Frustrations grow as ADHD medication shortage continues
Amid ongoing ADHD drug shortages, Adderall supplies have improved, but other brand name and generic medications such as Ritalin are still hard to come by, doctors say.
More than a year after the Food and Drug Administration announced a nationwide shortage of Adderall, doctors and patients say they are still struggling to get their hands on ADHD medications. Despite repeated promises from drugmakers that the supply crunches would be resolved soon, shortages persist, and frustration is growing.
Wendy Steele, 48, of Baltimore, says that for the past year, she has had a hard time finding pharmacies that stock medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder prescribed for both her and her 9-year-old son, Colton.
Steele takes a generic version of Adderall. Colton is on a generic version of Concerta, which has the same active ingredient as Ritalin. At times, both have had to skip, delay or go without their medications for several weeks. Steele said she believes the shortage is now affecting Colton’s schoolwork.
“I’m fed up with it,” Steele said. “It’s annoying for me, but it is a really critical medication for my son. And that’s what makes me sad. His education is suffering.”
Wendy Steele with her son, Colton.Courtesy Wendy SteeleMore than 6 million children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD, one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Millions of adults have it as well, although some may not know it. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act impulsive. Adderall and other ADHD medications help people with the disorder concentrate and focus, while reducing impulsive behavior.
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