Supply Chain Causes Adderall Shortage Making It Difficult To Focus on a Fix

Adderall, the brand name for the widely used drug for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is experiencing shortages across the United States.

The drug whose formula is a combination of the stimulants amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, belong to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. The amphetamine and dextroamphetamine combination works in the treatment of ADHD to increase attention and decrease restlessness in patients who are overactive, cannot concentrate, or are easily distracted.

According to Bloomberg the reason is that there are only a few drugmakers that provide the medication and this has led to pharmacies nationwide, including Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, having difficulty keeping the medication in stock at locations nationwide.

According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), which tracks current drug shortages, pharmaceutical companies Par and Teva estimate a release date for their 20 mg capsules by early September. According to ASPH, companies Rhodes, Sandoz, and Amneal have several different Adderall milligrams available. Companies Shire, Prasco, and Lannett say they have products available.

NPR’s Scott Simon spoke to journalist Ike Swetlitz about the current shortage.

Listen below.