Mum Jane McFadden reveals life without ADHD medication Vyvanse

A mother with ADHD has shared her heartbreaking struggle as Australia faces a terrifying medication shortage – leaving her and thousands of others unable to work, study, parent, or function.

This SEQ mother always knew she was different, but after fighting 35 years for an ADHD diagnosis, she’s now had the solace of a life changing medication ripped from her – along with the other one in 20 Australians living with the disorder.

Jane McFadden, 37, of Buddina, has spent close to $10,000 in her quest for an ADHD diagnosis and has been taking critical ADHD drug Vyvanse for close to a year now.

She was diagnosed at 35-years-old, which ignited her passion to help other women avoid being misdiagnosed and wrongly medicated through her podcast, ADHD Mums. .

It was once believed children outgrow ADHD, but is now clear a third to a half of children with ADHD continue to be impacted into adulthood.

Those who rely on Vyvanse for managing ADHD symptoms are facing unprecedented challenges accessing it. The shortage in Australia stems from a global scarcity of its active ingredient, lisdexamfetamine, produced in the United States.

Due to regulatory constraints imposed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), manufacturing limits on lisdexamfetamine have not been increased, despite pleas from Australian healthcare professionals and organisations.

Ms McFadden is calling on the DEA to reconsider its decision and raise manufacturing quotas for lisdexamfetamine to meet the growing demand. She has launched a petition to gather support nationally.

Sunshine Coast mum, Jane McFadden, of ADHD Mums podcast, explains ADHD medication, Vyvanse, shortage. Picture – contributed.

“My children and I rely on this medication, but we are unable to obtain it from any pharmacies in Australia. This is not just our story – it’s the story of thousands of families who depend on this drug for their wellbeing,” Ms McFadden said.

“When I first started taking it, it felt like I had 17 music tracks running in my mind that had all been silenced. It sorted out anxiety I didn’t know I had.

“It was amazing to feel how normal people feel. It was like the medication evened out the playing field. I had no idea I was suffering so badly.

“My eyes were open, it was like I could finally focus and function. Only to have it ripped away from me.”

Since losing access to the life-changing medication, Ms McFadden said she slowly feels herself slipping away.

“I’m anxious, panicked, and overwhelmed,” she said.

“I’m so exhausted but am trying so hard and just always failing.

“I drove a round trip to Bundaberg for a month’s supply when it first happened but haven’t been able to find anymore since.”

There are growing concerns for young children now without their ADHD medication. Picture – file.

Ms McFadden said classrooms were bearing the brunt of it.

“There are plenty of little boys who have been medicated for most of their lives who now can’t sit quietly in class,” she said.

“Teachers are struggling and it’s disrupting classrooms.

“But it’s not their fault, these children want to learn but their brains are wired differently and they need their medication.”

Ms McFadden also revealed defeatist parents had taken matters into their own hands.

“We’re seeing a lot of mums moving medication around to try and help each other out. We’re getting desperate,” she said.

“You build a life off having access to medication just to have that ripped away and to have to live your life and parent and work without it.

“People living with ADHD want to work and contribute to society but now without medication we can’t.”

The shortage is expected to last for the rest of the year.

You can support Ms McFadden’s cause here.