The Hollywood Extra was forced to quit due to a severe shortage of ADHD medications
Lee Cato, 48, has been taking Concerta to treat ADHD for years, but has been unable to access his medication – or any alternatives – for a month – as the NHS flagged shortages across the UK .
A former Hollywood star says he was forced to quit his job due to a nationwide shortage of ADHD medications.
Lee Cato, 48, who has been taking Concerta for years, has been unable to get his medication or any alternatives for a month. The NHS says there has been a UK-wide drug shortage since December 2023 due to manufacturing issues and increased global demand.
Lee’s ADHD medication helps him manage symptoms such as severe anxiety, body aches and irritability. The drug also allowed him to work a variety of jobs, including an extra in big films like “Thor” and “Edge of Tomorrow,” and as a security guard. But a lack of medication meant he was unable to pursue his “passion” as an extra and had to quit his weekend job as a security guard due to severe symptoms.
Now unemployed, Lee, from Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, said: “I can’t get my ADHD medication – they’re completely out of stock and it’s been over a month now.” He added: “Without my medication, I had difficulty concentrating and controlling my emotions.”
He also said: “Unfortunately, I am currently receiving benefits, because I cannot maintain a normal life and maintain a consistent routine. My sleeping pattern is all over the place.” He first noticed a deficiency of Concerta in December 2023, but was initially able to take Delmosart.
The lack of medication left him suffering from headaches, nausea, and tooth decay. “For over a month, the pharmacist tried to get my medication, but failed,” he said. “Concerta didn’t cause any side effects for me, which was amazing.” Despite Delmosart’s side effects, which include headaches, nausea, tooth erosion and dry mouth, he continued taking it to maintain concentration. But now, neither Concerta nor Delmosart is available.
According to Psychiatry UK, some local pharmacies are slowly restocking ADHD medications such as Concerta, Delmosart and Elvanse. However, Lee remains skeptical. He expressed his frustration, saying: “I feel so anxious – and I’m really starting to feel like a guinea pig.” “It’s very frustrating – I don’t know when I will be able to get the medicine in the future,” he added.
