It’s July 2025, and the ADHD medication crisis in Australia is still far from over.

Despite public outrage, (or was that just the ADHD Mum community?), and nationwide advocacy (yep — including ours), the latest update from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) paints a confronting picture: ADHD medication shortages will continue well into late 2026, affecting nearly every commonly prescribed stimulant.

And thousands of families? Still rationing. Still calling ten pharmacies a day. Still losing sleep.

Let’s break down what you need to know ⬇️

What Medications Are in Short Supply?

Here’s what the TGA confirmed 17th July 2025.

Ongoing or Expected Shortages:

• Concerta (methylphenidate)
  – 18mg, 27mg, 36mg, 54mg tablets
  – Out of stock from October 2024 through to December 2026
• Teva-XR (methylphenidate)
  – All strengths affected
  – Shortage expected until the end of 2025
• Ritalin LA & Rubifen LA (methylphenidate capsules)
  – Shortages staggered until end of December 2025
• Ritalin 10mg IR (immediate release)
  – Anticipated shortage from mid-July 2025 through December 2025

The only consistently available immediate-release option is Artige 10mg — but this product is not always stocked or PBS-subsidised.

What’s Causing the Shortage?

It’s a multi-pronged issue:

1. Global manufacturing problems (supply chains + production delays)
2. Increased Australian demand (ADHD prescriptions have tripled in 10 years)
3. Knock-on effects – when one med runs out, everyone switches brands, which pushes those into shortage
4. Regulatory limits – GPs and pharmacists can’t easily substitute or titrate between products

All of this leaves families in limbo.

What the TGA and Health Authorities Are Doing

Yes — there are efforts happening behind the scenes:

✅ Section 19A approvals: Overseas-registered versions of methylphenidate products have been allowed into Australia temporarily
❌ But they’re not subsidised, and often require new prescriptions

✅ New clinical guidance: Developed by the Methylphenidate Medicine Shortage Action Group (MSAG), with support from the RACGP, AADPA, AMA, and more. 

I mean clinical guidance is nice…. But how about some stock please?

✅ Discussions with pharma companies: Ongoing, but supply is not guaranteed
✅ Education campaigns: For GPs, pharmacists, and prescribers

But families still feel like they’re on their own.

What We’re Hearing From Families

Every day at ADHD Mums, we’re flooded with messages:

• “I drove six hours for one box of Vyvanse.”
• “I’ve gone without meds for three weeks so my son can stay medicated at school.”
• “We had to delay diagnosis because we knew there’d be no meds available anyway.”
• “We’ve spent over $700 this month on private scripts and non-PBS meds.”

This isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s a health equity failure.

What We’re Doing About It

ADHD Mums has:

• Met with Mental Health Ministers on a state level.
• Featured on Channel 7, 9, 10, ABC, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Mamamia & more

We’re fighting for:

• • PBS coverage of overseas-approved meds
  • Regulatory changes to allow flexible prescribing
  • Fast-tracked GP prescribing reforms
  • Emergency action funding for families caught short
  • A long term plan for the ongoing shortage ie. look into manufacturing these medications locally. 

Combined reach: over 2.5 million Australians per month.

This is people-powered advocacy — and it’s making a difference. But we need your help.

How You Can Take Action

1. Share this blog post – help spread the word
2. ✍️ Sign our petition
3. Tune into the podcast to hear latest episode: 

QUICK RESET: No meds, No plan, and no help….. but yet they’re still calling us undiagnosed

Which is on Apple and Spotify

1. Talk to your MP – ask what they’re doing to help
2. ❤️ Support a friend who’s navigating the chaos

Direct link to TGA website is here

 

This isn’t just about pills in boxes. It’s about kids who are struggling to learn, parents who can’t work, and families on the brink.

And for every media interview, TGA update or Senate submission — we’ll keep showing up. Because the system may move slowly, but families don’t have the luxury of time.

We’ll keep pushing until every child, every parent, and every adult with ADHD has reliable, affordable access to the medication they need.