Written by Khalid Anwar · Last reviewed 20 August 2026
A medicine shortage can affect a particular brand, strength or formulation without affecting every ADHD medicine. Availability can also differ between pharmacies because they use different wholesalers and receive stock at different times. This page was reviewed in August 2026 and deliberately does not claim that a particular product is currently available.
What to do if your usual medicine is unavailable
- Contact the dispensing pharmacy and ask whether the issue is local stock or a wider supply problem.
- Contact your prescriber early if the prescription may need to be changed.
- Ask whether another pharmacy can supply the exact prescribed item.
- Allow enough time for a replacement prescription if a different strength, formulation or medicine is clinically appropriate.
- Keep the packaging and an up-to-date list of your medicine, dose and formulation.
Do not change the dose, split or combine formulations, switch brands, ration doses or stop treatment without advice from the prescriber or pharmacist. Products that appear similar can release medicine differently, and an alternative must be considered for the individual patient.
Why a pharmacist may send you back to the prescriber
A pharmacist normally has to dispense what is legally specified on the prescription. If the available product is not an allowable equivalent, the prescriber may need to issue a new prescription. Controlled-drug requirements can also limit emergency-supply options.
Avoid stockpiling
Ordering more medicine than prescribed can make supply problems harder for other patients and may create storage or expiry risks. Request repeat prescriptions within the timeframe advised by your service and pharmacy, but do not seek duplicate supplies.
If you are close to running out
Contact your usual prescriber and pharmacy promptly. NHS 111 provides information about urgent prescriptions, but not every controlled medicine can be supplied through the standard emergency route. If missing medication creates an immediate safety concern or severe deterioration, seek urgent clinical advice through the appropriate NHS service.
Keep advice current
National supply issues are coordinated by government and NHS teams, while patient-specific decisions remain with prescribers and pharmacists. Check official sources and the advice given for your exact medicine rather than social-media stock reports.
This information does not replace advice about your prescription. ADHD Assessment UK patients should use the contact route provided by their clinical team for medication questions.
Sources
NHS England: Managing medicines supply issues in England
NHS: Emergency prescriptions
NICE NG87 recommendations
Related guidance
Adult ADHD medication monitoring
Treatment and medication
Ongoing ADHD care
Contact ADHD Assessment UK
General information only; it does not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.