Latest news with #Concerta
Sydney Morning Herald
20 hours ago
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
A medicine shortage is heaping undue stress on schoolkids like Alon
'The school has been very supportive, and we haven't had any phone calls going 'this is ridiculous', but in terms of his marks, even just he gets a little disappointed in himself because he wants to do better and he wants to finish the math test, and he just couldn't concentrate,' she says. 'It's not because he's aiming to be annoying and waste time in class.' While many schools are understanding and work with students with ADHD, the medication shortage is creating an extra layer of stress for families with children with additional needs, according to development pediatrician Dr Suzi Riess. Riess, who treats children with behavioural issues, says the scarcity of Concerta is increasing demand for other medications and causing further shortages. She says more doctors are having to find alternatives but they must be cautious when switching medications. 'You have to be able to start low [with dosage] and go up slowly, and for families it's very stressful to navigate that,' Riess explains. 'I've had families who have finally found a good combination of medication, and it's been really hard for them because they've experienced the benefit.' For those living regionally or in outer suburbs, that can mean driving to multiple pharmacies to find the medication they need. It's also important for schools to be able to respond to changes in the behaviour of children, according to University of Melbourne associate professor of education Matthew Harrison. Harrison, who specialises in inclusive education, helps train teachers on how to work with neurodivergent kids and also has ADHD himself. 'For teachers who are trying to plan supports for young people, if someone's needs are changing based on whether they're medicated or not, it can be really stressful,' Harrison says. 'It's difficult for teachers, it's difficult for the parents, and of course, it's most difficult for the young people themselves.' He says for many neurodivergent students, medication also helps them socially – not just in the classroom. It can also allow them to be more engaged and present. Harrison says it is important that schools foster calm, predictable environments. 'It's having routines and systems in place, even things about what happens when we arrive at school, what happens when we enter the classroom,' he suggests. Loading Fostering positive relationships between teachers and their students is key, so when young people are struggling they can be open about it, he says. '[Neurodivergent] kids have to feel safe and happy first before they're learning.' Sydney-based mum and accredited ADHD coach Sharon Collon agrees, and says she has seen a surge in parents raising concerns about limited medication supply. 'We're having increase of more challenging behaviours at home and school environment,' she says. 'We are seeing increased levels of distress.' Collon says her husband and three sons all have ADHD, and finding the 'holy grail' of medication meant going through a lot of trial and error. 'Everyone is unique, and some medications can make their behaviour worse or have negative side effects, so when you finally find the one that works for your child … to then have to stop it or swap it for another because of a shortage, it causes so much stress for families.' One of her sons, whose ADHD had been well managed, had to switch from a medicine that was scarce. 'He got suspended twice in one week.' She says it was also a blow to his self-esteem: he wanted to do well and had never faced disciplinary action at school. 'And it was all because he hadn't had the right medication at that time.' Collon says teachers supporting students with neurodiversity were struggling with medication disruptions but she urged them to opt for 'connection'. 'You can't discipline ADHD out of a child, and anytime someone tries to do that all it does is cause shame,' she says. Kids may need to move more or go for 'brain breaks' where they go for a short walk. They may also need additional supports like visual cues. Many schools and teachers are already doing what they can, she explains, but it's important for them to communicate with parents about what's going on. Mum Nadine Barkay is already concerned about what happens next for Alon. 'My community chemist has run out of Ritalin ... and they don't have a due date for it,' she says. They eventually found it at another pharmacy, but the shortage is prompting the family to consider what to do next. The Department of Education was asked if it was aware of the shortages. 'Schools ensure that every student is able to attend and learn in a safe environment, regardless of a student's medical condition,' a spokesperson said in a statement.
The Age
20 hours ago
- Health
- The Age
A medicine shortage is heaping undue stress on schoolkids like Alon
'The school has been very supportive, and we haven't had any phone calls going 'this is ridiculous', but in terms of his marks, even just he gets a little disappointed in himself because he wants to do better and he wants to finish the math test, and he just couldn't concentrate,' she says. 'It's not because he's aiming to be annoying and waste time in class.' While many schools are understanding and work with students with ADHD, the medication shortage is creating an extra layer of stress for families with children with additional needs, according to development pediatrician Dr Suzi Riess. Riess, who treats children with behavioural issues, says the scarcity of Concerta is increasing demand for other medications and causing further shortages. She says more doctors are having to find alternatives but they must be cautious when switching medications. 'You have to be able to start low [with dosage] and go up slowly, and for families it's very stressful to navigate that,' Riess explains. 'I've had families who have finally found a good combination of medication, and it's been really hard for them because they've experienced the benefit.' For those living regionally or in outer suburbs, that can mean driving to multiple pharmacies to find the medication they need. It's also important for schools to be able to respond to changes in the behaviour of children, according to University of Melbourne associate professor of education Matthew Harrison. Harrison, who specialises in inclusive education, helps train teachers on how to work with neurodivergent kids and also has ADHD himself. 'For teachers who are trying to plan supports for young people, if someone's needs are changing based on whether they're medicated or not, it can be really stressful,' Harrison says. 'It's difficult for teachers, it's difficult for the parents, and of course, it's most difficult for the young people themselves.' He says for many neurodivergent students, medication also helps them socially – not just in the classroom. It can also allow them to be more engaged and present. Harrison says it is important that schools foster calm, predictable environments. 'It's having routines and systems in place, even things about what happens when we arrive at school, what happens when we enter the classroom,' he suggests. Loading Fostering positive relationships between teachers and their students is key, so when young people are struggling they can be open about it, he says. '[Neurodivergent] kids have to feel safe and happy first before they're learning.' Sydney-based mum and accredited ADHD coach Sharon Collon agrees, and says she has seen a surge in parents raising concerns about limited medication supply. 'We're having increase of more challenging behaviours at home and school environment,' she says. 'We are seeing increased levels of distress.' Collon says her husband and three sons all have ADHD, and finding the 'holy grail' of medication meant going through a lot of trial and error. 'Everyone is unique, and some medications can make their behaviour worse or have negative side effects, so when you finally find the one that works for your child … to then have to stop it or swap it for another because of a shortage, it causes so much stress for families.' One of her sons, whose ADHD had been well managed, had to switch from a medicine that was scarce. 'He got suspended twice in one week.' She says it was also a blow to his self-esteem: he wanted to do well and had never faced disciplinary action at school. 'And it was all because he hadn't had the right medication at that time.' Collon says teachers supporting students with neurodiversity were struggling with medication disruptions but she urged them to opt for 'connection'. 'You can't discipline ADHD out of a child, and anytime someone tries to do that all it does is cause shame,' she says. Kids may need to move more or go for 'brain breaks' where they go for a short walk. They may also need additional supports like visual cues. Many schools and teachers are already doing what they can, she explains, but it's important for them to communicate with parents about what's going on. Mum Nadine Barkay is already concerned about what happens next for Alon. 'My community chemist has run out of Ritalin ... and they don't have a due date for it,' she says. They eventually found it at another pharmacy, but the shortage is prompting the family to consider what to do next. The Department of Education was asked if it was aware of the shortages. 'Schools ensure that every student is able to attend and learn in a safe environment, regardless of a student's medical condition,' a spokesperson said in a statement.
Health Line
09-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Is There an Azstarys Shortage?
Azstarys is a prescription drug used to treat ADHD. Some ADHD medications have recently been in short supply. Learn whether Azstarys is affected and how to check its availability. Azstarys is not currently listed in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug shortages database. Here's what to know about why some ADHD medications may be hard to find and how to check for drug shortages. Is there a shortage of other ADHD drugs? In recent years, several ADHD medications have been in short supply. A few examples include Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, and Vyvanse. It's not yet clear when these shortages will fully resolve. These shortages have affected both brand-name and generic versions of the drugs. As a result, some people have worked with their doctor to switch to a different medication or adjust their ADHD treatment plan. To check the current status of Aztarys and other ADHD medications, visit the FDA drug shortages website. How do ADHD drug shortages affect people? Shortages of ADHD medications can make it harder for people to stick with their treatment plan. This can cause ADHD symptoms to return or become more difficult to manage. A lack of consistent access to ADHD medication may also increase stress and affect mental health. Other possible effects of disrupted access to ADHD medication include: difficulty focusing or completing daily tasks increased impulsivity or emotional outbursts difficulty falling or staying asleep withdrawing from social, family, or work activities If you're having trouble filling a prescription for an ADHD medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may recommend alternatives or adjust your treatment plan based on what's available. What causes a drug shortage? Several factors can lead to a medication being in short supply. Common causes of ADHD drug shortages include: Increased demand: More people receiving diagnoses of ADHD have led to greater demand for medications. This can strain manufacturers and reduce availability at pharmacies. Regulatory limits: Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD, including Azstarys, are controlled substances. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sets yearly production limits for these medications. If demand rises suddenly, these limits may contribute to shortages. Supply chain issues: Shortages of raw materials, packaging supplies, or labor can delay the manufacturing and availability of ADHD drugs. When multiple ADHD medications are in short supply at the same time, it can be especially hard for pharmacies to keep any option in stock. Even when generic forms are available, they may be affected by the same issues as brand-name drugs. As a result, generics may be just as difficult to find during a shortage. How can I check whether Azstarys is available near me? Azstarys is not currently listed by the FDA as being in shortage. However, some people may still experience delays when trying to fill their prescription. Availability can vary depending on your pharmacy, location, and insurance plan. If you're having trouble finding Azstarys, start by talking with a pharmacist. If possible, visit the pharmacy in person. Some pharmacies may not share inventory details for ADHD medications over the phone. You can also check pharmacy websites or apps, which sometimes offer tools to look up availability online. Keep in mind that availability may change as new shipments arrive. You can also check with your insurance provider. If Azstarys isn't available through your plan's preferred pharmacy, your insurer may be able to help you locate another pharmacy. In some cases, you may want to reach out to the drug manufacturer for information about availability in your area. To learn more about contacting the manufacturer, visit the Azstarys website.
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lola Young opens up on her sexuality with X-rated comment
Lola Young has opened up about her sexuality after she responded to a comment on her recent TikTok video. The Messy hitmaker, 24, who wowed fans with her performance at Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool on Sunday, took to social media later that day and fans went wild for the post. Dancing and lip syncing to CMAT's track Take A Sexy Picture Of Me, viewers headed straight to the comments to share their love for the star. While one fan joked: 'no man deserves this' Lola unexpectedly replied as she confirmed she does not identify as straight writing: 'i like p***y as well u kno' [sic]. CMAT also loved the tribute to her song as she replied with a series of crying emojis and penned: 'i love u so much this is the best day of my life. ur so fit'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The lyrics of CMAT's new song go 'I did the butcher, I did the baker / I did the home and the family maker / I did schoolgirl fantasies / Oh, I did leg things and hand stuff / And single woman banter / Now tell me, what was in it for me?'. Lola, who is a Brit School alum, has soared to stardom this year after she went viral with her hit song Messy and was even nominated for two BRIT Awards. And earlier this month the star took to social media to promote her ADHD medicine, Concerta, because it makes her 'see mess now and clean things up'. Lola highlighted that there was an 'over glamorisation' of the hyperactivity disorder which has broken out among Gen Z with many 'jumping on the bandwagon'. But, she argued, the glorification of ADHD in recent years has also helped break down the stigma and made sure 'people are aware of what it's doing to your brain'. The Croydon-born pop singer said: 'Six months ago I started taking Concerta and it has genuinely changed my life, my thought processing and it's changed how I see mess and I can clear up, I feel genuinely a lot happier. 'My experience on Concerta has been incredible, and I would highly recommend it. I think it's super important to break down the stigma of taking medication for mental health because, right now, if you had a heart condition, you may take some. 'So we should make sure physical health and mental health are viewed on par.' CMAT also loved the tribute to her song as she replied with a series of crying emojis and penned: 'i love u so much this is the best day of my life. ur so fit' Lola also emphasised the importance of getting a diagnosis of ADHD can 'change your life'. She said: 'Getting a diagnosis can help you understand, but I would also recommend getting the medication I am on, which is Concerta.' Concerta is a drug that increases attention and decreases impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD. People taking the drug will feel a sense of euphoria, a higher energy level and better focus and concentration. It is estimated 230,000 people in the UK are taking the medication for ADHD. Lola revealed she wrote the hit single, Messy, in her bedroom and said: 'It's been speculated that it's about my parents. 'It's massively about some close family but it's a combination. 'It's more about myself, I am too messy. I've never held a broom in my life, everything in my life is a mess so it's a very fitting track.'
ABC News
13-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
ADHD medication shortage hits Canberrans hard with GPS forced to 'cobble together' prescriptions
Harriet Torres had just celebrated her 42nd birthday when she was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 2022. As her psychiatrist revealed the diagnosis, she burst into tears. "I kind of knew going in that I was probably going to get a diagnosis, but to have someone actually confirm that was really a powerful thing. "It turned off a negative voice in my head that had been there my whole life, so it was almost instant." Ms Torrens, an administrator at the Australian National University, was prescribed medication to help her manage her ADHD traits, which included hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. The drug — a long-acting stimulant called Concerta — had an almost immediate impact. "It's important to highlight that medication is only one tool, but it has been a very useful tool for me," she said. "I have both hyperactive and inattentive ADHD, which is tricky, but medication allows me to structure my day and my thoughts better. For more than two years, it worked beautifully. Then in February, Ms Torrens's psychiatrist recommended increasing her dose, only for her to find the dosage had become unavailable. Australia has been in the grips of an ADHD medication shortage since late last year, with the Therapeutic Goods Administration warning it is likely to persist until at least the end of this year. The causes of the shortages are complex, with manufacturing and supply chain issues playing a part as well as increased demand for the medications across the globe. Concerta, Ritalin and Teva XR are in the shortest supply in Australia, with Rubifen expected to join that list next month. Thankfully for Ms Torrens, her general practitioner Laura Chapman had a few options to choose from. She first tried mixing two drugs that had not been impacted by the shortage, but the side effects were problematic, with Ms Torrens slipping quickly into "a real depression". A shift to another drug has been much more effective, though it involves Ms Torrens taking a number of tablets across the day rather than one first thing in the morning. "It has changed my whole routine and it's more expensive, so it's been quite difficult," Ms Torrens said. Dr Chapman said Ms Torrens's experience was becoming increasingly common, with many of her patients reportedly phoning multiple pharmacies to fill their prescriptions and coming up short. The shortage has had somewhat of a cascading effect, with drugs becoming harder to get as more people switch their prescriptions from one to another. Dr Chapman said she felt frustrated at being forced to "cobble together" prescriptions to come up with a mix of available drugs to help her "distressed" patients simply function. "By that I mean we often need to pivot a person's pharmacological treatment to agents that are different and therefore not ideal. "So, taking a bit of creative license, which is not always in the patient's best interest." Dr Chapman said often the solution was more expensive and involved the patient taking a smaller dose of medication multiple times a day, like in Ms Torrens's case. She said that was particularly onerous for people with ADHD who typically struggle to manage their executive function. And even then, Dr Chapman said she could not promise there would not be a shortage of the new drugs she prescribed. General paediatrician Kim Bland said the impact the drug shortage was having on families in Canberra was "heartbreaking", with some parents going without entirely or making compromises like rationing doses to their children. "They'll give their child medication on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and hope they've got enough learning on those days that they can go without their medication on Thursday and Friday," Dr Bland said. "There are families not giving it in school holidays and on weekends when they normally would, and mums and dads are taking the brunt of that challenge with executive function, memory, focus and emotional regulation because they want to prioritise their child being able to regulate at school. Dr Bland said she had spoken to parents who had called every pharmacy in the ACT as well as those in towns over the border in New South Wales to find medications, with little luck. "Some of my families have just worked their way through the first shortage, transitioned to a new medication, only to be told that's going into shortage as well," she said. "So, they really have nowhere else to go — I'm worried many of them have just given up because there's no options left for them." For children with ADHD, being unmedicated can have a serious impact on their ability to learn and retain information and lead to significant emotional dysregulation. Dr Bland said if left untreated over a long period, it could cause such significant disengagement with school that a child's education would suffer long-term. She said the "free market" was partly to blame, with medications ultimately going to the country willing to pay the most for them. "But also, only 10 per cent of our medications are made in Australia, and that makes us very vulnerable. "It's quite a long-term dream, but I would really like to see some kind of buffer where some of these medications could be made here." In pharmacies across Canberra, a Hunger Games-style battle to secure what stock is available has developed. ACT Pharmacy Guild branch president and community pharmacist Simon Blacker said ongoing drug shortages since the pandemic had led to a habit of pharmacies buying as much as they could safely store when medications were in stock. "That obviously means other pharmacies and patients are missing out, and that's the unintended consequence of drug shortages — and we wish it didn't happen, but it's a challenging time. "It's often described as a Hunger Games effect, but we are in a global economy." As for Ms Torrens, her new mix of medications is proving effective — and, perhaps just as importantly, available for now. But it was not lost on her how different her experience could have been. "I am very fortunate because I have an excellent GP, who I have access to pretty readily," Ms Torrens said. "The minute I wrote her an email, she was onto it, but I'm really aware that not everyone is in that situation. "I was also fortunate to have just had an appointment with my psychiatrist, and she had given my GP a lot of scope to support me with adjustments to my prescription. "If you're waiting months and months to get in to see a psychiatrist, what do you do?"
