My son had to be restrained at school two days after shortage of ADHD drugs meant he changed overnight

Isabel Shaw

Published: 10:04, 9 Oct 2023
Updated: 13:32, 9 Oct 2023

A NATIONAL shortage of ADHD medicine is leaving parents in despair as children are forced to go without.

Manufacturing issues and surging demand have crippled supplies of key drugs atomoxetine, methylphenidate, lisdexamfetamine and guanfacine.

Moss Pippin, 8, was diagnosed with ADHD in 2020 (Credit: Lucy Pippin)

Moss and mum Lucy Pippin (Credit: Lucy Pippin)

The charity said it has seen a surge in calls from families needing help.

CEO Henry Shelford said: “Medication is life-changing for many with the disability.

“Families have been stranded with no support.

“We expect to see even more calls for help in the coming months as shortages get worse.”

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Medication is taken by almost one in 10 sufferers to help them focus.

Prescriptions have shot up in recent years, to 202,000 people between April and June from 103,000 during the same period in 2019.

For Moss, who was diagnosed in 2020, the medication has been life-changing.

Lucy, a gardener, said: “He went from being unable to sit through a class to receiving incredible school reports, writing beautiful poetry and working independently for the first time.”

But it all changed when the family were unable to get hold of his medication, atomoxetine, from her local pharmacy.

Mum Lucy added: “I'm really worried about the impact this will have on his ability to learn.

“It’s likely to pull on all our resources and make life at home more stressful.”

Henry added: "ADHD is a disability and the sudden removal of medication is akin to removing a wheelchair from a disabled person that needs it."

The Department of Health has issued a national patient safety alert over the drug shortages, which could last until the end of the year.

Doctors have been told not to prescribe ADHD drugs to new patients to protect stocks.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: “We are aware of supply issues affecting medicines used for the management of ADHD due to increased global demand.

“We continue to work closely with the manufacturers to resolve the issues as soon as possible, and to ensure patients have continuous access to ADHD medicines in the UK.”