Got Pills?

Apparently for the last 7 months, now going on 8, there has been a shortage in the availability of ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) drug Adderall. While Adderall has multiple uses and can be used to treat narcolepsy as well, it is most commonly used to help treat ADHD in both adolescents (usually in smaller doses) and adults. Adderall, known generically as Amphetamine Sulfate or Dextroamphetamine, typically consists of a mixture of amphetamine salts. Yes, it does have a similar structure to methamphetamine and that's why it is considered a controlled substance that has to be given with a prescription.

How does Adderall work? The intent of the drug is to increase alertness such that those diagnosed with ADHD are able to focus, and those with narcolepsy are able to stay awake. Like everything else, there are people who abuse Adderall for its side effects, one of which is weight loss due to suppressed appetite and the other common abuse of Adderall is taking it in order to not sleep. Both of which are something that celebrities (and those who want to keep up with them) and students (especially those in highly competitive fields like medicine or law) take an interest in. So, it is not exactly a surprise that Adderall is in a shortage just like the diabetes drug being used for weight loss, Ozempic.

According to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) drug shortage database, there may not be any relief until the middle of this month-May 2023, in case you are currently working from home and the days are still blending for you. The FDA also confirmed a nationwide shortage of Adderall began around October of 2022 with the reason of "increased demand." If you're ever interested in seeing what drugs and in what dosage are currently experiencing a shortage, the FDA has a drug shortage website that shows current and former shortages.

Why is there an Adderall shortage? The official reported reason is a demand increase. Sources other than the FDA have cited that the shortage is allegedly due to a surge in demand that started during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple things can cause a surge in supply, but the most obvious reason would be an increase in ADHD diagnoses or potentially an increased need to have a higher at home supply to keep from leaving the house as often in order to minimize COVID exposure. The truth? More than likely what caused the spike in demand is a combination of the previously mentioned reasons with something else we haven't considered. Can't the companies that produce Adderall just make more? In a literal sense, yes, but legally no. Remember when we said that Adderall is considered a controlled substance? Unfortunately, for those who need Adderall, the amount of Adderall produced by dosage is closely monitored and the companies making it are legally not allowed to produce more than an amount set by the FDA.

Can persons with ADHD take other medications other than Adderall? The answer is yes. Like diabetics can take drugs other than Ozempic, persons diagnosed with ADHD can take other medications; however, there are advantages and disadvantages to the other drugs on the market. For example, another common medication taken by people with ADHD is Ritalin. Ritalin, like Adderall, is also used to treat ADHD, but unlike Adderall is less likely to be prescribed to someone with narcolepsy. Part of the reason for that is because Ritalin is a completely different chemical, Methylphenidate. While it does affect the central nervous system, it does not have the same effects on the body as Adderall nor does it have the same side effects. Ritalin tends to have more intense gastrointestinal side effects that, while they do result in weight loss, who wants to be nauseous, irritable, lethargic, and anxious with high blood pressure and heart palpitations? Not us. Unfortunately, the side effects of other drugs available instead of Adderall are all similar. While experiencing side effects isn't guaranteed, they are something to be aware of and considered when trying to change prescriptions.

Arbitrage Trade Assist trades for you while you sleep. Check it out today at http://arbitragetrade.com