Struggling to Find ADHD Meds? Tips for Parents During the Stimulant Shortage
Nov 05, 2024
If you’re parenting a child with ADHD, you already know how critical the right medicine can be for your child to function and thrive. But lately, parents across the country are facing a whole new challenge: finding that medication in the first place. Thanks to a shortage of ADHD stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin, simply getting your child’s prescription filled has become a struggle aka nightmare!
Let’s break down what’s going on, and most importantly, some strategies to help you get through it. Plus, if you’re up for it, I’ll share ways you can advocate for change that could help prevent this problem in the future.
What’s Behind the ADHD Medication Shortage?
There’s no single reason, unfortunately—it’s a combination of issues that have snowballed into one big problem.
1. Demand Surge
The number of kids diagnosed with ADHD (and adults, too) has increased over the years. With more people relying on these medications, demand is higher than ever. The pandemic also played a role, with more people seeking mental health diagnoses and treatments.
2. Supply Chain Issues
Like so many industries, pharmaceutical companies have faced delays in production due to ingredient shortages, workforce limitations, and overall supply chain disruptions since COVID.
3. DEA Limits
Here’s a big one that might surprise you. ADHD medications are considered Schedule II drugs, which means they’re classified as having a high potential for abuse and are tightly regulated. Because of this, the DEA sets strict annual production limits on how much of each stimulant drug can be made. If demand goes up, those limits don’t necessarily increase, leading to shortages.
4. Pharmacy Distribution Limits
Some pharmacies are also placing their own limits on ADHD meds due to concerns about over-prescribing, fraud, and misuse. So even if one pharmacy has a small supply, it may only be enough to cover a fraction of the patients who need it.
Tips for Finding Your Child’s ADHD Medication Right Now
If you’re stuck trying to fill your child’s prescription and hitting dead ends, here are some real-world tips that may help:
1. Call Around to Multiple Pharmacies
Unfortunately, in this situation, you might need to call around to different pharmacies. Some chains are more likely to carry stock than others, but this varies from place to place. Large chain stores like CVS or Walgreens may have more luck with supply compared to smaller pharmacies, but sometimes it’s the little neighborhood pharmacy that comes through. Realize that your prescribing doctor will need to send in a new script to a different pharmacy since prescriptions for controlled substances can't be transferred between different pharmacies.
Tip: Ask to speak with a pharmacy manager if possible. Explain your situation politely and see if they can give you an idea of when new shipments arrive or if they’d be able to hold a medication for you if they get it in stock.
2. Look Beyond Your Usual Pharmacy
Don’t hesitate to check out nearby towns or less-frequented pharmacies. Some parents have even had luck filling prescriptions at hospital-based pharmacies, which may have different supply chains. Again, remember that your prescribing doctor will need to send in a new script to a different pharmacy since prescriptions for controlled substances can't be transferred between different pharmacies. This can be frustrating for both the doctor as well as the pharmacy...and most definitely for you!
3. Ask Your Doctor About Alternatives
While this isn't ideal and is unfortunate, if your child’s specific medication is out of stock, ask your doctor about similar options. For example, if your child is on Adderall, there may be other stimulants like Vyvanse, Ritalin, or Concerta that could be substituted, at least temporarily. Each child reacts differently, so keep your child’s unique needs in mind and consult with their doctor about what’s feasible.
Tip: Be sure to double-check with your pharmacy about availability for the alternative option before switching! There’s no point in getting a new prescription that’s also out of stock.
4. Try Compounding Pharmacies
Some parents have found success with compounding pharmacies, which can make specific dosages or formulations of medications. Compounded versions of ADHD meds may not be perfect substitutes, but they can be a workable option in a pinch. Compounding pharmacies may be pricier and don’t always accept insurance, but if your child needs the medication badly, it’s worth exploring.
5. Look into Mail-Order Options
Mail-order pharmacies sometimes have stock when brick-and-mortar locations don’t. If your insurance plan allows it, try seeing if your child’s prescription can be filled through a reputable mail-order pharmacy like OptumRx or Express Scripts.
Tip: Be aware that it might take longer for mail-order options to deliver, so try this option only if you have a bit of a buffer with current meds.
6. Consider a Medication Bridge
If you’re truly stuck and can’t get any stimulant medications, talk to your child’s doctor about options for non-stimulant ADHD medications as a temporary bridge. These aren’t ideal substitutes for everyone, but they might help keep some symptoms at bay until you’re able to get your usual prescription filled.
Advocating for Long-Term Solutions
Right now, finding meds feels like a never-ending scavenger hunt, and that’s tough. But if we want to change things for the future, there’s something we can do: advocate for policy changes.
One key change would be to reduce ADHD stimulants from Schedule II to Schedule III. Here’s why that matters: Schedule II drugs are classified as having a high potential for abuse, which means they’re heavily regulated by the DEA. Lowering the classification could allow for more production and make it easier to meet the actual demand without compromising patient safety.
Ways to Advocate:
1. Contact Your Representatives
Write or call your state and federal representatives. Tell them about the ADHD medication shortage and how it’s impacting families. Encourage them to support reclassifying ADHD meds as Schedule III drugs, which would allow for a little more production flexibility.
2. Sign Petitions
Many organizations and parent advocacy groups are pushing for reclassification. Look for petitions through groups like CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivit
3. Share Your Story
Sometimes, the most powerful tool is just sharing your story. Post on social media, talk to friends and family, or even reach out to local media to discuss the challenges you’re facing. The more people who know this issue exists, the more momentum we can build.
Staying Hopeful and Informed
The medication shortage is frustrating and stressful, especially when you’re doing everything you can to help your child succeed. Remember, this shortage isn’t forever, but it’s also something that we can collectively work to change.
In the meantime, try to keep an open line of communication with your child’s doctor and pharmacist, explore all your options, and don’t hesitate to advocate for better solutions. With luck (and a little pressure on policymakers), we’ll see changes that make getting ADHD medication more consistent and accessible for everyone who needs it.
With Understanding and Solidarity,
Dr. Emma and the Aparently Parenting Team
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