ADHD Medication Access Issues

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Impact of Adderall Shortage/Unavailability on My Health and Well-being

I am writing to express my concern about the inconsistency of my Adderall medication being unavailable constantly and the profound impact it is having on my daily life. I have been diagnosed with severe ADHD following a brain injury, and Adderall has been a critical part of my treatment plan, helping me to manage my symptoms effectively. However, the widespread shortage of this medication has left me without a reliable supply, and I am facing serious challenges as a result.

Due to the limited availability of Adderall at pharmacies, I often find myself unable to fill my prescription on time or with the correct dosage. Some days, I am unable to find any stock at all, and other times, pharmacies don’t have enough of the specific dosage I need. This uncertainty has created a constant state of stress, as I never know when I’ll be able to access the medication that I rely on to function.

Without Adderall, I experience a dramatic decline in my ability to focus, complete tasks, and engage effectively at work. My productivity and performance suffer, which not only affects my career but also the contributions I make to society. Additionally, my social life and relationships are negatively impacted. ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity, distractibility, and emotional dysregulation become much more pronounced, making it difficult for me to maintain meaningful connections.

The disruption of my medication supply has forced me to adapt to an unpredictable routine, which only exacerbates my symptoms. It is deeply frustrating to not be able to rely on pharmacies to meet my needs for this essential medication.

I am one of many people who depend on Adderall to live a functional and productive life. I hope that as we move forward, more attention will be given to ensuring that pharmacies have consistent access to adequate supplies of Adderall. It is crucial for individuals like me who benefit greatly from this medication, and I hope we can work toward resolving this issue so that we can continue contributing to society and leading fulfilling lives.

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In response to your proposed policy on ADHD medication access, I believe patients who have been on their prescribed ADHD medication long-term should have the option to receive more than a one-month supply at a time. For patients who have demonstrated consistent, safe use, requiring monthly psychiatrist visits and prescriptions becomes a costly and time-consuming process—especially when ADHD medications are in short supply. This is particularly challenging for people who rely on medication for day-to-day function.

Allowing multi-month prescriptions for long-term, stable patients would align ADHD medication management with many other chronic medications, which often require check-ins every few months rather than monthly. This shift could reduce costs, improve access, and simplify medication adherence, especially during periods of national shortages. A policy adjustment to allow a two- or three-month supply option would ease the burden on patients and support more sustainable care for those with ADHD.

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YES. YES. 1000% YES!! Countless times have I felt defeated due to this issue like many others.

I am writing to convey my deep concern about the ongoing shortage of Adderall and its profound effect on my life, family, and career. I am a woman with ADHD (inattentive type) and narcolepsy, conditions that render me unable to function without this medication. When my prescription is unavailable, I become incapacitated, often sleeping for over 72 hours straight without eating, drinking, or basic self-care. This shortage has turned what should be manageable medical conditions into debilitating barriers, stripping me of the ability to live a normal life.

My career and family life have been severely affected. I hold a senior leadership position, and I am also a wife, daughter, sister, dog mom—maybe even a mother if I had consistency. Weeks without my prescription means my family doesn’t get to see me, and my energy is entirely consumed by the struggle to stay alert at work. This past week, I had to inform my colleagues that I was unable to function fully due to my pharmacy being on back order, with no clear timeline for when my prescription would be available. Absolutely gutting to explain… The policies of many pharmacies prevent them from even telling patients if they expect future stock, leaving us in a constant state of uncertainty and stress.

This lack of transparency forces me into a cycle of constantly contacting my doctor to transfer prescriptions to different pharmacies in a desperate attempt to find one with availability. Regulations require me to visit my doctor frequently to get these prescriptions, adding yet another layer of delay. Even with all these efforts, it can still take weeks to secure the medication I need.

After trying every other treatment option with my psychiatrist, I have no other effective alternatives. Genetic testing has shown that Adderall or Vyvanse are the only medications suitable for my metabolism and sensitivities, making them critical to my well-being.

This shortage is more than an inconvenience; it is a major disruption to my health, career, and family. I urge the administration to prioritize access to these essential medications. Like many others, I rely on this medication to be a productive member of society. Please take action to ensure a stable supply so that we, too, can lead fulfilling lives and contribute to our communities.

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I have had multiple issues for years and just wish there was a solution instead of being put on the back burner or treated like a criminal when refilling my adderall

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Absolutely is a stigma surrounding it. I’ve received this treatment for years as well.

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We need someone to address the quality issues as well! Even name brand has been completely ineffective for several months! This has derailed my life! It’s SO bad I requested generic, even though that also has issues. I was pre-approved for brand name only due to sensitivity to generic but the quality is so unregulated it doesn’t matter anymore. They are switching up the formulas or putting something in there that’s messing with absorption. This is extremely dangerous especially for people with narcolepsy! This is another issue that if we bring it up to our health care provider or pharmacist they act like we are drug seeking. We are not asking for anything more than someone to look into this without painting us as criminals. I wouldn’t be surprised if all of the stuff being produced overseas is lacking active ingredient or otherwise tampered with. I looked it up and the FDA only in specs every two years overseas typically.

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