Adderall is among the hottest model names of a stimulant generally prescribed to deal with consideration deficit hyperactivity dysfunction, or ADHD. Final month, the US Meals and Drug Administration final month confirmed a scarcity of it.
There have been numerous product shortages this year, together with child system, tampons and quite a lot of meals. In its Oct. 12 announcement, the FDA referenced manufacturing points as a supply of the Adderall situation. However as The New York Times speculates, the rising reputation of online ADHD diagnosis websites may imply extra individuals than ever are filling prescriptions for Adderall and different stimulant medicines. Due to the way in which medicine like Adderall are regulated, that is additionally not the primary time individuals have had issues accessing their prescription.
If this has left you questioning whether or not you may rely in your subsequent prescription or when you must flip to a different treatment, this is what we all know.
Can I swap manufacturers?
Earlier than switching any treatment, it is essential to speak to your physician. And this is not simply a normal assertion to cowl the bases of what is authorized or medically most secure: There are totally different households of stimulants prescribed to deal with ADHD, and totally different chemical combos trigger a unique interaction within the mind. That is particularly essential to think about if you might have one other psychological well being situation.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a neuropsychologist in New York, previously told CNET that stimulants like Adderall could exacerbate signs of temper issues, together with bipolar dysfunction. When you imagine you might have one other psychological well being or neurodevelopmental situation, or have new signs of 1, it is particularly essential to be sure you’re on an acceptable therapy course that’s protected for you.
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What’s the difference between Adderall and other ADHD meds?
While your doctor may say it’s totally fine to switch to a generic version of Adderall because it contains the same active ingredients, it may not be a good idea to totally switch families of medications, such as from Adderall to Ritalin. While both work by increasing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, Adderall is an amphetamine/dextroamphetamine and Ritalin is a methylphenidate. That is, they may have similar effects or treat the same condition, but could interfere with other medications you’re taking in different ways and have the potential to cause different side effects.
ADHD medications also come in extended-release and immediate-release formulations. If you’re having a hard time filling your prescription, you can ask your pharmacist or doctor about a suitable substitute. There are also nonstimulant medications available for ADHD, as well as nonmedication routes to treatment.
The problem with regulating stimulants
Adderall and similar medications are controlled substances in the US, though you might not have guessed it based on its availability on college campuses and casual perception in modern culture. But because ADHD medications are so regulated, that makes them that much harder to prescribe and dispense.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.