'She can't be unmedicated': The effect of the ADHD drug shortage on Aussie families

“It has been stressful, exhausting, and time-consuming trying to find medication. I was calling chemists all over New South Wales.”

It’s the only thing ADHD parents are talking about: the nationwide shortage of ADHD medications.

Ruth, a working mum of two daughters, is one of the parents frantically trying to cope. She has ADHD, and so do her girls, aged nine and 12. All three take a common ADHD medication.

Well, they did—when it was available. Since February, the family hasn’t been able to get a steady supply, so their doctor prescribed an alternative.

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“In February 2025 I had to get new prescriptions from the paediatrician to switch both children to a different drug," Ruth says.

"This had adverse effects for both children. One suffered with a terrible increase in anxiety and started having major issues with sleeping at night.

“The other child seemed to be managing OK, until we started getting calls from school regarding incidents that wouldn't normally happen. She was unable to regulate emotions and was having violent outbursts."

As Ruth’s story shows, ADHD medications aren’t easily interchangeable. What works for one person might not work for another.

Ruth scrambled to find the usual medication for her second child, rationing where she could. “She couldn't go back to the alternative, and she definitely cannot go unmedicated.”

That meant going without herself: “I have been managing without meds for the last six months. I can function without it, and I didn't want to use meds that someone else might need more. However, I am a lot more efficient and productive at work and home if I do have meds.”

Ruth's family is finding it difficult to manage without regular access to their ADHD medication. Image: iStock

The shortage began around the pandemic

Dr Brad McKay, a Sydney-based GP, says shortages of ADHD meds have been worsening since the pandemic. “Medication shortages became noticeable during the COVID-19 pandemic and are ongoing. The TGA currently lists nearly 400 medications that are in short supply.”

He adds that for ADHD patients, being forced to switch at short notice can be disruptive.

“Medication shortages often lead to discussions with our local pharmacist to find suitable alternatives or adjust doses. In some cases, patients may miss out on necessary treatments.

“Lower doses can leave them struggling to manage their day, while higher doses may lead to side effects like increased blood pressure, a racing heartbeat, and significant anxiety.”

The whole system, he says, is slow and expensive. “Prescribing ADHD medication is heavily regulated in Australia. Patients often need to book with their treating psychiatrist to adjust medication. Securing an appointment can take weeks or months and typically costs around $750, with only a small Medicare rebate available.”

What is ADHD exactly?

ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a neurodevelopmental issue characterised by persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD diagnoses in Australia have increased 300 percent in the last decade.

While ADHD can come with positives—like creativity and empathy—it also has challenges. It affects executive function and daily life. Doctors often prescribe stimulant medications like methylphenidate or amphetamines.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which oversees medication supply, lists 13 ADHD medications as currently in shortage and five more as anticipated shortages. These may last until December.

For Ruth’s family, there’s been a brief reprieve. “Last month our usual drug started coming back in stock very slowly in small amounts, so I have been able to get it for both children temporarily, but we are constantly worried that we won't have it for the next month.

“They can really feel the difference in themselves with the right medication, and it is awful knowing that they are not themselves when not on it. It has been stressful, exhausting, and time-consuming trying to find medication. I was calling chemists all over New South Wales.”

What is the TGA doing about the ADHD medication shortage?

The TGA has attempted to ease the pressure by approving overseas-registered versions of medications like Concerta. However, because they’re not subsidised under the PBS, they’re often unaffordable.

This was the case for Ruth’s family. “We simply could not afford to pay the extraordinary costs for the private price of the substitute that has been on offer, so this was not an option for us.”

She also worries that desperate parents are turning to unsafe methods. “Some parents and carers are going to the length of obtaining medication from other families who no longer need it for themselves, and this is obviously not safe or appropriate. However, this is the dire situation some families are in.”

Dr McKay agrees. “I generally do not recommend sharing your prescribed medication with others. Additionally, there are significant concerns inherently associated with mailing highly restricted drugs.”

Meantime the Australian Medical Association has proposed better systems to manage and communicate medication supply issues.

For his part, Dr MacKay would like to see more action on this front: “The AMA proposals were made in January 2025, but not much has changed since then. Doctors often find out about medication shortages only when they receive calls from pharmacists unable to dispense the necessary prescriptions.”

Dr McKay believes part of the long-term solution lies in reducing Australia’s dependency on overseas pharmaceutical imports. “Most medications in Australia need to be imported from overseas, so establishing a local supply chain could help alleviate some of these stock issues.”

New measures announced in NSW which will allow GPs to manage the condition may mean that hope is on the horizon for people in that state.

Dr McKay welcomes these changes: “The government is gradually working to improve GPs' ability to prescribe stimulant medications. Streamlined prescribing practices would provide some solace for concerned parents.”

This article is for general interest only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified health professional before making any decisions about diagnosis or treatment.

Originally published as 'She can't be unmedicated': The effect of the ADHD drug shortage on Aussie families