An ongoing shortage of Adderall, a commonly prescribed medication for ADHD, is causing frustration and academic difficulties for students. The shortage, which has lasted over a year, is attributed to increased demand outpacing supply. The lack of transparency in the manufacturing process makes it difficult to determine the root cause of the problem. Alternative treatments for ADHD are also experiencing shortages. The shortage has led to challenges for parents in obtaining prescriptions and has prompted professionals to call for better communication among doctors, parents, and schools to support students who are missing their medication.
The ongoing shortage of Adderall, a medication used to treat ADHD, in the United States is driving some patients to turn to methamphetamine as a substitute, according to social workers. The shortage, which began in October 2022, has persisted for over a year, leaving individuals with ADHD struggling to access their prescribed medication. Both Adderall and methamphetamine are amphetamines that help address dopamine imbalances in individuals with ADHD. The shortage has been attributed to worker and supply shortages at Teva Pharmaceuticals, a major manufacturer of Adderall. The increased demand for ADHD evaluation and treatment has also contributed to the scarcity. The reliance on meth as an alternative poses significant risks, as it is a highly addictive and dangerous substance.
As kids return to school, parents are concerned about an ongoing Adderall shortage, a medication commonly prescribed for ADHD. The shortage, which has been in effect since last October, is due to manufacturing delays and increased demand during and after the pandemic. Alternative medications like Ritalin are also in short supply. The FDA and DEA have set limits on the production of ADHD medications, leading to calls for those limits to be raised. While there is concern about misuse of Adderall among students, experts attribute the shortage primarily to manufacturing issues.
The ongoing shortage of Adderall, a medication commonly prescribed for ADHD, has prompted the FDA and DEA to explore alternative treatments. One suggestion is the use of video games as a digital therapeutic for managing ADHD symptoms. Digital medicine company Akili Interactive has developed a prescription video game called EndeavorRx, which has shown promising results in improving attention and focus in children and adults with ADHD. The game is designed to challenge specific elements of brain function and is personalized to each user. While video games cannot replace stimulant medications entirely, they offer an additional low-risk tool for individuals who are unable to take medication or have difficulty accessing it.
