ADHD Medication Shortage in the US: The ongoing shortage of Adderall and similar combination drugs used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the US has affected approximately 1 in every 10 individuals who rely on these medications, according to a recent analysis.
ADHD Medication Shortage in the US
Initially announced by the US Food and Drug Administration in mid-October 2022, the shortage led to a significant decline in the prescription fill rate for amphetamine/dextroamphetamine medications. Data from the health data platform Truveta indicates that the fill rate dropped from nearly 49% in October 2022 to below 41% in February 2023. Throughout the first half of 2023, the average monthly fill rate remained 11% lower compared to the same period in 2022, showing little improvement by the end of the year.
Further analysis by age groups revealed that while adults consistently had higher fill rates than children, they experienced more significant decreases in fill rates following the shortage announcement. Although children’s fill rates began to rise in the second half of 2023, coinciding with the return to school, they did not reach the levels seen in early 2022.
Truveta’s database, comprising electronic health records of over 100 million patients across the US, focused on more than 336,000 individuals diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed amphetamine/dextroamphetamine between January 2016 and December 2023. However, it’s noted that while extensive, these findings may not fully represent nationwide trends.
The shortage has been attributed to various factors, including increased demand during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly among young adults and women, as well as manufacturing delays experienced by key drugmakers. The ongoing shortage has prompted concerns about its impact on individuals’ access to essential treatment for ADHD symptoms.
Mary Beth King, who was diagnosed with ADHD around a decade ago, shared her personal struggles with accessing Adderall amidst the shortage, highlighting the anxiety and disruption it causes in managing her symptoms. For individuals like King, Adderall is crucial for improving focus, attention, and managing anxiety associated with ADHD.
Experts warn that inconsistent access to medication can have detrimental effects on individuals with ADHD, affecting their ability to function effectively in daily life and potentially leading to adverse health outcomes. The shortage also complicates non-medication treatment strategies, as patients may struggle to maintain routines and manage symptoms without reliable access to medication.
Despite recent signs of improvement in availability, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the shortage continues to cause stress and concern for individuals reliant on these medications to manage their ADHD symptoms.
