Some stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications, such as
Highlights
- An unfortunate combination of increasing demand and decreasing national supply has caused many important ADHD medications to be in shortage.
- These drug shortages mean that many people with ADHD may not be able to get the treatment they need to manage their symptoms.
- If an ADHD medication you need is facing a shortage, talk to your provider right away. They can recommend other pharmacies where the medication may be in stock or discuss other treatment options with you while you wait for the shortage to end.
Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is hard enough as it is. But when the ADHD medications you need to manage your symptoms go into shortage, it can become completely overwhelming.
Unfortunately, that’s been the experience of millions of Americans who live with ADHD, who aren’t able to get their prescriptions filled due to national drug shortages. A combination of factors has led many of these medications to become unavailable, forcing people with ADHD to live with untreated symptoms.
But why is there an ongoing ADHD medication shortage, and what steps can you take if your prescription is unavailable? Read on for all of the information you may need.
Causes of the ADHD Medication Shortage
The explanation for why there is an ongoing shortage of ADHD medication isn’t as simple as you might think. Many different factors have come together to create what experts are calling a “perfect storm” of circumstances leading to the shortage.
The two main factors that have combined include an increasing demand for these medications and federal limits to supply.
Increasing Demand
First, more and more people are requesting ADHD medication as diagnosis and treatment rates improve. This disorder is historically underdiagnosed, especially in girls and women, which has led many people to deal with an undiagnosed condition until adulthood. In recent years, as advocates have battled misinformation and stigma around ADHD, more people have gotten the diagnosis they need.
This is a good thing—people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder need diagnosis and treatment. But, unfortunately, it also means that the demand for medications like Adderall and Ritalin
On top of this legitimate reason to need ADHD medication, there is also a growing demand by recreational users of these drugs. When more people use stimulant medications recreationally, there is less supply available for people diagnosed with the disorder and requiring medicine to manage their symptoms.
Decreasing Supply
The most effective ADHD medications are stimulants, including Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta. These medications are
Legal manufacturers of controlled substances (like some ADHD medications) need to follow stringent quotas, or limits, set by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These limits can prevent manufacturers from being able to make enough of these medications to meet the growing demand—which causes a stimulant shortage.
However, in 2023,
Is Shortage Affecting Generics, Too?
Unfortunately, in many cases, the shortage of stimulant ADHD medications is affecting generics even more than brand-name options, creating a serious problem for people who live with ADHD and depend on their medications.
Generics are sold at a much lower price than brand-name medications. Due to the price differences, the demand for generics is often higher than it is for brand name, which can make shortages even more severe.
Insurance plans also may cover generic versions of medications while not offering any reimbursement for brand-name. When generics face a shortage, people with ADHD may not have a sustainable way to get the ADHD treatment they need, even if brand-name medicines are available.
List of ADHD Medications in Shortage
It can be confusing to keep up with the exact ADHD prescriptions that are facing a shortage. Luckily,
Use this table to see what medicines are in shortage as of the publication of this article (November 2024).
Medication name | Shortage? |
Concerta extended-release tablet | Available (no shortage) |
No shortage reported by the FDA | |
Generic methylphenidate (generic Concerta and Ritalin) | Shortage (unavailable or limited availability) |
Strattera (brand and generic) | Discontinuation process |
Most dosages available; | |
Generic amphetamine salts (generic Adderall) | Shortage (unavailable or limited availability); some companies have availability |
Available (no shortage) | |
Generic lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (generic Vyvanse) | Shortage (unavailable or limited availability) |
Available (no shortage) | |
Available (no shortage) |
Keep in mind that drug shortage information can change rapidly. Some medications may start to face a shortage, while others can become available. For example, Adderall was in a severe shortage just a year or two ago, although it’s more available now.
Shortages also depend greatly on your location, so you might find that a shortage affects your local area while not others. Just because a shortage hasn’t yet been reported to the FDA doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to find that medication at your pharmacy.
How Does an Unfilled ADHD Prescription Affect Me as a Patient?
If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, then you likely need treatment to manage your symptoms. The research shows that
Some of the risks of living with untreated ADHD include:
- An increased risk of substance use disorder. People with ADHD often self-medicate with unsafe and illegal stimulant drugs to try to get the same effect.
- Problems at work, such as not being able to meet deadlines or keep track of time.
- Relationship problems resulting from unmanaged ADHD symptoms like impulsivity or emotional outbursts.
- An increased risk of co-occurring mental health problems like anxiety and depression.
- Engaging in risky and unsafe behaviors like reckless driving or spending too much money.
On top of that, suddenly stopping ADHD medication can come with its own set of withdrawal symptoms, including depression, irritability, and insomnia. Most people who take these medications as instructed don’t go through withdrawal, but there is a risk.
How Can People With ADHD Get Their Prescriptions?
If you think you have ADHD, there are three main steps to getting medication:
- Getting assessed and diagnosed
- Getting a prescription if deemed necessary
- Picking up your medication
Assessment and Diagnosis
First, you’ll need to get an ADHD diagnosis if you don’t have one already. Getting the right diagnosis is the initial step to receiving the treatment you need. On MEDvidi, you can go through an ADHD assessment online, which removes the hassle out of scheduling and attending your appointment in-person.
Keep in mind that only qualified practitioners like psychiatrists, medical doctors like MDs or DOs, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are able to prescribe these medications. Also, they can do so only after conducting an assessment and defining if medicine is the most appropriate treatment option.
Note that booking an appointment doesn’t guarantee obtaining a prescription. The decision is at the discretion of your healthcare provider.
Obtain a Prescription
If your healthcare provider diagnoses you with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, then they’ll talk to you about different treatment options. They will explain the pros and cons of each of them and work with you to make the most appropriate choice for your needs and symptoms.
Although stimulant medications are the most effective according to research, they’re not for everyone. There are also non-stimulant medications that have helped many people.
Ask about any potential drug shortages during your appointment to make sure you’re able to get whatever medication you’re prescribed.
If you already have a diagnosis but have run out of your medication, contact your provider to schedule an appointment, go through a follow-up assessment, and receive a prescription refill.
Pick Up Prescription
Lastly, you’ll go to the pharmacy to pick up your medication. You can also choose to have your prescription sent to an online pharmacy and get your medication sent to your home. If there is an unexpected shortage of the medication you’re prescribed, contact your provider right away to discuss other options.
What to Do in the Case of an ADHD Medication Shortage
If you need medication that’s in shortage, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider right away. Stopping your ADHD medication suddenly can come with risks. It’s important to find alternative ways to manage your symptoms.
For example, your provider may know of other pharmacies that do have your medication in stock. If not, they can talk to you about switching medications to another one that can support you, at least in the interim of the shortage. They could also suggest other treatment methods such as behavioral therapy or lifestyle changes that can help you manage your symptoms.
No matter what, resist the urge to self-medicate with other stimulants. This can heighten your risk of substance use disorder, make ADHD symptoms worse in the long run, and lead to legal consequences.
Summing Up
Unfortunately, drug shortages complicate treatment for people across the U.S. who live with ADHD and need medication. If you can’t get the medication you need, talk to your ADHD treatment provider, who can recommend alternative methods. With treatment, you can manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling and happy life.
