What to know about the Adderall shortage

Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts), a drug commonly used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is in short supply—and the availability issues may continue for the foreseeable future. Reports of shortages began over the summer, but the situation was confirmed on Oct. 12, when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a shortage of the immediate-release formulation. 

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription central nervous system stimulant that treats ADHD and narcolepsy. Adderall works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that affect impulse control and improve your attention and focus. It’s available in extended-release and immediate-release formulations.

What’s causing the Adderall shortage?

Approximately 3 million children and 11 million adults in the U.S. are prescribed stimulant medication. The Washington Post recently reported that the shortage is the result of three main factors:

• Rise in demand for Adderall
• Pandemic-induced labor shortages
• Heavily regulated supply chain

These issues have caused manufacturing, production, and distribution delays so that supply cannot meet demand.

The FDA first reported an Adderall shortage in September 2019, and it seems to be an ongoing issue.

Which formulations are affected?

The shortage affects only the immediate-release formulation, according to the FDA’s announcement. 

“The FDA is in frequent communication with all manufacturers of amphetamine mixed salts, and one of those companies, Teva, is experiencing ongoing intermittent manufacturing delays,” the FDA stated. “Other manufacturers continue to produce amphetamine mixed salts, but there is not sufficient supply to continue to meet most U.S. market demand through those producers.”

Some patients may find that extended-release formulations are hard to find in their area as well.

What are the alternatives to Adderall?

If you take an immediate-release formulation, and you’re concerned that you may have trouble getting your medication during the Adderall shortage, contact your healthcare provider and ask about other options that might meet your needs in the interim. You might be able to switch to an extended-release version of Adderall if your pharmacy has it in stock, or you might need to explore other prescription medications for ADHD. 

There are many other stimulant medications such as Ritalin (methylphenidate), Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine). Just keep in mind that it might take some time to figure out the best dosage that works for you.

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In addition, you could try natural alternatives to Adderall. While the benefits are not well-proven, some people try supplements such as magnesium, gingko biloba, citicoline, vitamin B-6, pycnogenol, or GABA to manage ADHD symptoms. While these are available over the counter, be sure to consult with your pharmacist or provider before taking them.

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When will the shortage end?

It’s the question on everyone’s mind, but no one can say for certain. 

If you consult the FDA’s drug shortage website, you’ll see evidence of the uncertainty:

• Epic Pharma’s amphetamine salts in various dosages are all listed as “backordered.” 
• SpecGX’s 20 and 30 mg tablets are listed as affected by supply constraints through January 2023. 
• A number of products by Teva Pharmaceuticals are listed on backorder, with anticipated recovery dates that range from late October through December of 2022.

Want to keep tabs on the shortage? Check out the FDA’s page that lists current and resolved drug shortages. You can look at the list of amphetamine salts by manufacturer to gauge the supply status.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists also maintains lists of drugs that are currently in short supply. You can view an updated status list of Amphetamine Mixed Salts on the ASHP website.