ADHD Medication Shortage Continues: Supply Falls Short of Demand for Stimulant Medications
The ongoing shortage of ADHD medications in the United States has left many Americans who rely on these treatments wondering why the supply is still falling short of demand. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), supply from drugmakers for the stimulant medications most commonly prescribed for ADHD is not meeting the growing demand. Federal officials believe that this year’s caps on production, set by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), will be enough to meet the needs of patients. However, generic drugmakers claim that they have been unable to manufacture up to their quotas due to the federal limits.
Causes of the ADHD Medication Shortage
Several factors have contributed to the ongoing shortage of ADHD medications. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in prescriptions for these medications in the U.S. and around the world. The FDA also attributes the shortage to increased prescribing potentially related to the growth in telemedicine, supply chain issues, manufacturing and quality issues, and business decisions of manufacturers.
The Role of DEA Quotas
The DEA sets annual quotas on the production of controlled substances, including ADHD medications. While the agency raised its limits for methylphenidate after last year’s shortage, it has also blamed some drugmakers for not manufacturing up to their quotas. The DEA claims that this year’s quotas will be sufficient to meet the growing demand for ADHD treatments.
Generic Medications Facing Shortages
While brand-name ADHD medications like Adderall, Vyvanse, and Concerta are readily available, many generic manufacturers are struggling to keep up with demand. Manufacturers of amphetamine mixed salts, one of the most commonly prescribed stimulants for ADHD, remain unable to meet overall demand. Teva Pharmaceuticals, a manufacturer of Adderall, states that its branded products are all currently available without limits. However, other versions of amphetamine mixed salts made by Teva and competing generic drugmakers are listed as struggling to meet demand. Similar shortages are seen with generic versions of methylphenidate and lisdexamfetamine dimesylate.
Accessing ADHD Prescriptions
Patients in search of ADHD prescriptions that are out of stock at their local pharmacy often have to call around or visit other drug stores to find supplies. They may also consider switching to another medication, although this can carry risks and requires close collaboration with their doctors. Regulations imposed on pharmacies for controlled substances can further complicate the search for these medications.
Tips for Patients During the Shortage
To navigate the ongoing shortage of ADHD stimulant medications, patients are advised to be persistent, flexible, and creative. They can request that pharmacists look up their names in state prescription monitoring programs to address concerns about drug-seeking behaviors. Starting the process to request a refill as soon as possible is also recommended. Perseverance and communication with healthcare providers are key to successfully managing the shortage.
Full List of ADHD Medication Shortages
The FDA’s database indicates that all three frequently prescribed ADHD stimulant medications are in shortage: methylphenidate, amphetamine mixed salts, and lisdexamfetamine. The shortage of amphetamine mixed salts includes brand name Adderall, while generic versions from various drugmakers are listed as facing limits to their availability. A shortage of brand-name Vyvanse was resolved within two months after a manufacturing delay last year, but other manufacturers of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate report limited availability. Similarly, some generics of extended-release methylphenidate hydrochloride are in shortage from certain manufacturers.
Conclusion
The ongoing shortage of ADHD medications in the U.S. has raised concerns among patients who rely on these treatments. While federal officials believe that this year’s quotas set by the DEA will be enough to meet the growing demand, generic drugmakers claim that they have been unable to manufacture up to their quotas due to federal limits. The shortage has led to challenges for patients in accessing their prescriptions, and they are advised to be persistent and work closely with their healthcare providers. The FDA’s database shows that both brand-name and generic versions of ADHD medications are facing shortages, highlighting the need for continued efforts to address this issue.
