Norwegian health authorities have reported a significant shortage of low-dose atomoxetine, a medication used to treat ADHD, especially for patients unable to use methylphenidate, which is commonly marketed under brand names like Ritalin. Of the 124,420 Norwegians on ADHD medication, around 8,000 patients received atomoxetine as of 2025. This shortage is attributed to production issues from the supplier and seems to be affecting several European countries as well.

The situation is exacerbated in Norway by the pharmacy wholesalers’ agreement with only one supplier, which creates vulnerability in the supply chain should production encounters further challenges. Patients in need of this medication might face delays in obtaining it, highlighting the importance of diversifying supply sources to ensure consistency in patient access to critical medications.

In terms of alleviating this shortage, health officials, including Ingrid Aas, an overdoctor at the Norwegian Directorate for Medical Products (DMP), have indicated that the situation is expected to improve before the Easter holiday, as new foreign shipments of the medication are anticipated to arrive at pharmacies. However, they caution that stock levels may vary from one pharmacy to another, suggesting that patients should plan their medication needs accordingly and stay informed about local availability.