Huwebes, Hulyo 30, 2015

DEA and FDA on Adderall Shortage

The Drug Enforcement Administration or DEA is a government agency responsible for regulating how much of the drug's active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) can be distributed to manufacturers each year. With regards to this system, drug manufacturers receive enough materials to meet what the DEA estimates the legitimate needs of consumers or patients. This systematic approach towards drug ingredients distribution was primarily designed to prevent the creation of excesses of ingredients and other byproduct that could be diverted for inappropriate and illegal use. 

However, such move was criticized by many for it is said to have caused the shortage of stimulant and other type of drugs in the market. In recent years, news reports about the shortage of stimulant, Adderall shortage in particular was prevalent.  To note, a stimulant drugs, such as Adderall, are treatment drugs used for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. They can help manage common ADHD symptoms such as short attention span, impulsive behavior and hyperactivity. It is estimated that “approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of age (6.4 million) have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”1 That is why serious concern was raised regarding the shortage due to the necessary demand of the product.

Aside from the said regulatory system set by DEA, there are also some factors which may have contributed to the so called shortages of particular pharmaceutical drugs in the market. Manufacturing concerns and other supply disturbances together with business decisions are likewise being seen as culprit for the insufficiency.
In connection to drug shortages the “Food and Drug Administration”2 likewise had their own response to the crisis by directly addressing the underlying causes so as to enhance product availability in the market. For manufacturing issues, the agency works with the manufacturers by implementing regulatory discretion to address shortages. As a result, a ramp up of production may be observed for drugs that are in shortage.
Food and Drug Administration or FDA is also able to review inventory items that is close to expiry or already expired. They may approve an extended dating if necessary to help increase supplies until new production is available. And such move is still under strict guidelines. In events of shortages the agency can also and does facilitate auditing of medicines to help resolve insufficiencies of medically necessary drugs. There are also instances that FDA may search for an outside manufacturer that is eager and ready to deliver items into the U.S when inland and other known manufacturers are unable to supply the needed consumer demand.
                Putting into consideration the reality of the shortage of Adderall in the market, one must not remain in the mercy of the government agency. As a consumer or as a parent with a child having ADHD, preservation is of great importance. There are many ways to locate and secure the needed drug. Other ways such as direct communication with manufacturers or large distributors, though may sound a bold move, but it would sometimes yield into something. 

And in the event that you are seeking Adderall not for ADHD treatment, but as a source for improvement of mental function, you should have realized long before that there are even new over the counter food supplements that are being marketed as an alternative for Adderall. Such products are designed to give the same boost of energy and focus as what Adderall may do to the cognitive function the brain.  And the best part is they are not intended for ADHD treatment which means most are considered as non-prescription medications or over the counter medicines

If there is a need to change for medicinal options, you should be open to it. There are other Adderall alternatives in the market which may yield same result, but before doing so, consult your physician first. For your doctor knows what is best for you beyond the brand of medicine.


1.       http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
2.       http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugShortages/ucm050796.htm

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