Adderall shortage affecting nation

SANDUSKY — For close to eight months, those seeking the attention deficit drug Adderall have had great difficulty getting prescriptions amid a nationwide shortage, including in the Sandusky area. In October 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a nationwide shortage of Adderall, a mixture of amphetamine salts prescribed to aid in the treatment of people who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD, or narcolepsy. The shortage was caused by increased demand and by problems affecting the drug's manufacturing process. During the last two decades, the FDA-approved drug has been the subject of major controversy due to widespread misdiagnoses and misuse. JT Horsfall, pharmacy director at Sandusky-based Firelands Regional Medical Center, said locals have been negatively affected by the shortage. Those lucky enough to receive an alternative to the medication will spend more out of pocket, depending on one's insurance plan. "It has caused major delays in initial or ongoing treatment for those diagnosed with ADHD," Horsfall said. "The demand is so high that even generic alternatives are in short supply." Horsfall said pharmacists, physicians and other practitioners both at Firelands and throughout the country have had difficulty navigating the shortage, which has remained a challenge over the last eight months. "Pharmacists continually monitor drug shortages, find alternatives and work with prescribers to recommend drug therapy changes to minimize disruption in therapy for their patients," Horsfall said. There is no indication of when the supply of Adderall will increase to meet demand and end the ongoing shortage. What is ADHD? ADHD is one of the most common mental health disorders globally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Individuals diagnosed with ADHD generally have difficulty focusing, sitting still, remembering details and controlling their impulses. Adderall is the most commonly prescribed medication for this condition, as it offers relief of these symptoms by helping one focus and control impulsivity. Various studies have shown that those who have ADHD usually have lower levels of dopamine, commonly known as the "feel-good" hormone. This lack of dopamine causes people with ADHD to seek stimulation constantly; Adderall works by increasing dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Pete Schade, Erie County's health commissioner, said that widespread overprescription and misuse of the drug have caused non-ADHD individuals to take it due to its perceived cognitive-enhancing effects, leading to increased abuse rates and drug dependence. Those who find themselves without the medication have reported experiencing multiple withdrawal symptoms, including fatigue, mood swings, heightened anxiety, disrupted sleep, increased hunger, gastrointestinal issues, irritability, lethargy, lack of motivation, and in more serious cases, suicidal thoughts. Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this story.