I had a tough time deciding which current issues I wanted to discuss. Then the other day at work it
hit me. The light bulb in my brain lit up when a coworker mentioned one of her kiddos has been
off her meds and apparently, she “threw away” her Adderall. I’ve been hearing about the shortage
on the news. I have seen what withdrawal looks like from a family member
c c c c c c “Adderall is a brand name for amphetamine mixed salts. The most common use of Adderall
is to treat ADHD, but the medication is also used to treat narcolepsy—a sleep disorder—and
depression, at times.” (Gutman, 2022) In case anyone is not quite sure what ADHD is. Attention-
deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or
hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. (USDHHS)
According to the FDA, they announced back in October that there is a nationwide
shortage of the widely used ADHD drug called Adderall. The FDA Claims the shortage will stay
in effect for at least another 30 to 60 days. According to Teva pharmaceuticals the issues that
caused this delay have been resolved, now it is a matter of fulfilling the surge in demand.
Withdrawal from Adderall was being described as if you were zombified. Brain filled with
sludge, irritable mood swings, loss of appetite and in some cases thoughts of suicide, are some of
the side effects of withdrawal. Doctors have recommended alternative drugs to help ease the
withdrawal affect but not everyone will have a good reaction to the change. Another term that has
been used was ADHD paralysis refers to one's inability to focus, concentrate, or perform tasks
when living with ADHD. (Laub, 2022)
Not having this medication makes it difficult to regulate feelings and emotions making
individuals become more irritable and may cause conflict. This can cause relationship problems at
home, cause students to get into trouble at school and get bad grades. It may cause poor work
skills and lead to job loss.
c c c c c c People fearing running out and going through withdrawal are rationing out their medications,
taking smaller doses. For those that may have run out and dealing with the horrible side effects are
looking on social media and the streets to get their medication.
This current issue effect so many different human services agencies. It affects doctors’ offices,
pharmacies, with individuals looking to get their medication. Unemployment agencies by
individuals losing their jobs because they are unstable and cannot function. Mental health doctors
and or facilities because these individuals may be experiencing severe depression, suicidal
thoughts and just can’t function.
Reference:
Charles, R. (2022, November 17). Adderall users struggle amid ongoing medication shortage.
CNN.
https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/17/health/adderall-shortage-impact/index.html
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-
deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd
MS, W. by: E. L., & Reviewed by: Dr. Maria Simbra MD. (n.d.). ADHD paralysis: Definition &
how to overcome. Choosing Therapy.
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/adhdparalysis/#:~:text=ADHD%20paralysis%20refers%20to%2
0one's,%E2%80%9Ccrash%E2%80%9D%20and%20limited%20functionality
Gutman, A. (2022, October 28). There is an adderall shortage. A psychiatrist explains what it
means for kids, and adults with ADHD. Medical Xpress - medical research advances and health
news. c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c https://medicalxpress.com/news/2022-
10-adderall-shortage-psychiatrist-kids-adults.html
