Adderall Shortage: Its Impact and What You Can Do

32-year-old Nora Philips is a woman of many hats. She's a mother, school volunteer, Nurse Practitioner and the glue that holds her house of five together. Phillips also struggles with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Untreated, her ADHD makes it difficult to function day to day. 

Starting last fall, due to the Adderall shortage, it has become increasingly difficult to get her prescription filled.

"It's been over a month since I was able to get my medication and once routine and manageable tasks, like waking up and getting the kids ready in the morning before we take off for school, have become nearly impossible and my to do list seems to be never ending," said Philips.

Equally importantly, without her medication, Nora cannot do parts of her job.

"I work in the E.R. and generally speaking, there are a lot of things in motion at all times," added Philips. "Without my medication, it's increasingly difficult for me to focus and I fear it won't be safe for me to continue to operate in an E.R. setting."

Unfortunately for Nora, access to the medication may continue to experience delays. 

"From all indications, supplies are likely to remain scarce for several more months," wrote Josh Disbrow chairman and CEO of Aytu BioPharma, which makes a competing drug to treat ADHD called Adzenys XR-ODT.

What is causing the shortage?

According to experts, there are many factors contributing to the shortage from increased demand to the telehealth boom, to DEA regulations on supply. 

Notably, ADHD diagnoses have been increasing considerably. Between 2010 and 2017 alone, diagnoses among children grew by 31%.

"The blame for these shortages has been directed at manufacturers, the rise of telehealth medicine, and an increase in prescriptions for and abuse of Adderall. But finger-pointing does little to help the many who depend on consistent access to ADHD medications. Real solutions are in order," added Disbrow.

"I've been on this medication for over 10 years now and have never experienced anything like this." Added Philips. 

When will it end?

Some early predictions pointed to the shortage ending in early 2023, but according to recent reports, a quick fix is unlikely.

What can you do to advocate for yourself or a loved one with ADHD?

While navigating the shortage is difficult and complex for many, patients can advocate for themselves in several ways. 

1. Request an Alternative: let your physician know you can't get access to your regular prescription. They may be able to prescribe a brand-name version of Adderall. Since these are controlled substances, the pharmacy needs a script for the precise drug and dosage which might require some back-and-forth between the doctor and pharmacy. If they don't offer this as an option to you, be sure to directly request to discuss solutions and alternatives. There are several substitutes to Adderall available that can be requested to pharmacists directly and may be filled much more expeditiously. 

2. Call Around: Make calls to other pharmacies. Unfortunately, the best advocate for your health is yourself. You may be able to switch pharmacies to another that has current stock.