ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders that affects people of all ages. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects 8 million adults in the US. ADHD is often detected in early childhood.
However, in the past, mental disorders were not something always taken seriously. Children who exhibit symptoms often get brushed away as being lazy or interested. We now have a deeper understanding of ADHD and medications to help those living with it.
You may have heard of the ADHD drug shortage if you or a loved one are struggling with ADHD. But how did this happen, and what does the future for it look like? Read on as we break down the facts about the ADHD medication shortage.
What Is Adderall?
Over 2.5 million Americans take prescribed medication for their ADHD. Stimulants like Ritalin and, more commonly, Adderall help them focus and complete tasks faster.
Adderall has the same effects on a person who doesn’t live with ADHD. A regular person may also experience increased energy and euphoria due to the amount of dopamine Adderall produces. Because stimulants are prone to abuse, patients will need a prescription before they can obtain it.
Ingredients and Side Effects
Adderall contains dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. These are two stimulants that affect the central nervous system. Combined, they increase the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
This enables people with ADHD to reduce impulsivity and improve focus.
Another reason why patients need a prescription is the side effects they might get from Adderall. Because it’s a stimulant, people can experience an increased heart rate and anxiety. If you have an anxiety disorder, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, or seizures, it could be a risk factor.
A person is more likely to experience these side effects if they take more than the prescribed dose. A doctor is there to help guide your dosages and adjust them as needed.
How Americans Understand ADHD
The earliest known explanation for ADHD dates back to 1902 from George Still. This British pediatrician believed hyperactive and inattentive children simply did not have good moral control. These children often experienced behavioral problems and did not perform well in school.
As healthcare advanced, scientists learned that these children did not have poor habits. It wasn’t a result of poor parenting, brain damage, or a different condition.
Instead, they had a deficit in neurotransmitters which contributed to their symptoms. Since then, science has recognized ADHD as a clinical disorder.
Adderall was then approved in 1996, becoming the most common treatment for people with ADHD. Nowadays, Ritalin and other medications remain in use for ADHD treatment.
The Surge in Demand
Mental health is always a hot topic, especially in the youth who want to take control of their well-being. This became more apparent during the pandemic when people became confined to their homes. Many in the working class had to adjust to the new format and found that they needed the office setup to get work done.
Unfortunately, being a mental health fanatic has also had some negative side effects. Many people are self-diagnosing without the confirmation of a mental health professional. This has many dangers, including misdiagnosing with other similar conditions.
Due to the pandemic, there’s also been a rise in online pharmacies. With all these factors combined, it’s almost no surprise that there’s been a surge in demand for ADHD medication.
Adderall was already hard to get before the pandemic. Now, even hospitals are having a difficult time catering to their patients due to the Adderall and Ritalin shortage.
A Manufacturing Problem
If a shortage is a problem, why not make more? People have prescriptions for it anyway, right? Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as increasing production.
The DEA and FDA oversee the production of prescribed drugs. Stimulants are prone to abuse, and Adderall has a history of abuse and addiction. Because of this, there is a limit to how many pills a pharmacy can dispense at a time.
This is also why patients can only refill their prescriptions after a certain amount of time. Pharmaceutical companies also have limits on the active ingredients they can use per year.
Why Can’t We Make More?
Even if they didn’t have such limits, it would be impossible to produce that many pills. Drug manufacturing involves a complex series of steps.
Manufacturers have to make more drugs at different levels to support different dosages.
Drug manufacturers often do not deal with only one type of drug. Because many medications use the same active ingredients, producing more of one kind of drug could result in a shortage of the other. This leads to a domino effect that could lead to the downfall of the manufacturing company.
The Proposed Solution and Backlash
To combat the Adderall shortage, the DEA proposed that all patients must undergo evaluation before receiving medication. On the surface, this may seem understandable, especially because of its potential for abuse.
However, the statement has also received backlash from both patients and providers. People who live in underserved communities will take most of the impact. Many already travel for hours to get healthcare, and this proposed solution will make it that much harder for people with ADHD to get the aid they need to function.
What once started as an Adderall backorder has spiraled into a real medical crisis. As of now, there’s no knowing when it will end. In the meantime, people are seeking alternative treatment.
If you’re interested in alternative medications, visit Kens Online Pharma.
Breaking Down the ADHD Drug Shortage
Here’s everything you need to know about the ADHD drug shortage. As it turns out, it’s not as simple as Adderall not being in stock. Manufacturers can’t keep up due to restrictions and how difficult it is to produce these drugs.
If you want the latest updates on medical news, check out our other blog posts. We have more great content for you to discover.
