4 Things to Do If You Can't Get Your ADHD Medication

More and more people are being diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) each year. There are several reasons for this, including increased awareness about the condition (anyone on ADHD-Tiktok?), updated diagnosis criteria and people feeling more comfortable discussing it with their doctor and wanting treatment.  

It’s a double-edged sword: Getting a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD should be accessible, but with more diagnoses comes increased demand for common ADHD medications like amphetamines (Adderall and Vyvanse) and methylphenidate (Ritalin). Additionally, some recent regulatory issues have made it harder to get these medications. But if you’re unable to get your meds, you have some other options. 

4 things to do if you can’t get your ADHD medication

Without treatment, ADHD can greatly affect your daily life, including your productivity levels, relationships and overall mood. ADHD medications can help by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which are chemicals in your brain that can affect your attention span, impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. 

But if you’re one of the over 10 million adults in the United States who have ADHD and can’t get your meds, whether it’s due to higher costs or the medication being out of stock, there are a few other things you can do to stay on top of your treatment.

Talk to your doctor

Margaret Sibley, PhD, a clinical psychologist and professor in UW School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, says the first step is to talk with the doctor or psychiatrist who prescribes your medications.

“If you can’t get your medication, let them know immediately so that a plan for managing your ADHD without the typical medication can be created,” says Sibley.

Switch pharmacies

Prescription drug prices can vary from pharmacy to pharmacy, meaning you might pay double the cost for the same medication at a different pharmacy ... even if it’s across town (ugh). 

If your pharmacy is the only one in your area (or the only one that accepts your type of insurance, if you have it), you can see if they accept drug coupons. Some websites, manufacturers or third parties offer substantial discounts on medications, but you might have to meet a few qualifications first.  

Cognitive behavioral therapy  

While an important tool, medication isn’t the only way to treat ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy and other psychotherapies are also an important part of addressing ADHD.

“While medication can help core symptoms feel less severe, cognitive behavioral therapy helps people develop coping skills that help them better manage their ADHD symptoms across daily life contexts,” says Sibley.

And even after you have access to your meds again, Sibley says that a combination of both medication and CBT is a good option for people with ADHD diagnoses, whether you have an existing diagnosis or are newly diagnosed with the condition.

Manage your lifestyle and environment

It might seem counterintuitive that a more demanding lifestyle with increased responsibilities could help your ADHD symptoms, but according to new research, it does for some people.

More importantly, keeping track of your symptoms during both busy and calm periods of your days can help you determine when your symptoms feel most manageable. From there, you can work to shift your lifestyle to minimize those symptoms as much as possible.

There are many other ways to create an environment where you’ll thrive, from time management tools to regular check-ins with your partner about dividing up household responsibilities.

The TL;DR?

Limited access to ADHD medications is likely to continue for a while. That’s why it’s important to work with your doctor to come up with the best plan to manage your symptoms so you can continue to thrive.