?"
"If I switch medications, how will we monitor whether it's working for me? How often will we check in?"
"What should I do if my symptoms get significantly worse between appointments? Should I contact you directly, or is there another route?"
"Are there any non-medication strategies that might help during this period?"
Having these written down means you won't forget them in the moment, and your prescriber can address each one.
How a Specialist ADHD Clinic Can Support You Through Shortages
This is where Focus Gently comes in.
Structured medication reviews with ADHD expertise
If you're already diagnosed but finding medication reviews hard to come by, or if you want more dedicated time to think through your options, a specialist ADHD clinic can make a real difference.
At Focus Gently, we offer structured medication reviews specifically designed for adults who are already diagnosed and navigating medication changes. We have time to properly discuss the pros and cons of different options, what to expect if you switch, and how to monitor safety and effectiveness.
We work within all regulatory and clinical guidelines, and we're realistic about what can and can't be changed. But we also understand that medication decisions during a shortage are genuinely complicated, and they deserve proper attention.
Collaborative planning and realistic strategies
Rather than a quick appointment where you're told "try this," we help you build a plan together.
That might include exploring different medication options, identifying non-medication strategies that actually work for your ADHD, thinking through workplace or study adjustments that might help, or simply having a calm, non-judgemental space to think through what matters most to you right now.
We're here to support shared decision-making—you bring knowledge of your body and your life, and we bring clinical expertise and experience of what helps other adults in similar situations.
Next Steps If You're Affected by ADHD Medication Shortages
Quick recap
You're not imagining it. ADHD medication shortages are real, they're affecting many people, and they're not your fault.
Don't change medication on your own. Talk to your prescriber about what options might work for you.
Plan around possible gaps. Think ahead about how you'll manage at work or home, and tell people who need to know.
Protect your mental health. Losing medication support is a real loss. Be kind to yourself, and reach out if you're struggling.
Get help sooner if things feel unsafe or unmanageable. You don't have to white-knuckle your way through this alone.
Take the next step
Already diagnosed and worried about your ADHD medication plan? Join the Priority ADHD Medication Support list for adults in the UK. We'll help you navigate shortages, explore your options, and feel more confident about your treatment going forward.
