Starting in June, the familiar sights of anxious parents standing in long lines at pharmacies every month are expected to be significantly reduced. An amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Regulations, which will officially come into effect in June 2026, will grant physicians the long-awaited authority to instruct the dispensing of two prescriptions for attention and concentration medications simultaneously, instead of the single prescription that has been customary until now.
The move, which has received the support of many professional bodies, seeks to correct a longstanding bureaucratic injustice that has harmed patients’ quality of life and consumed the time of physicians and pharmacists alike.
An end to the “8-day chase”
Until now, the reality for patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been complex and exhausting. Due to the inclusion of these medications under the “Dangerous Drugs Ordinance” – a definition that is now considered outdated when referring to controlled medical use – they were subject to an especially strict regime. Patients were required to purchase the medication within a narrow window of only 8 days from the date the prescription was issued.
A delay of even a single day, or a shortage in stock at the local pharmacy, was enough to send parents or patients back to the treating physician to request a new prescription. The result was an endless cycle of frustration, heavy burdens on the healthcare system and glaring waste of resources. The new amendment now makes it possible to collect prescriptions for two consecutive months at once, provided that the physician has marked in the system that double dispensing is approved.
Medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have come a long way since they entered widespread use. What was once considered a controversial solution has become a therapeutic tool that has transformed the lives of millions. Numerous studies have shown that personalized medication treatment not only improves academic and occupational achievements, but also helps enhance self-confidence, emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships. For many, the medication is the bridge that enables them to realize their potential, and easing the surrounding bureaucracy is another step in recognizing the importance of treatment continuity.
How can the new benefit be utilized?
According to the new regulations, the patient must verify with the treating physician that the prescription was issued under the updated guidelines. The physician is required to mark in the computerized system that receiving medications for two consecutive months at once is approved.
The move is also expected to assist pharmacies in managing inventory and to reduce pressure at points of sale, while providing peace of mind to families who will no longer need to fear missing the short time window for dispensing.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is currently considered one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in the world, estimated at approximately 15% of the general population. In recent years, we have witnessed a significant rise in diagnosis rates, a trend attributed both to growing public awareness and to improvements in clinical diagnostic tools. Contrary to old myths, this is not a behavioral problem or the result of “poor upbringing,” but rather a complex medical condition that accompanies a person throughout the entire life cycle, from childhood to adulthood, and affects critical executive functions.
Biologically, the disorder stems from a disruption in neural pathways in the brain, particularly in systems that regulate the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is responsible for transmitting signals related to attention, motivation and a sense of reward; among those affected by the disorder, there is irregular activity in these pathways, making it difficult for the brain to filter stimuli and maintain concentration over time.
The genetic component carries decisive weight, as studies show that the disorder is inherited at very high rates. Alongside genetics, additional environmental and biological risk factors include smoking or alcohol consumption during pregnancy, premature birth and low birth weight. In addition, a high prevalence of attention disorders has been found among individuals on the autism spectrum, indicating a potential biological link between the two systems.
The clinical expression of the disorder is generally divided into three central aspects: Inattention (difficulty with organization, high distractibility and forgetfulness), hyperactivity (motor restlessness) and impulsivity (difficulty delaying gratification). The currently accepted treatment is based on a multidisciplinary approach, combining medication treatment (stimulants such as Ritalin, Concerta or Attent) together with behavioral interventions.
CBT treatment (cognitive behavioral therapy), parent training and coaching to improve executive functions have been proven essential for creating coping strategies that enable the patient to thrive in an academic and social environment, and to turn attention deficit into a source of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.
Dr. Itay Gal is a specialist in pediatrics, a sports and aviation physician and an infectious diseases researcher. He is the health reporter and medical commentator for Maariv and lectures in the fields of medicine and innovation. For more articles click here