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Evidence Based
Updated on:
11.08.2025
9 min read
The medicines listed on this website are only there to give you knowledge. Just because they are on the list doesn’t mean that anyone will be given them; in the end, treatment decisions are up to the healthcare workers. The medicines on this list are not all of them. Doctors may recommend other drugs, even ones that don’t contain stimulants , depending on the patient’s specific health needs and circumstances.
In the summer of 2022, there was the first discussion of the Adderall shortage. Adderall is a stimulant medicine that is commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally declared a shortage of Adderall in October 2022. Many patients who are working to improve their mental health are still facing difficulties as a result of this tragedy. Even with the same active components, generic versions of the drug cannot solve the countrywide Adderall shortage.
While there are Adderall alternatives to the immediate-release and extended-release versions, finding the best one could take some time. Healthcare professionals should also monitor a patient’s reaction to a new medicine and the transition to it. All of this adds to the difficulty of managing ADHD .
Read on to learn about the Adderall shortage’s causes, solutions, and possible substitutes.
It is important to note that such shortages have occurred in the past. Nonetheless, there has to be a remedy given the existing state of ADHD drugs like Adderall, which affects thousands of individuals.
It might be difficult to pinpoint a single reason for the Adderall shortage. In general, it might be caused by a mix of factors, including rising demand, supply shortages, and regulatory changes. Here is a quick summary of the events that led to this difficult circumstance.
Every year, there is an increasing need for ADHD drugs . Nonetheless, they often include Schedule II banned substances , such as amphetamine, which makes them very susceptible to misuse and dependency and necessitates the highest level of care from medical professionals. It is difficult to meet the demand for these medications because of the strict requirements.
Manufacturers must manufacture drugs in accordance with the quarterly quotas set by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), yet raising these limits is difficult. This, combined with manufacturers facing shortages of time-release products, makes it difficult for pharmacists to get enough inventory from wholesalers.
Many pharmaceutical businesses have had production delays in recent years, which has led to shortages. Major Adderall maker Teva currently offers some Adderall dosages; nevertheless, the business continues to face sporadic production delays for other levels. The FDA reports that there is still a scarcity of this medication .
Early in August 2023, the FDA and the DEA jointly released a letter recognizing the scarcity of prescribed stimulants like Adderall. They listed several contributory variables, such as the rise in stimulant prescription rates and the prescribing guidelines associated with the epidemic.
Stimulant drugs like Adderall are used by some persons who are not diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for non-medical reasons, such as to get a little high or enhance performance. It is dangerous to use Adderall or other controlled medications without a valid medical reason, in addition to having a detrimental impact on the market and fostering prejudice against those who need them for medical reasons. Never self-medicate, and always get advice from your healthcare practitioner if you are experiencing any unsettling symptoms.
The FDA’s initial announcement of an Adderall shortage in October 2022 impacted many individuals with ADHD. Other medicine shortages resulted from physicians moving their patients to other stimulants as a result of this.
As a consequence, doctors switched their patients to other stimulants, which led to shortages of other medications.blem of medicine shortages, the FDA and DEA later in August urged cooperation between producers, distributors, and pharmacists. The letter emphasized that a crucial first step in resolving the supply problem is to reevaluate medicine quota allocations.
The FDA has taken the following proactive measures to address the Adderall shortage:
They are dedicated to keeping a close eye on the supply issue and actively working with manufacturers to provide whatever support is required to get Adderall back into stock.
There may not be significant withdrawal symptoms from Adderall or other comparable medications used to treat ADHD, unlike with opioids or alcohol. Most users, particularly those on low dosages or who use Adderall occasionally, may quit using medication without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
However, large dosages, prolonged usage, and frequency increase the danger of withdrawal. Common signs of withdrawal include:
The length of withdrawal depends on the dose and length of usage. It usually lasts for a week or two, but with persistent overuse, it may last for weeks.
Usually, you can manage withdrawal symptoms at home without posing a serious health concern. If symptoms become overwhelming or interfere with everyday activities, it is advisable to seek help from a primary care physician or mental health professional .
There are ways to ease withdrawal symptoms until they go away, but no drugs can treat them. A good diet, frequent exercise, getting enough sleep, and obtaining symptomatic therapy may all help to make the withdrawal process easier to handle.
Patients with ADHD are being refused medication due to the Adderall medicine shortage, and they are being split into three primary groups:
For some people, finding and buying Adderall requires contacting many pharmacies. There are difficulties, however, as patients are unable to contact beforehand because of regulatory limitations, which means that prescriptions must be canceled and reissued at a separate pharmacy.
If you use an immediate-release formulation and are worried about getting your medicine during this global shortage, consult your healthcare practitioner. In the meanwhile, they will investigate whether there are any other options available to meet your requirements in place of the Adderall prescription.
After speaking with a doctor, you may be able to transition to Adderall extended-release if your pharmacy doesn’t have a shortage of the medication. If not, you may need to talk to your doctor about switching to a different prescription ADHD medication.
Several more drugs are available, such as Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), Ritalin (methylphenidate), and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) . Just be aware that it may take some time to determine the ideal dose for these stimulants. It’s also important to be in close contact with your doctor to assess treatment response and side effects and to modify the plan as necessary.
There has been a persistent countrywide scarcity of ADHD drugs for over two years. The DEA, which sets restrictions on the amount of amphetamine in ADHD drugs, states that there are enough raw materials to meet demand. Manufacturers contest this assertion, claiming they have run out of ingredients and want DEA permission to get more.
Therefore, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists , there is still a scarcity of at least 38 distinct stimulant ADHD drug dosages or formulations. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists maintains an inventory of difficult-to-find drugs. You may find an updated list of amphetamine-mixed salts on the ASHP website .
While we wait for the Adderall scarcity to end, it’s critical to be proactive and search for help. Below is advice on overcoming obstacles, finding workarounds, and maintaining your general well-being throughout this trying time.
When Adderall is scarce, people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may find it difficult . Still, there are a few ways to solve this issue. For those with ADHD, there are several substitute doses and prescription options that may help them properly control their symptoms.
To discover an appropriate treatment choice that meets your requirements, consult with our healthcare specialists online and learn more about how to cope with the lack of ADHD drugs.