Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients are continuing to face a shortage of the drug Adderall as demand outweighs manufacturer ability to gain access to the active ingredient. According to Reuters, the Drug Enforcement Administration has been tightly regulating the amount of mixed amphetamine salts (API) it releases to Adderall manufacturers as it believes the drug to be abused by many users.
Adderall is addictive and has been known to be abused by college students who do not have ADHD, but who are hoping to improve their test scores.
Recently, the DEA’s estimate of the country’s need for API has come into conflict with what the companies have said they need to meet the demand for Adderall. The drug has become increasingly popular, with 18 million prescriptions written in 2010. That’s a 13.4 percent increase from 2009, IMS Health reported.
The disconnect has many ADHD patients and their doctors concerned. Many prescriptions have already gone unfilled and Reuters reported that it could be several months before the 2012 quota is released and turned into a new product.
“I am very concerned about the future,” said Ruth Hughes of the group Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. “No one seems to have much inventory to get us through the months ahead.”
