O'FALLON, Ill. — Since October 2022, people who need Adderall medication haven't been able to get their hands on it. The Food and Drug Administration said the shortage is due to multiple factors, including increased demand and supply chain and manufacturing issues.
On Aug. 1, 2023, the FDA released this statement with an update: "We (DEA and the FDA) have called on manufacturers to confirm they are working to increase production to meet their allotted quota amount. If any individual manufacturer does not wish to increase production, we have asked that manufacturer to relinquish their remaining 2023 quota allotment. This would allow DEA to redistribute that allotment to manufacturers that will increase production. DEA is also committed to reviewing and improving our quota process."
As of October 2024, the FDA has continuously made updates to its drug shortage list and provides notifications to people seeking Adderall or any type of medication that may have a shortage.
"Every once in a while, you think it's gonna get better. If you need medicine and I can't get medicine, it's not helpful for any of us," Jackie Howell said.
Howell is the pharmacist-in-charge at the Medicine Shoppe in O'Fallon, Illinois. She spends hours a week on the phone with suppliers and customers from Walgreens and CVS.
"They (supplies) may send me one, but if I need five (bottles), that's not helpful," Howell said.
When the big box stores run out, they're putting their patients on the mom-and-pop pharmacies, Howell said.
"How do I keep my regular customers that are loyal to me supplied if I'm giving it away to people that only come here one month because their pharmacy is out this month?" Howell said.
The good news is Howell makes sure to tell customers about other ways to cope. Even things like a decent breakfast can help keep your focus.
"Protein in the morning for children will help boost their dopamine levels so that they're not already so wired. You can make sure that they've got some exercise before they head off to school," Howell said.
Howell said she sees just as many families coming in for children as adults trying to cope without their medications.
" I mean, they want their ADHD meds, they want to be able to work, they want to be able to function," Howell said.
Other holistic approaches pharmacists recommend include yoga, limiting screen time and brain training.