As families gear up for the new school year, they face the mounting challenges posed by an ongoing shortage of Adderall, a prevalent ADHD stimulant.
The deficit, which has persisted for over a year, originated from manufacturing issues that severely hindered production.
Doctors say they’ve observed a rise in ADHD diagnoses in recent years. They’ve also noted the growing preference for Adderall over Ritalin due to its extended-release formulations, which are currently in scant supply.
Adjusting medication dosages, or “titration”, has thus become more prevalent, though it presents its own set of complications.
Pharmacists note that while the supply had seen some improvement, the demand inevitably spikes during back-to-school seasons. Many parents opt for “drug holidays” during summer breaks, refraining from administering the medicine to their children.
As per the FDA, the shortage may persist, with some prescriptions potentially unfilled until 2024. For those affected, consultations with physicians and pharmacists remain essential.
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