18 Jun ADHD Medication Shortage Survival Guide
ADHD medication shortages are a fact of life these days. The irony that planning ahead is difficult for us is not lost on me. But without a plan, it’s easy to get caught out.
Here are some ways to manage through the uncertainty of shortages and avoid unnecessary stress.
TL;DR
Here’s a summary of options for managing during medication shortages:
– Prioritise developing a good relationship with your pharmacist—they often know what’s coming and may be able to help with supply.
– Fill each script as early as your local laws allow.
– Use short-acting meds only when really needed.
– Consider compounding as a backup, but be aware it can be costly.
– In exceptional circumstances, ‘Regulation 24’ allows you to fill all your repeats at once.
Remember to go easy on yourself and how resilient you are!
How I manage during ADHD medication shortages
1. Fostering a good relationship with my pharmacist
I plan on keeping in close communication with our pharmacist from two weeks into each prescription to get an update on availability.
They also sometimes have a ‘stash’ of backup stock. So if they know you well and you’re super appreciative, they help out when you or your kiddo’s meds have run out. Our pharmacist has put medication aside for me when we were interstate during a shortage in the past.
2. Getting every script filled as soon as possible
The legislation varies by State, but we’re very fortunate that here in Victoria. We we can get scripts for stimulants filled 21 days after the last one. (Go here to check in your State.
They might ordinarily ask questions if we did this all the time, but as my pharmacist knows us well he allows me to do this during ADHD medication shortages.
3. Using short-acting medication as sparingly as possible
Anticipating that we may not be able to get long-acting medication at some point, I’m not topping up at all currently unless absolutely necessary.
I will only use short-acting medication for things like driving, seeing clients if things get really dire
4. Research compounding options
This will be a last resort for us as it’s estimated to be 2–4x as expensive as a private script. We’re fully stocked for now, thankfully. I expect the raw materials may be hard to source in time. FYI, according to AI and the 2–4x estimate, this is what it might cost:
– Ritalin: $90–$150+ (30 tablets)
– Ritalin LA: $120–$200+ (30 capsules)
– Concerta: $120–$200+ (30 tablets)
– Vyvanse: $150–$300+ (30 capsules)
– Dexamphetamine: $80–$150+ (30 tablets)
Note: If you’re considering compounding, it might be worth discussing getting a private script with your doctor. (My pharmacist recommended this. Tbh I can’t recall exactly why—I think it’s because once you get one PBS script compounded you have to do all six that way! So bet to talk to them first.)
An expensive option for desperate times
‘Section 19A’, part of the Therapeutic Goods Act legislation, allows access to imported medications when usual supplies of essential meds aren’t available.
The catch? They’re often much more expensive than even private scripts. My pharmacist mentioned $150+ for Concerta… But it’s an option. We won’t be doing this at this stage, but you never know.
A potential life-saver
This is possibly the best option of all (however, there is a caveat so do read to the end).
‘Regulation 24’ (under PBS rules) allows your doctor to authorize all your repeats to be filled at once, instead of one each month.
If your pharmacy has stock and your GP agrees to this, you’re sorted! I haven’t had a chance to ask mine yet, but I will at the first opportunity.
That said… (there’s always a catch, isn’t there?) The truth is, if we all do this, many more people will potentially go without…
So, is it ethical? Honestly? I’m leaning towards yes in my case. I have cognitive dysfunction on top of ADHD, numerous health issues and I parent solo. I have zero idea how in God’s name I would manage in my work as I provide much needed support to others who need it.
Finally, please go easy on yourself! Check your expectations, be kind to yourself, and if possible, try to rein in any catastrophising as it really doesn’t help. (I know sometimes it’s easier said than done!)
The majority of us managed without meds for a very long time in the past. And if it comes to that, we will get through this—even if it is bloody tough—come hell or high water. Never forget, we are resilient AF!
Managing with ADHD isn’t easy - trust me, I know firsthand!
Having been there, I love helping others find their way through it
(combining my ADHD coaching and nursing background).
Fancy a quick Zoom chat to help work out next steps? We can jump on a call whenever works for you – no strings – if you think it will help.
