Feeling the Effects of the Adderall Shortage? Here's What You Can Do

Adderall and Adderall XR are common medications used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Stimulant medications like Adderall are the first line of medication treatment used for ADHD because they are some of the most effective drugs used for the disorder. The ongoing Adderall shortage, which began in 2022, has affected the lives of people with ADHD across the United States. ADHD can impact daily life functioning severely, so it’s essential to have a game plan if you are affected by any ADHD drug shortage.

So, what caused Adderall shortage, and how do you navigate times without access to your ADHD medications? This article will go over the details behind why there is an Adderall shortage and what you or your family can do to navigate it.

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Understanding Adderall Shortages

About one in ten people who take Adderall have been affected by the shortage. ADHD medication shortages are largely systemic and are not the fault of individuals or providers. Before we discuss how to navigate the Adderall shortage, let’s cover what we know about the causes and consequences of ADHD medication shortages. 

Causes of shortages

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) limits the amount of controlled substances that can be manufactured at any one time. In 2022, one billion fewer doses of Adderall were shipped by drug makers than were permitted, leading to the Adderall shortage. Other contributing factors cited include an increase in proper ADHD diagnoses, which has led to a higher number of Adderall prescriptions needed in recent years, and corresponding supply chain issues.

You can get updates regarding drug shortages on the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, website's drug shortage database.

Impact on individuals prescribed Adderall

ADHD drugs can be a game-changer in daily life for people with ADHD. Many people with ADHD cite that they have a quiet mind for the first time after starting ADHD drugs. Medications like Adderall help people with ADHD sustain attention and combat other ADHD symptoms, like those related to hyperactivity or impulsivity. 

Since proper medication treatment generally reduces ADHD symptoms, improves quality of life, and may even lower the risk of consequences like substance abuse (which can be a form of self-medication), lack of treatment caused by an ADHD drug shortage can be serious.

Challenges faced by those affected by the shortage

Without access to ADHD medication, people may experience an increase in ADHD symptoms. In turn, ADHD patients affected by drug shortages may struggle to complete tasks at work, school, or home. For example, lack of medication access can affect homework, chores, and self-care activities or household chores.

Having to discontinue an ADHD stimulant like Adderall as a result of a shortage can mean that a child's grades, behavior, and concentration start to slide. Some people also experience uncomfortable symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation of the medication.

Tips for Navigating Adderall Shortages

With ongoing shortages, it's critical that families have a plan for navigating the lack of access to Adderall. One patient may experience a small delay; others could go without their prescription for months. Here are some tips that can help you make it through.

Communicating with healthcare providers

The #1 thing you can do to navigate the shortage of any drug is to communicate with healthcare providers. Your doctor can work with you to create a plan. For example, deciding to switch to another ADHD medication. Providers can also call an ADHD patient’s pharmacist or communicate with their school to find solutions. 

Exploring different dosages or formulations

Sometimes, a pharmacy will have an alternative to the current dosage or generic or brand name Adderall you take in stock. Your prescriber may be able to communicate with a pharmacy and help you get your prescription filled that way. Look at the label, as the way you or your child needs to take the medication (e.g., two pills instead of one) may have changed. 

Seeking out alternative medications

Especially for those facing ongoing shortages, switching medications may be the ideal route. Possible alternative medications include:

• Other stimulant ADHD medications: Ritalin, Vyvanse, Concerta, Dexedrine.
• Non-stimulant ADHD medications: Guanfacine, Strattera. 

Some of these medications are more similar to Adderall than others. Talking with your child’s doctor can help you determine the best fit at this time. 

Utilizing resources for assistance

Look into all of your options. Resources like local, non-chain pharmacies sometimes have medications in stock, even if chain pharmacies like CVS, Kroger, Target, or Walmart don't have Adderall in stock. If you haven't already, asking for generic versions might make filling your prescription possible if you usually take brand name Adderall. Generics have the same active ingredient (amphetamine mixed salts) and are likely just as effective. As a bonus, they're often lower in cost.

Insurance companies can sometimes provide accommodations during shortages, too. Some people have luck speaking with insurance companies or providers about getting a larger supply of their medication at once, even if you’re usually limited to, say, a 30-day supply.

Non-stimulant medication options

In some instances, non-stimulant ADHD medications might be available when Adderall is not. Strattera is one of the most common non-stimulant ADHD meds, as it was designed specifically to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Natural supplements and remedies

Some people with ADHD report benefitting from natural supplements and remedies. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, are one of the most researched supplements for ADHD. Preliminary research indicates that omega-3s may have the potential to reduce some ADHD symptoms, though additional studies are needed.

Taking a daily supplement or multivitamin at the same time of day one would usually take their Adderall dose can also help keep you or your child on a "medication schedule." While these aren't actually medications, they can help sustain the habit of taking a pill regularly.

Behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes

Behavioral parent training is recommended for those with kids who have ADHD under the age of 12. Older kids and adults may benefit from ADHD-specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or organizational skills training. CBT for ADHD can help with mental health symptoms or emotional distress, planning, problem-solving, and navigating possible issues like procrastination that can be common in people with the disorder.

There are also lifestyle changes you can use to cope with the short supply. For example:

• Brush up on sleep hygiene. some text
  • Sleep is a common challenge for kids with ADHD, but getting enough sleep is vital for mood, mental health, and physical well-being. Proper sleep hygiene and talking to a physician, if needed, can help. 
• Learn your child’s natural rhythm and patterns. some text
  • When does your child struggle with symptoms most? Once you know, plan important activities outside of those times.
• Employ morning, night, and other routines. some text
  • Routines can help you or your child stay on track as much as possible when unable to access Adderall prescriptions.

Discussing other treatment options with healthcare providers

Your healthcare provider can provide individualized advice on what to do for yourself or your child during an Adderall shortage. Their advice may depend on factors like symptom severity, age, your child’s daily life (e.g., whether or not they're in school), current lifestyle or habits, and the specific ADHD symptoms that are affecting you or your child the most.  

Coping Strategies for Managing ADHD Symptoms

The following strategies can be extremely helpful, with or without ADHD medication. Hone in on helpful strategies like those listed below during Adderall shortages and other difficult times to support yourself or your child.

Establishing a routine and structure

Healthy routines build a strong foundation to fall back on. If you’ve already created helpful routines (such as a morning routine) for your child, sticking to them will help you out. If not, charts with times and activities or using the Joon App is a great way to start. 

Engaging in regular exercise and healthy habits

Healthy routines build a strong foundation to fall back on. Ask yourself:

• Is my child eating consistent, balanced meals and snacks throughout the day?
• Is my child getting enough sleep for their age group?
• Is my child getting enough physical activity for their age group?

If not, finding ways to get those needs met, like integrating an active hobby or active outdoor playtime to increase opportunities for physical activity, can be helpful for ADHD symptoms and are critical for general well-being.

Utilizing organizational tools and techniques

Neurodivergence-friendly organizational tools and techniques can't replace ADHD drugs, but they can aid productivity and time management, helping you or your child remember and follow through with tasks or daily routines. Your family can:

• Utilize timers, chore charts, and written or visual schedules.
• Break tasks into smaller steps.
• Use apps, like Joon. 

If your child is in school, you might consider communicating with teachers to let them know what is going on. That way, you can brainstorm ways to help your child together.

Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups

Medication shortages can be difficult for affected individuals and families. In addition to speaking with medical and mental health providers, getting emotional support from friends, family members, and support groups can help. 

Sometimes, those in support groups for specific conditions, like ADHD, share experiences and recommendations that help other members through drug shortages and related challenges. The Joon Parenting ADHD Support Group on Facebook is an excellent free resource.

How Joon can help

Using Joon can help kids with ADHD and related disorders start and finish tasks on their own. For example, personal hygiene activities, homework, and household chores. Since Joon provides reminders and rewards for finishing tasks, it can be incredibly supportive for kids with ADHD symptoms, whether medication is used alongside or not. 

Joon is backed by parents, teachers, and ADHD treatment professionals. Even better, kids love Joon because it plays like a game — ADHD or not!

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Conclusion

Currently, the U.S. market demand for Adderall is not being met. About 10% of those who take Adderall have been affected by intermittent manufacturing delays and related issues leading to a short supply of the drug. You can check the FDA's drug shortage database for updates regarding the production and availability of the drug.

Those affected by the Adderall shortage can create a game plan to help them through it. Talking with a prescribing physician about switching to a different ADHD drug as a short or long-term substitute, checking stock at less popular pharmacies in your area, opting for generic vs. brand name Adderall, lifestyle factors, and apps like Joon may help.

Lack of ADHD medication can be extremely disruptive to patients. Prioritizing mental and physical health at this time is integral and can help individuals and families avoid crisis or additional frustration.