ADHD medication shortage has patients frustrated

The shortage of ADHD medication in the U.S. has become a major problem at the start of the new school year. This shortage is irritating patients, doctors and specialists; empty pharmacy shelves have become common. The deficiency is most severe with stimulant ADHD medications such as Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, Vyvanse and their generic versions. The main reasons for this shortage are complex and involve a number of factors, including regulatory issues, increasing demand, and a lack of transparency in the pharmaceutical industry. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) limits the types of amphetamines that pharmaceutical companies can use to produce these drugs. NBC News reports that “[The DEA] says companies have more than enough raw ingredients to produce stimulant ADHD medications. Drugmakers contest the claim, saying they’ve run out of ingredients and need the DEA’s permission to acquire more.”

According to the American Association of Health-System Pharmacists, over 141 separate doses or formulations of ADHD stimulant medications have been affected by supply issues. The shortage of ADHD medication has had far-reaching consequences for patients.

Approximately 8.7 million people in the U.S. are effected by ADHD. Photo courtesy of Tara Winstead, Pexels

Millions of children and adults depend on these drugs to focus and manage their symptoms. An article by The New York Times reports they “have long been considered the gold standard of treatment by psychiatrists and pediatricians.” Being forced to switch medications or go cold-turkey can lead to people struggling with deprivation on top of the typical difficulties ADHD causes as they attempt to function in their daily lives.

Denver resident Jessica Urgo told NBC News not taking medication has strained her relationships. Without their medication, some patients have an impaired ability to work and potential harm can be inflicted on their mental and physical health. 

According to NBC News, several potential solutions have been proposed to alleviate the ADHD drug shortage, including strengthening communication and cooperation between the DEA and drug companies. Although the DEA claims that manufacturers have unused amphetamine quotas, the manufacturers have not publicly acknowledged this, most likely for financial reasons. An accurate assessment of the supply status requires transparency. 

In addition, experts say changes in telehealth prescriptions could help stabilize demand for drugs. Currently, doctors can prescribe stimulant medications via telehealth, but that benefit expires in November 2024. Maintaining access to telehealth by ensuring equal access for all patients can help manage the demand for ADHD medications more effectively.

This frustrates me as someone who struggles with ADHD and takes medication like Vyvanse and Lexapro for anxiety. People who also struggle with this problem should not be denied access to medicine. This is wrong and must be addressed and corrected as soon as possible. 

The insufficient supply of ADHD medications in the United States is a complex issue with major implications for both patients and healthcare providers. The pharmaceutical business is experiencing a scarcity due to regulatory restrictions, increased demand and a lack of transparency. Because of the lack of medication, patients feel irritation, pain, and safety issues. Closer communication between regulators and medication producers, as well as long-term telemedicine prescriptions, can help to alleviate the shortage and guarantee that ADHD patients receive the support they require.

 

afrisch@ramapo.edu

Featured photo courtesy of Polina Tankillevitch, Pexels