Navigating the ADHD Medication Shortage: A Personal Guide

Imagine not having your ADHD medications 💊 for a day, a week, or even a month.

What impact would this have on your mood and functioning?

Currently, there is a nationwide stimulant shortage, leaving many children and adults with ADHD without access to their medications. In this article, I will address significant concerns associated with the unavailability of ADHD medications, explore the reasons behind the shortage, and discuss what to do if you cannot find your medication. 

Impact of Medication Shortage on Daily Life

There are real challenges and possibly dangers around not having your ADHD meds. Anywhere from your work and relationships being affected, to an impaired ability to drive your car or take care of yourself. Also, ADHD stimulants aren’t just used for ADHD but are also taken for narcolepsy, to treat cognitive symptoms, and to improve apathy among depressed patients.

Many people rely on these drugs to function at school, work, or simply day-to-day. In addition, these are controlled drugs with severe withdrawal. 

In college, I used to take Adderall every day to improve my focus, organization, and motivation for tasks. On unmedicated days, I would experience my previous symptoms, along with withdrawal. During the first day of not taking my meds, I would just feel lazy, a little tired, and wouldn’t be able to get any work done. By the second day, I would be completely exhausted and only find the energy to get out of my bed for food, water, or to use the bathroom.  

When I finally decided to get off stimulants, it took over 3 months for me to get back to a baseline. Now just imagine how many people are affected by not getting their medication who have taken it for years!

Understanding the Shortage

The jury is still a bit out on this one. In August, the DEA and FDA wrote a joint letter addressing the shortage. They also stated that the record high prescription rate for stimulants due to the pandemic rules allowing doctors to prescribe ADHD drugs over telehealth was partially to blame. But, interestingly enough, the DEA stands by the fact that there are enough amphetamines to make more drugs.

On the manufacturers' side, several will not disclose any information, and the ones that do, state that they have used their 2023 amphetamines quota regulated by the DEA. Note, that the quota is set based on the previous year's prescriptions and to reduce the abuse of controlled drugs.

Now some companies might be holding on to their amphetamines in order to control the market, but it isn’t clear. Shortages will likely last into the winter, according to NBC News.

It is important to note that we have faced shortages over the last 10 years, so we will likely adjust to this situation with time. But on November 11th, of 2024 getting your prescription will have a new challenge. The DEA is going to make having an in-person appointment with your doctor a requirement to get a stimulant prescription. This is likely to be implemented to slow down the increased rate of people getting ADHD prescriptions. With the overall goal of not over prescribing these meds.

Alternatives and Strategies

It is important to know there are several options to consider if you cannot get your medication. This is where I am going to come in with my over-educated patient hat and knowledge from coaching others with ADHD. Please know that I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. Please discuss any changes you would like to implement with your treatment team. 

First, if you find yourself without medication, consider this an opportunity to strengthen your approach to managing ADHD symptoms. Regular exercise and a balanced diet have proven to be my most effective strategies. Exercise boosts similar neurotransmitters that are increased by stimulants.  After 30 minutes of vigorous exercise, I typically feel more motivated and focused. In addition, avoiding sugars and processed foods, while eating a variety of vegetables daily reduced my symptoms over time. This diet improves the gut biome, and the gut biome is linked to our mental health. Other options include neural feedback, brain stimulation, and working with a specialized ADHD coach.

Another idea is to try a different ADHD stimulant. Have your doctor call your pharmacy to see what ADHD drugs are available. You won’t be able to do this as a patient.  Remember, people do respond differently to different stimulants, but you might be surprised to find an alternative or something that works better. In addition, there are atypical stimulants like modafinil, which has been shown to improve ADHD symptoms in some patients.

Lastly, you can try a non-stimulant ADHD drug. I still battle with ADHD and found that Wellbutrin with Strattera was a very powerful combination for me to get my work done and improve my depression. Other drugs might also be less harsh on your body than stimulants. There are anywhere from blood pressure meds to antidepressants used to improve ADHD.  In addition, there are supplements like Sam-e, l-theanine, and creatine that offer minor symptom relief. You can explore other helpful supplements and their research on Examine.com.

Living with ADHD

Ultimately, my journey with ADHD has taught me to leverage my strengths and delegate my weaknesses. If you don’t find yourself able to fit into society's mold, then make a mold that fits you. I’ve built companies by assembling teams that complement each other's skills. Also, I have worked with therapists and coaches who have helped me problem-solve in the toughest of situations. Having a strong support team and an outside perspective can be game-changing.

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Hit the 🔔—> Alex Wisch for more tips on #ADHD, #MentalHealth, and achieving #PeakPerformance, 

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