The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a national Adderall shortage, in Oct. 2022 which has been negatively impacting millions of U.S. children and teens diagnosed with various forms of attention deficit disorders for over a year.

Adderall is the most used and prescribed stimulant medication to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 62% of American Children from ages two to 17 with ADHD are taking Adderall and Ritalin, both stimulant medications, to treat and manage their symptoms. This approximates to over 3.3 million prescriptions nationwide. 

Stimulant medications change the level of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter crucial in how a person focuses and the stimulant helps to increase dopamine to what a brain naturally has.

The Adderall shortage began during COVID-19. People found their normal coping mechanisms were not able to be used because of COVID restrictions. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) loosened their rules about controlled substances and allowed people to access these drugs by receiving telehealth prescriptions. As a result, Adderall prescriptions went up by 27% between 2019 and 2022. The DEA also regulates the amount of controlled substances drug companies are allowed to manufacture and they have not raised their limits to keep up with the demand.

Haleon is a company responsible for manufacturing over the counter medicines.

“There was a law passed several years ago which required companies to report to the FDA when they are unable to make as much as they can meet demand,” Todd Halpern, Haleon lawyer and representative, said. “The only thing that the FDA can really do is provide information to the public and then help other companies with problems they may be having to manufacture the product so that they can basically enable it to increase their manufacturing.”

The shortage of Adderall is making it difficult for children and teens to get the medication they need to take care of their symptoms. Without Adderall, children are more likely to experience impulsivity, hyperactivity and other behavioral problems. This can make it difficult for them to get along and maintain their behavior around others. 

“I’ve noticed a difference in my behavior and my grades,” Kaylin Leon, freshman, said. 

Leon gets a refill on Adderall about every three months, and typically takes it every day.

“I’m very bad at staying on task and can’t focus without the medication,” Leon said.

Currently, 3.3 American children are taking Adderall. Leon, fortunately, hasn’t ever had a problem with getting her medication, but many children in America are. 

Due to there being a shortage, many are looking for alternatives to Adderall. 

“We have to be very careful here,” Halpern said. “There certainly are other medications to treat ADHD but always talk to a doctor before switching.”

Some alternatives are Ritalin, Concerta, Vyvanse and Dexedrine. However, Adderall is the most prescribed because it is the most effective. 

The Adderall shortage is affecting teens and children all over America and was predicted to end in early 2023. This prediction was incorrect, and there is no time frame for when the shortage will finally end.