Where is all the Adderall? Doctor addresses medication shortage
BOWLING GREEN, Ky.-Where is all the Adderall?
“It’s a very interesting phenomenon, Adderall has been a medication that’s been available on the market for years,” said Med Center Health attending psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Grau.
The Food and Drug Administration announced an Adderall shortage in October 2022, leaving many with ADD and ADHD frustrated.
“The pharmacy told me that not only do they not have it but no surrounding pharmacy the big names no one had it it got to the point where I was calling local pharmacies, I was trying to get in touch with out of state people and I was not finding it anywhere,” said Riley Guertin who has ADHD.
Dr. Grau says one reason is higher demand.
“During the pandemic the diagnosis of attention deficit disorder went up,” said Dr. Grau.
Dr. Grau said manufacturers did not anticipate this increase. He said another reason is overdiagnosed ADD.
“Not everyone who has difficulties with attention has attention deficit disorder,” said Dr. Grau.
Another big factor was the misconception that stimulant medications are not as effective as they once were.
“People have raised the question about Adderall not Adderall-ing like it used to. There seems to be a required increase in dosage in those situations,” said Dr. Grau.
The solution for some who need this medication? Switching to other ADHD medications, like Vyvanse.
“My psychiatrist told me personally this is not gonna get better. The shortage it’s not going to go away, it’s only going to get worse. So the best thing you can do is get used to something new now,” said Guertin.
