Millions of American caregivers and patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have endured unprecedented healthcare disruptions and adverse outcomes since the Federal Drug Administration first reported shortage of Adderall, the amphetamine mixed salts used to treat ADHD, in October 2022.
Patient advocates and legislators have called on federal agencies to help combat the nationwide Adderall shortage, yet it continues to impact the health and wellbeing of millions. In fact, the shortfall has extended to methylphenidate (Ritalin), lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (Vyvanse), and more ADHD medications.
Stimulant medication is a first-line treatment for ADHD, a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts all facets of living throughout the lifespan. Research shows that stimulants are effective, safe, and vital to improving the health outcomes of individuals with ADHD.
The drug shortage has created immense hardship for individuals already living with a highly stigmatized condition. Some caregivers and patients must endure hours of phone calls and travel each month to access pharmacies that can fill their prescriptions. Providers have switched patients to less-than-optimal-but-available alternative medications. Desperate patients are endangering their lives by procuring counterfeit drugs on the black market and using illicit substances to self-medicate.
Patients unable to access their prescribed ADHD medications have lost jobs, and their ability to carry out daily tasks or adequately care for their children, many of whom have ADHD as well. The shortage has led to lower academic performance and increased behavioral and emotional problems for children, who may bear the repercussions for a lifetime.
Patients who can access their ADHD medication must now contend with higher drug prices, which are outpacing inflation. In some cases, prices for stimulant medications have doubled and tripled since the shortage began, further derailing treatment for many.
The causes for the shortage are mystifying, especially as the DEA, FDA, and drug manufacturers trade blame. Many caregivers and patients with ADHD feel the FDA’s and DEA’s lack of transparency and unwillingness to take meaningful action to end the shortage reflects a deep-seated belief that ADHD is not a valid diagnosis or a real, debilitating condition.
I urge you to identify steps that relevant agencies and policymakers can take to end this shortage. I support any legislative proposals to this end, including calling a congressional hearing to understand what the FDA and DEA are doing to mitigate the shortage and improve treatment outcomes for patients prescribed ADHD medication.
I appreciate your timely focus and attention to this dire situation. The livelihood of millions of Americans depends on your swift action.