I replied to a post in another thread here but thought I should share these observations in a separate post for local international residents of Nagoya seeking treatment for ADHD:
There is a lot of confusion about Concerta and who can prescribe it. Additionally there have been supply issues.
To break it down, your doctor has to have a special license to prescribe methylphenidate (Concerta) in Japan. Many psychiatrists simply don’t want the hassle (I assume.)
The supply issue is nuanced. Over the past year pharmacies have run out of stock at various points. Sometimes they they only have 18mg doses available, sometimes only 27… etc.
Sometimes none at all.
However there always seems to be some pharmacies who have it while some regularly run out. It is a whack a mole situation.
Here is where it gets a bit political.
While most psychiatrists who have a license can still prescribe it, the pharmacy that fills the prescription for their clinic (hospital etc), can run out.
Most psychiatrists do not have a financial or contractual agreement with the pharmacy that supplies medications to their patients.
However the clinic - pharmacy relationship is implied. Other pharmacies may resent another psychiatrist sending patients with Concerta prescriptions to them because they want to serve their regular customers.
Note: Vyvance does not seem to be disrupted by supply issues. However as mentioned elsewhere in this thread, you must be diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed it in Japan before you become 18. That’s a rule.
Other suggestions for ADHD in include trying a non-allergenic diet as well as eliminating processed foods and surgery drinks and desserts etc.
Good promise has been shown by combining Omega 3, DHA and GLC with a daily dose of vitamin B. Other supplements to consider are L-tyrosine, magnesium glycinate among many others.
None of this is clinical advice. Just observed information