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Shortages in some ADHD drugs are expected to last throughout 2026, with Pharmac saying supply remains unpredictable.
Pharmac’s Chief Medical Officer Dr David Hughes has told Nine to Noon the impact on ADHD medicines of rising demand and manufacturing constraints has been particularly noticeable.
The drug option most affected is methylphenidate, used in branded treatments such as Ritalin,and Concerta.
Pharmac has funded a new brand of methylphenidate along with an alternative medication, Lisdexamfetamine.
But these medications differ in the way they work and how long they last - which can be very important for some patients, especially children.
There are now suggestions some medication should be prioritised for children.
Kathryn speaks to Dr Michael Buckley, a GP with an specific interest in ADHD
