The Adderall shortage has been ‘absolute hell’ for adults and kids. Here’s what doctors say patients can do.

A few weeks back, Sheletta Brundidge got a call from her son Andrew’s high school informing her that his daily medication had run out. The 16 year-old suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which is controlled by Adderall. Brundidge had to return the medication because her pharmacy ran out. “The closest one that was available was over in St. Paul, Minn.,” she tells Yahoo Life. “That’s a whole other city!”

Thanks to a continuing nationwide Adderall shortage, there are many families like Sheletta’s who have been scrambling to get their prescriptions filled. So, what can you do if you or a loved one’s medication suddenly becomes unavailable? Here’s what medical experts say you need to know.

First, what is the shortage?

All data is tracked by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. drug shortages Visit its website. The October issue of the FDA announced There is a shortage in the immediate-release form amphetamine mixed-salts (including the brand-name drug Adderall). These stimulants are used to treat ADHD and certain sleep disorders including narcolepsy.

One major reason for the FDA’s announcement was a labor shortage at Teva PharmaceuticalsAdderall’s largest producer is. Although other companies also make Adderall the supply isn’t sufficient to meet growing demand in the U.S. This is in part due to the U.S government. relaxing the rules During the pandemic Adderall was available for prescription at telehealth appointments.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), however, is also available. reduced the amount List of acceptable raw materials to make Adderall in order not to allow patients abuse of the controlled drug. “Two things can happen: Either you can’t make it, which they had problems with, or there is increased demand,” Dr. Max WiznitzerA pediatric neuroologist, she is also co-chair of ADHD advocacy group’s professional advisory board. CHADDYahoo Life was told by. “In other words, they underestimated what the demand would be. And we got hit by both of those issues.”

For Brundidge, the shortage of Adderall meant that she had to drive an hour and a half through snow and ice to fill her son’s prescription. She knew she wouldn’t be able to make it home in time for an important meeting so she parked her car in the pharmacy parking lot and hopped in her car. “It’s really an inconvenience for people right now,” she says. “We’re all scraping over the last few pills here and there.”

These medications are not only an inconvenience but also pose a greater risk to those who depend on them.

What does the shortage look like for patients?

An estimated 6 million children ADHD affects children between the ages of 3 and 17. 62% take ADHD medication, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “For many people, putting on eyeglasses helps them focus their eyes. In the same way, ADHD medication helps people focus their thoughts,” Dr. Irene Koolwijk, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at UCLA Health, tells Yahoo Life. “The medications help them ignore distractions, pay attention and control their behavior.”

The medication works by increasing brain levels of neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine or dopamine. This helps people pay attention and focus. The drugs can also help people with sleep disorders feel alert and more awake.

Brundidge said that the idea of Andrew leaving home without his medication is nerve-racking. “Is he going to be able to keep his composure and stay maintained if he gets upset about something?” she says. “I really have to go to the worst-case scenario and prepare him: ‘Listen, you don’t have your medicine. We’ve got to wait until this doctor calls it in. If you feel upset, just walk away.’”

Mother of four worries about long-term effects. “This is bigger than just a shortage of medication. My child’s future education is at stake. He’s in 11th grade, he’s going to 12th grade, he’s going to college, and this could impact college for him.”

Adult ADHD patients can also suffer from severe consequences. One Twitter user said it was “absolute hell” not being able to get a prescription refill, while one mom tweeted that she had to call six different pharmacies to find one that could fill her son’s Adderall prescription.

Wiznitzer states that adult patients who are not prescribed medication may have difficulties at work due to poor time management, relationship problems, or poor financial decisions. “ADHD makes you inefficient,” he says. “No matter what task that you’re supposed to do. There are ramifications for a negative impact on your daily functioning, whether you’re a kid or an adult.”

How to manage the shortage

There are steps that parents and children of children who require medication can take in case there is a shortage. Koolwijk recommends that you start by visiting your local pharmacy. “Pharmacies don’t release infOdermation over the phone about their stimulant stock generally, as it’s a controlled substance,” she says. “But pharmacies of a large chain might be able to see if other related pharmacies have the medication available.”

Wiznitzer says if that doesn’t work, ask about getting the prescription submitted to an online pharmacy, such as Express Scripts or BlinkRx.

Wiznitzer recommends connecting with local patient and parent groups in your region to help locate available medication. “Let’s say you’re a member of CHADD, you might then post an inquiry: ‘I’m having problems getting this medication at pharmacy x, who has had success?’” he says. “So, there’s lots of ways to do it. Networking with both the physicians, as well as with support groups can be very helpful.”

Another option is to change the dosage of your medication. Wiznitzer explains that he has switched many of his Adderall patients from a short-release to an extended-release tablet because it is easier to get. He also suggests asking your doctor whether you might be able to take a methylphenidate ADHD drug like Ritalin and Concerta.

Koolwijk states that Adderall is not available in sufficient quantities to make this a viable option for many patients. domino effect It is happening. “Because patients who were prescribed short-acting Adderall are now prescribed other stimulant medication, this has led to intermittent shortages of other stimulant medications as well,” she says. No matter what option you choose, make sure to check with your insurance company to confirm that the new drugs will be covered.

For parents, Koolwijk recommends revisiting your child’s behavioral and educational support systems at school and at home to ensure they are fully optimized in case there is a gap in their treatment. “If they notice learning or behavioral challenges, they can request an evaluation at school to see if more supports can be put in place,” she says. “Or families can connect with a therapist to work on challenges at home.”

There is some hope. Wiznitzer said that the DEA has released new materials to address drug shortages caused by a lack in raw materials. Koolwijk said that while manufacturing issues still persist, she has noticed a slight improvement in ADHD medications availability as compared with December 2022.

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