Men with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are being advise to contact their physician as Australia drug regulator warned a common medication used to treat the condition may be in short supply for rest of year.

ADHF drug shortages have been an ongoing problem in Australia for number of months.

Prof Dave Coghill Chair of Development Mental Health at University of Melbourne is warning public who with live with ADHD not to panic.

ADHD shortage

ADHD medication are experiencing a shortage.

Methylphenidate famous by its brand name as Ritalin, Ritalin LA and Concerta is in short supply in Australia due to manufacturing problems according to notice from Therapeutic Goods Administration on Wednesday which advise public to speak to pharmacist to assit source their prescription.

ADHD is neuro development disorder that affects how the brain develps processess and handles information about one in 20 Australians have it.

“People who live with ADHD have problems in three main areas which is difficulty with attention focus and planning “Coghill said.

“They often have problems with overactivity and restlessness and they often have impulsivity or impulsiveness”

Coghill added medication shortages can be challenging.

“We have now got good evidence to show that ADHD medications not only assist you concentrate and focus but assist you to stop and think before you act” Coghill said.

He said methylphenidate  is one of four medications used to treat ADHD and even within class of drug there is not complete shortage but shortage of brands at some doses.

ADHD shortage

“The problem we have is ones that are in shortage are changing constantly so it is very difficult to predict from one week to next which medications are going to be available” Coghill said adding people who live with ADHA should speak with doctor to work out good medication.

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So they do not make people feel better they assist people live safer more productive lives and ADHD medication are key to assisting people manage those symptoms.

A  massive increase in demand globally for ADHD drugs restrictions placedon manufacture of one of ingredients by US Drug Enforcement Agency hads led to shortages. Coghill said.

ADHD shortage

The TGA has covened a medicine shortage action group with health professional and peak body groups to assist manage ongoing shortage.