Pupils 'set up to fail' by ADHD medication shortage

Some students starting new schools and colleges are being “set up to fail” due to an ongoing shortage of medication for ADHD, according to a charity chief.

There have been problems with the supply of proper medication because of manufacturing issues and an increase in demand, although the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) says recent supply issues with most ADHD medicines are resolved.

The shortage caused panic among a number of students who were forced to ration their tablets in the run up to this year’s exam season.

Henry Shelford, chief executive of ADHD UK, said: “It’s been an unmitigated disaster. And now there’s been a new alert issued about shortages of medication. These kids are being set up to fail."

Alice, 16, from Surrey, previously said she was "terrified" of running out of medication during her exams as it would have left her unable to study.

Now, she is focusing on her first days at college, but does not want to be starting on new medication from a pharmacy.

"I could be getting a headache as a side effect, I could be feeling sick, I could be getting sleeplessness, or I could be really tired one day and that's all because I'm changing medication, which you're just not meant to do.

"But I have to do it to kind of keep up with the demand of my life, but also be able to sort out and prepare for sixth form."

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Source: BBC News, 5 September 2024

Have you (or a loved one) ever been prescribed medication that you were then unable to get hold of at the pharmacy? 

• Was there an impact on your health (physical and mental)? 
• Were you told the reason for it not being available? 
• Was the issue resolved? If so, how long did it take?
• If you are still impacted by medication supply issues, have you been told when you will be able to access them again?

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