
If you only take the medication sometimes (such as on the days you work), you may miss out on its benefits for managing other aspects of your life, such as relationship and self-care commitments. To be diagnosed with ADHD, you must have symptoms in at least two settings, such as work and home. So-called rollercoaster dosing may have downsides. Some prescribers recommend taking breaks to rejuvenate the effectiveness of the medicine, says Dr. In other people, amphetamines have less effect over time. However, this can create withdrawal symptoms like fatigue unless people taper off. Sometimes, people intentionally skip stimulant doses - for example, on weekends - to stretch out their prescriptions. But often, the supply problem can be resolved by asking if your regular prescription is available within the same pharmacy chain at a different location, says Dr. Adderall also comes in different dosages and formulations, and speaking to a pharmacist might clarify if another form may be more available. People often respond better to one of these ADHD medications than another, so unless a person already knows what works best, a shortage could be a time to try another treatment. Side effects for nonstimulant ADHD drugs vary, and can be similar to those of stimulants. These medicines all increase availability of norepinephrine. Newer nonstimulant medications, such as atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Quelbree), are approved by the FDA to treat ADHD in adults, while guanfacine (Intuniv) is also approved for children.

They also can have less desirable physical effects, such as appetite suppression and increased heart rate and blood pressure, and should only be used as prescribed by a physician. Stimulants have a range of effects, increasing alertness and energy, and (in the case of 70% of people with ADHD) improving ability to focus. They raise brain levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that play important roles in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region that helps regulate thoughts, actions, and emotions. Prescription stimulants for ADHD include mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin). How do Adderall and related medicines work? "The simple health benefits can even include things like getting enough sleep because they got their work done earlier in the day and don't have to stay up late to finish, and they go to the gym because they remember to bring their shoes," Dr.

In addition, stimulants such as Adderall have a high potential for misuse, so prescriptions and refills are controlled.įor people with ADHD who take Adderall and related medications as prescribed, the drugs can make a huge difference, both mentally and physically. Surman, noting that similar shortages have occurred in the past. However, problems like this have long been par for the course, says Dr.

Recent news stories have featured anecdotal reports of people calling multiple pharmacies to fill their prescriptions, sometimes in vain. But if you're concerned about a shortage of ADHD medicine - or experiencing one - here's what to know.
ADD MEDICATION LIST HOW TO
Craig Surman, associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, scientific coordinator for the Adult ADHD Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital, and coauthor of Fast Minds: How to Thrive If You Have ADHD (or Think You Might). "Currently, there isn't reliable information about how many people are affected by the shortage," says Dr.

How widespread is this problem? And what are the consequences, and possible solutions, for adults who rely on this medication to manage ADHD, a brain disorder characterized by inattention, being easily distracted, and impulsive behavior? Generic versions known as mixed amphetamine salts are available, but not in sufficient quantities to meet nationwide demand. Adderall, a drug commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has been in short supply for months.
