ADHD Medication Update – August 2025

Photo by Harrison Chang on Unsplash

Shared with OxPCF by Oxford Health

As your Parent Carer Forum, many of you have told us about your concerns and the difficulties you’ve faced in getting hold of ADHD medication. We’ve shared this feedback with Oxford Health, and they have committed to providing us with regular updates so we can keep you informed.

Here’s the latest:

• Methylphenidate (immediate release): No issues at all – fully available.

• Medikinet: There’s still a supply issue with one of the three companies that produce this medication, but the other two suppliers have good stock. Most pharmacies should still be able to access it without too much trouble. (No change from last month.)

• Equasym: Availability remains very poor. Young people are no longer being started on this medication, and due to the long-term supply problems, most families are already using alternatives.

• Xaggatin: This is now widely available again, and prescribers have resumed issuing it – great news!

• Dexamfetamine: All dose strengths are available, but only through one of the three main suppliers. This means it may still be harder to find in some areas.

• Elvanse (Lisdexamfetamine): Recent changes to licensing have made this medication easier to prescribe (including reducing the need to switch between child and adult preparations). However, one manufacturer is due to stop producing it, while another is preparing to start. This may lead to some supply issues between now and the end of September.

Oxford Health has advised that while they appreciate that it’s incredibly frustrating when medications are hard to find, switching to an alternative isn’t always straightforward. Each medication works slightly differently, and sometimes it may be safer – under clinical advice – to wait a few weeks rather than switch.

If there are ongoing supply problems, your prescriber will be the one to advise on whether a change is needed.

Thank you for continuing to share your experiences with us – your feedback helps make sure the right people are aware and working to keep families informed.

Best wishes,

Jules Francis-Sinclair

Chair of Oxfordshire Parent Carers Forum (OxPCF)