ADHD Medication Shortages: What You Need to Know

Australia is currently experiencing significant and ongoing shortages of several ADHD medications, particularly methylphenidate hydrochloride products such as Concerta, Teva-XR, Ritalin, Artige, and Ritalin LA. These disruptions are having real impacts on children, families, and prescribers across the country.

Why There Is a Shortage

• Global manufacturing issues are the core cause — impacting multiple countries, not just Australia.
  

• Australia is at the end of the global supply chain, importing 90% of its medication but only making up 2% of the global demand — making us more vulnerable.
  

• Increased demand for ADHD medication in recent years, driven by greater awareness and diagnosis rates, is outpacing supply.
  

• Pharmaceutical companies Janssen-Cilag, Teva Pharma, and Novartis have all reported delays or low availability of key ADHD medications.

  
  

  

  
  

How Long We Can Expect to Wait

• Concerta modified-release tablets (18mg, 27mg, 36mg, 54mg) are expected to remain in limited supply until at least the end of May 2025, with some ongoing shortages possibly lasting through to December 2025.
  

• Teva-XR and Ritalin LA are also affected, with no firm resolution dates.
  

• Immediate-release formulations like Ritalin and Artige 10mg are also delayed as of April 2025.
  

  

  
  

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Is There Anything Currently Being Done to Acquire More Stock?

• The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is:

  • Approving overseas-registered versions of Concerta under Section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 to ease pressure on supply.

  • Monitoring supply chains and working directly with pharmaceutical companies to manage shortages.
    

• Pharmacists can order overseas alternatives through Medsurge Healthcare (1300 788 261) using existing prescriptions.
  

• These overseas options are not PBS-subsidised, which may result in higher out-of-pocket costs.
  

  

  
  

What We Can Do to Help Us When We Can’t Get the Medication

• Speak with your pharmacist early — they’ll have the most up-to-date info on what's available and how to access alternatives.
  

• If offered an overseas-registered product:

  • Check for any differences (e.g. packaging, pill size, or name).

  • Be aware that costs may be higher, and new prescriptions may be required in some cases.

  • Overseas approval orders information can be found here. https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/section-19a-approvals
    

• Talk to your doctor about:

  • Temporary alternative medications or formulations (e.g. short-acting versions).

  • Adjusting dosages or trialing other stimulant or non-stimulant treatments.
    

• Build a strong relationship with your pharmacy — this helps in managing substitutions and staying informed about stock changes.

  
  

• Speak to your child's school now about the possibility of medication being unavailable and what you can collaborate together to support your child through this time within the school setting. It's better to be prepared, than dealing with it during the chaos.
  

• Remember: ADHD treatment is not just medication. Support strategies like behaviour management, routine building, diet, sleep hygiene, and educational supports are just as important during times of medication disruption. For more information please visit, https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/shortages/information-about-major-medicine-shortages/about-shortage-methylphenidate-hydrochloride-products
  

Is Your ADHD Child Worse in the Afternoons Since Starting Medication? Understanding Medication Rebound

If your child seems worse in the afternoons after starting ADHD medication, they might be experiencing medication rebound. This phenomenon is distinct from withdrawal or comedown and is defined as the re-emerging and worsening of symptoms the medication was used to treat. Let’s dive deeper into what this means and how to manage it.

What Is Medication Rebound?

Medication rebound occurs as the medication wears off and the body returns to its baseline state. A relatable example of rebound is what happens with coffee. As the effects of coffee wear off, you might feel more tired than before you had it to combat your drowsiness. Similarly, as ADHD medication wears off, the symptoms it was managing can come back stronger for a short period.

Here are a few tips for managing medication rebound:

Timing Adjustments: Talk to your child’s doctor about the timing of the medication. Sometimes, adjusting when the medication is taken can help reduce rebound effects.

Dosage Changes: It may be necessary to tweak the dosage. A lower or higher dose, or a different formulation, might provide more consistent symptom management. It's not often individuals fair well on all forms of ADHD medication. For example, Ritalin vs Dex. Concerta vs Vyvanse.

Supplementary Strategies: Combine medication with behavioural strategies and lifestyle changes. This might include structured routines, physical activity, and balanced nutrition.

Afternoon Boosters: In some cases, a small afternoon dose of medication can help smooth out the rebound period or switching to a longer acting medication to reduce that sudden drop experienced from shorter acting forms. It sometimes has an easier return to baseline, sometimes, but not all the time. A Food Booster: Drinks like Up&Go are a great example of a perfect rebound helper. They have protein, which is perfect for the ADHD brain so they may help to produce dopamine. They have sugar, which is a mild stimulant, they have vitamins and minerals, and kid's love them because they're seen as a treat. Always keep stock of something like this as it can also help to carry with you for when you're out.

Conclusion

Medication rebound is a common issue that can make afternoons challenging for children on ADHD medication. By understanding this phenomenon and working with your child’s healthcare provider, you can find ways to manage these effects and ensure a more balanced day for your child.

How to Recover from ADHD burnout

I'm often asked how is it best to recover from ADHD burnout. So I hope this guide provides you with some understanding and tips. 1. Stop Pushing Through It

Many ADHDers operate in “survival mode,” ignoring exhaustion and forcing themselves to keep going. But pushing through burnout only makes it worse. If you’re at the point of shutdown, you need to pause and allow yourself time to rest without guilt.

Give yourself permission to take breaks without feeling like you’re failing. Rest isn’t unproductive if it's going to HELP YOU, I'm not saying sit on your phone all day in bed. That will not help. But take care of yourself and reduce the demands you have in the day.

2. Reduce Decision Fatigue

Burnout makes even small choices feel overwhelming. Simplifying daily decisions can help prevent additional mental strain.

• Wear the same few outfits each week (decision-free dressing).

• Plan easy meals in advance to avoid last-minute choices.

• Use checklists to reduce the mental load of remembering tasks.

  
  

3. Reset Your Dopamine Levels

ADHD brains crave stimulation, and burnout often leads to unhealthy coping mechanisms (like excessive phone use or binge-watching TV). Instead of relying on quick dopamine fixes, focus on activities that provide sustainable energy.

• Engage in low-effort hobbies (listening to music, coloring, walking outside).

• Reduce overstimulation by limiting screen time.

• Try and destimulate, go for a walk around the neighbourhood.

• Prioritize activities that bring genuine enjoyment without guilt.

  
  

4. Adjust Your Expectations

Many ADHDers fall into perfectionism, feeling like they must be “on” all the time. Burnout often happens when expectations are unrealistic.

• Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

• Set a goal of “good enough” instead of perfect.

• Remind yourself that productivity doesn’t define your worth.

• Give yourself a list of 3 easy to complete tasks, no more, no less.

  
  

5. Get More Sleep (Even If Your Brain Resists It)

ADHD brains struggle with sleep regulation, but burnout makes sleep deprivation even worse. Sleep deprivation leads to more executive dysfunction, emotional instability, and difficulty concentrating.

• Set a wind-down routine (dim lights, avoid screens an hour before bed).

• Use sleep aids like white noise or weighted blankets.

• Aim for consistent sleep and wake times, even on weekends. Your body doesn't understand what a weekend is. It's biological programming does not follow the societal expectations, if it did, you likely wouldn't have burnout.

6. Move Your Body (Without Overwhelming Yourself)

Exercise helps regulate dopamine and reduce stress, but burnout often makes physical activity feel impossible. Instead of forcing intense workouts, focus on gentle movement.

• Stretching, yoga, or short walks outside.

• Dance to your favourite song for a quick dopamine boost.

• Set a goal of some movement rather than perfection.

  
  

7. Set Boundaries and Say No

One of the biggest contributors to burnout is overcommitting. ADHDers often say “yes” to too many things and then struggle to keep up. Learning to say no (without guilt) is key to preventing future burnout.

• Practice saying, “I’d love to, but I can’t commit to that right now.”

• Reduce unnecessary obligations that drain your energy.

• Prioritize what truly matters and let go of what doesn’t.

  
  

8. Seek Support Instead of Going It Alone

ADHD burnout can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Reaching out for support can make recovery easier.

• Talk to a trusted friend, therapist, or ADHD coach.

• Join ADHD support communities where people understand your struggles.

• Use external accountability to help regain motivation at a manageable pace.

Remember that self sabotage can be not asking for help.