It’s challenging enough to have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) on its own. But it can get really stressful if you run out of the ADHD drugs you need to control your symptoms.

Unfortunately, millions of Americans with ADHD have experienced this firsthand as a result of nationwide medicine shortages, which prevent them from filling their prescriptions. Many of these drugs are no longer available due to a variety of reasons, which means that individuals with ADHD must live with untreated symptoms.

However, why is there still a shortage of ADHD medications, and what can you do if you can’t get your prescription filled? Continue reading to obtain all the necessary information.

Reasons for the Lack of ADHD Medications

It’s not as easy to figure out why there is a persistent scarcity of ADHD medicine as you might imagine. Experts refer to the current state of affairs as a “perfect storm” resulting from the convergence of numerous variables that have contributed to the shortage.
The government supply constraints and the rising demand for these drugs are the two primary variables that have come together.

Growing Need

First, as rates of diagnosis and treatment for ADHD rise, an increasing number of people are asking for medication. Due to the historically low diagnosis rate of this ailment, particularly in females, many people have to live with an undiagnosed illness until they are adults. More people have received the necessary diagnosis for ADHD in recent years as campaigners have fought against stigma and false information about the disorder.

This is a good thing since it means that individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder require medical attention. However, it also indicates that there is a sharp rise ↗ in the need for drugs like Ritalin and Adderall.

In addition to this justifiable need for ADHD medication, there is an increasing demand for these medications among non-medical users. There is less stimulant medication available for those with the disease who need it to control their symptoms when more people take it recreationally.

Reduction in Supply

Stimulants like Adderall, Concerta, and Ritalin are the best drugs for ADHD. Due to the presence of chemicals like amphetamine mixed salts, these drugs are categorised as Schedule II restricted substances ↗. Medications classified as Schedule II are those that have a high potential for abuse. Schedule II also includes illegal stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine.

Legal producers of restricted chemicals (such as some ADHD drugs) are required to adhere to strict guidelines established by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). There may be a stimulant shortage as a result of these restrictions preventing producers from producing enough of these drugs to satisfy the rising demand.

But according to a letter released by the DEA ↗ in 2023, many producers failed to produce the full quantity of these drugs that was permitted by the limits. To accommodate demand, they regularly collaborate with manufacturers, which is why, for instance, Adderall is no longer in low supply.

Are Generics Affected Too by Shortage?

Regrettably, generic alternatives are frequently more negatively impacted by the scarcity of stimulant ADHD drugs than name-brand alternatives, which poses a severe issue for those who depend on their prescriptions and have ADHD.

The cost of generic drugs is significantly less than that of name-brand ones. The demand for generics is frequently higher than that for brand names because of the price differential, which might exacerbate shortages.

Insurance plans may also pay for generic pharmaceuticals, but they may not reimburse you for name-brand drugs. Even though brand-name medications are readily available, patients with ADHD may not have a long-term means of receiving the ADHD therapy they require if generics are in low supply.

List of Short-Storage ADHD Medications

Keeping track of the precise ADHD medications that are in low supply might be challenging. Fortunately, the FDA has an online database ↗ that allows one to search for certain drugs that are now unavailable.

See which medications are in limited supply as of September 2024, when this article was published, by using this table.

Remember that information regarding drug shortages might change quickly. There might be a shortage of some drugs, but others might start to be available. For instance, while Adderall is more widely available now, there was a serious scarcity of it just a year or two ago.

Additionally, shortages are highly location-dependent, so you may discover that some areas are affected by a scarcity while others are not. It is not a given that you will be able to locate that medication at your pharmacy just because a shortage hasn’t been reported to the FDA yet.

What Are the Effects on Me as a Patient of an Unfilled ADHD Prescription?

In order to control your symptoms, you probably require therapy if you have an ADHD diagnosis. Research indicates that psychiatric medicine, particularly stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin, is the most effective treatment for ADHD ↗. Long periods of time may pass while your ADHD symptoms are untreated due to federal drug shortages that interfere with your ability to obtain the prescription drugs you require.

The following are some dangers associated with having untreated ADHD:

• A higher chance of substance abuse disorders. In an attempt to get the same result, people with ADHD frequently self-medicate using risky and illegal stimulant medications.
• Issues at work, such not being able to remember things or fulfil deadlines.
• Issues with relationships brought on by unchecked signs of ADHD, such as impulsivity or emotional outbursts.
• A higher chance of co-occurring mental health issues such depression and anxiety.
• Taking part in risky and dangerous activities, such as excessive shopping or careless driving.

Furthermore, abruptly quitting an ADHD drug can have its own set of withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, melancholy, and insomnia. Although there is a chance, most patients who take these drugs as prescribed don’t have withdrawal symptoms.

How Do Prescriptions for ADHD Patients Get Obtained?

Obtaining medicine is divided into three key procedures if you believe you have ADHD:

1. Obtaining a diagnosis and evaluation
2. obtaining a prescription, if considered required
3. Getting your prescription filled

Evaluation and Prognosis

If you don’t already have a diagnosis of ADHD, you must first obtain one. The first step in getting the treatment you require is getting the correct diagnosis. 

Remember that these drugs can only be prescribed by licensed professionals such as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, and medical doctors with the appropriate credentials (MDs or DOs). Furthermore, they are only able to act after performing an evaluation and determining whether medication is the best course of action.

Keep in mind that making an appointment does not ensure that you will receive a prescription. The choice is left up to your healthcare practitioner.

Get a Prescription

Your doctor will discuss various treatment choices with you if they diagnose you with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. They will go over the benefits and drawbacks of each option with you and help you select the one that best suits your symptoms and needs.

Research has shown that stimulant drugs are the most effective, but they are not suitable for everyone. There are other non-stimulant drugs that have proven beneficial for a lot of folks.

During your appointment, enquire about any possible drug shortages to ensure that you can obtain the prescription medication you have been prescribed.

If you’ve been diagnosed already but are out of medicine, get in touch with your provider to arrange a follow-up examination, obtain a prescription refill, and make an appointment.

Retrieve Prescription

Finally, you’ll pick up your medication at the drugstore. Another option is to have your prescription filled by an internet pharmacy, which will then deliver your medication to your house. Get in touch with your physician as soon as possible to talk about your choices if there is an unanticipated shortage of the prescription you were prescribed.

What to Do If There Is a Shortage of ADHD Medication

It’s critical to contact your healthcare practitioner as soon as possible if you require medication that is currently unavailable. Sudden withdrawal from your ADHD medication carries some hazards. It’s critical to look for different approaches to symptom management.

For instance, your healthcare provider might be aware of different pharmacies that carry your prescription drug. If not, they can discuss with you the possibility of switching to a different drug that will help you, at least while the shortage is being addressed. In order to assist you manage your symptoms, they could also recommend additional treatment options including behavioural therapy or lifestyle modifications.

Never give in to the temptation to use other stimulants as a kind of self-medication. This may increase your chance of developing a substance use disorder, exacerbate long-term symptoms of ADHD, and have legal repercussions.

In Conclusion

Unfortunately, patients in the United States who require medication for ADHD find that their treatment is complicated by drug shortages. Speak with your provider of ADHD treatment if you are unable to obtain the necessary medication; they can suggest other options. You can control your symptoms and lead a happy, fulfilled life with the right care.