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HEALTH
ADHD drug shortage could make back-to-school
season challenging, expert says: ‘Widespread
impact'
Adderall shortage has parents, teachers scrambling for non-drug alternatives
By Melissa Rudy · Fox News
Published August 24, 2023 1:20pm EDT
!
Shortage in ADHD meds continues into new school year
Fox News medical contributor Dr. Marc Siegel discusses ADHD medication shortages and shares alternative treatment options parents can
consider.
Heading into back-to-school season, the ongoing shortage of ADHD medications has sparked
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concern among some parents of children who have attention-deNcit/hyperactivity disorder.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Nrst announced the medication shortage in October
2022.
New data from SingleCare, an online prescription savings service based in Boston,
Massachusetts, showed there was a 33% spike in ADHD medication Nlls for children between 6
and 17 years of age in August-September 2022, as compared to June-July 2022 ahead of the
school season.
Given today's shortage, many of those children may not have access to the medication for the
start of the 2023-2024 school year.
ADHD NUMBERS CLIMBING DRAMATICALLY IN THE U.S., ESPECIALLY AMONG WOMEN, SAYS
NEW STUDY
Although drug shortages are usually caused by manufacturing disruptions, unprecedented
demand is another big factor in the scarcity of ADHD medications.
That's according to Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois, PharmD, a pharmacy and health expert at SingleCare.
Heading into back-to-school season, the ongoing shortage of ADHD medications has sparked concern among some parents of
children with attention-deNcit/hyperactivity disorder. (iStock)
"Because Adderall is a Schedule II drug, there are limitations on its production by the FDA and
DEA," she told Fox News Digital.
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"The active ingredients in the stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are strictly controlled by
the DEA," she added.
"When the pharmaceutical companies try to scale up production to meet the increased demand, I
suspect the DEA regulatory process may be adding to the delay."
Adderall (amphetamine mixed salts) is the medication that's most affected by the shortage,
Bourgeois said, along with variations of methylphenidate, sold under the brand names Ritalin or
Concerta.
MOM IN NEW ORLEANS SAYS ‘ADHD CHANGED MY LIFE,' REVEALS HOW DIAGNOSIS HELPED
HER THRIVE
"Adderall is one of the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications in the U.S., so this
shortage is causing widespread impact," she said.
While some pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies predict the shortage will end
between August and December 2023, it is still unclear when the medication will be widely
available again, the doctor noted.
How the shortage will impact the back-to-school season
The shortage of ADHD medications is not just impacting the patient — it's also affecting the
families and practitioners, Bourgeois said.
"Parents are driving long distances and calling a multitude of pharmacies just to obtain these
medications," she said.
"Practitioners are having to reissue prescriptions to alternative pharmacies or change
medications to another option in that same class or a different class entirely."
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the medication shortage in October 2022. Some experts think the shortage
will end between August and December 2023, but the timing for wide availability again is unclear. (iStock)
In the worst-case scenario, kids with ADHD may have to go without their medication completely,
leading to worsened symptoms and making it more dibcult for the parents and teachers to
manage.
"This could not only impact patients' grades in school, but could also create concerns for
classmates of these children," Bourgeois told Fox News Digital.
"Parents are driving long distances and calling a multitude of
pharmacies just to obtain these medications."
Parents should plan ahead when Nlling medications for ADHD, the doctor recommended, as there
is typically an increased demand in August as kids prepare to return to school.
"Understand that pharmacies may not be able to Nll medications on the same day, so I advise
dropping off your prescription at least two days before the medication is needed," she suggested.
Adderall (amphetamine mixed salts) is the medication that is most affected by the shortage. (Jb Reed/Bloomberg via Getty
Images)
"Consult with your health care provider regarding possible substitutions if the medication is
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unavailable," she added.
Parents may be tempted to give lower doses of ADHD medications in an attempt to make them
last longer — but Bourgeois warned that this approach may have negative implications on the
patient.
NEW REPORT SUGGESTS 'PANIC BUYING' OF MEDICATIONS BY PATIENTS AND PROVIDERS
CAUSED DRUG SHORTAGES
"Parents should work with the pharmacist and practitioner to create a solution that supports the
needs of the patient, such as trying a different medication or taking ½ of a 10 mg tablet, versus 1
whole 5 mg tablet," she suggested.
Because each child will have different symptoms when going without medication, the approach
should be tailored to each individual, the doctor said.
Non-drug alternatives to managing ADHD
Dr. Willough Jenkins, inpatient director of psychiatry at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego,
typically prescribes non-drug ADHD treatments to younger, preschool-aged children, and offers a
mix of drug and non-drug treatments to school-age children.
"Evidence shows that combining treatment (forms) is the
most effective course of action."
"Parents often think that drugs are the only treatment method — but in reality, there is no onesize-Nts-all approach," he told Fox News Digital.
"Evidence shows that combining both forms of treatment is the most effective course of action."
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For non-drug treatment, Jenkins pointed to several alternative methods.
With cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), children learn strategies to manage the dibculties
associated with ADHD, including emotion regulation, social anxiety and self-esteem issues, he
said.
"Despite commonly held beliefs, ADHD is not just a lack of focus and attention," Jenkins added.
Parent training and education is another important non-drug method.
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"Despite commonly held beliefs, ADHD is not just a lack of focus and attention," an expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
"There are a lot of programs aimed at supporting parents of children with ADHD, which is
important because many kids with ADHD have behavioral issues," the doctor said.
"Parents may learn strategies such as ‘triple P’ — positive parenting program — that make it
easier to manage conhict with their child."
Schools can also provide support through classroom accommodations and individualized
education programs (IEPs).
"Ensuring the child has regular physical exercise of at least
30 minutes a day can make a huge difference."
It’s also important to "go back to the basics," Jenkins said, with a focus on healthy daily habits.
"Ensuring the child has regular physical exercise of at least 30 minutes a day can make a huge
difference," he said. "Getting enough sleep — 10 to 12 hours for children — is crucial, but that can
be dibcult for some kids with ADHD, as their brain won’t wind down at night."
Many sleeping issues can be remedied by enforcing sleep hygiene, consistent sleeping patterns
and reduced screentime at night, Jenkins suggested.
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The FDA pledged to "do all we can to prevent stimulant drug shortages, limit their impact and resolve them as quickly as
possible." (iStock)
Mindfulness and meditation techniques can also help children with ADHD manage dibcult
emotions.
"By learning these skills from a therapist, children can reduce impulsivity and pause before they
act," Jenkins noted.
When it comes to food, the doctor said that although there is no speciNc evidence-based diet for
ADHD management, a balanced diet incorporating protein, fruits and vegetables is
recommended.
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ADHD coaching is another non-drug treatment method that can be useful for older, school-aged
children, Jenkins said.
With this approach, a coach teaches social or organizational skills, such as how to plan ahead,
make lists and set reminders.
"Parents often think drugs are the only treatment method —
but in reality, there is no one-size-Sts-all approach."
"It can be challenging for some families to get therapists and have the Nnancial resources or time
to access alternative methods," Jenkins said. "For example, ADHD coaching is not usually
included with insurance."
He also said, "Fortunately, online tools are often effective and are making non-drug treatments
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more accessible."
Although there's no speciNc evidence-based diet for ADHD management, doctors recommend a balanced diet incorporating
protein, fruits and vegetables. (iStock)
The FDA is also working to provide alternative treatment options, including a "game-based digital
therapeutic" designed to improve attention function in children with ADHD, according to a letter
the agency published on August 1.
In the letter, the agency also detailed the steps it is taking to help resolve the shortage, including
working with drug manufacturers to make sure they're producing the full amount as permitted by
the DEA.
"We are calling on key stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies and
payors, to do all they can to ensure access for patients when a medication is appropriately
prescribed," the statement said.
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The FDA also pledged to "do all we can to prevent stimulant drug shortages, limit their impact
and resolve them as quickly as possible."
Around six million children between 3 and 17 years of age have received an ADHD diagnosis, per
CDC data.
Melissa Rudy is health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.
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Conversation
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What do you think?
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Freedomisn'tfree287
17 hours ago
Ritalin and Adderall is akin to child abuse in my opinion. I have 3 nephews whose
parents put their sons on Ritalin and the result was later in life becoming addicted to
Cocaine. Teachers love the drug because they don't want to have to deal with little boys
who are active. They'd rather put the...
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5 replies
concernedcitizen1500
18 hours ago
When I was in first grade, I got in trouble a lot because I would finish my work and then
distract others. My school's solution was to put me in advanced classes for Math,
Phonics and such. No drugs. Before you knew it, I was excelling and by second grade,
they wanted to advance me to the third ...
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17
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4 replies
C
conservativevoter224
17 hours ago
This ADHD excuse is garbage. All of a sudden there are thousands of ADHD diagnoses.
The true cases of it are extremely rare and far apart. Children are being over drugged as
an excuse for poor up bringing where discipline, respect for authority and motivation are
absent. The learning of these tr...
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17
· Share
3 replies
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saltythedog
17 hours ago
Instead of drugging our kids, how about designing education programs that keep them
content and focused? Most boys are not designed to sit for hours at end of instruction
whether they have ADHD or not.
(Edited)
Reply ·
8
· Share
3 replies
C
CDiBella943
17 hours ago
Two of my five children grew up with learning disabilities and were diagnosed with
ADHD. They had Individualized Education Plans and it was recommended that they take
these drugs. My daughter was 9. The side effects were horrible. I took her off the
medication and was told she would never meet succ...See more
Reply ·
S
4
· Share
shotgun797
17 hours ago
Don’t put your kids on these drugs, you will regret. They get addicted, hardcore addicted.
My son finally went cold turkey in his mid 20’s, hardest thing he ever did and it took
months to even start to get over it, years to completely overcome the effects. My son is
mentally tough, I don’t think mo...
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5
· Share
2 replies
E
eestraycat
17 hours ago
Why do I remember a time when no one needed drugs to go to school and function
normally? Did that time really exist?
Reply ·
18
1 · Share
4 replies
atchafalayacatfish
15 hours ago
I am a retired educator and witnessed little elementary kids lined up at the nurse's office
every morning to be drugged and medicated so they will keep still. Many of them would
spit it out in the hall because they did not want to take it. It killed me that I was helpless to
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do anything about this ...
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1 reply
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3
· Share
Clean95
17 hours ago
wonder why ADHD didnt exist back in the 60's. 70's or 80's. one reason is because as
children we had chores to keep us busy, not iPads and cellphones. ADHD is just a new
word for lazy.
Reply ·
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3 · Share
1 reply
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clearthinking2024
16 hours ago
There is a simple fix to the shortage. A while back there was an article stating that ADHD
is over diagnoses by over 50%. Kids are coached on what to say to a doctor so the get
the diagnose and an SSI check. Make it a requirement it takes more than self reported
symptoms to get the diagnosis.
Reply ·
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