Did you have trouble filling your last prescription of Adderall? Are you worried about how you'll manage if it's not available to you soon? If so, you're not alone. On October 13th, the New York Times reported that the Food and Drug Administration had declared a nationwide shortage of this medication that is critical to many of us living with ADHD.
This is a BIG deal - in the short run.
Adderall helps us focus, manage our time, get started on what we need v. WANT to do, and complete our tasks. Basically, Adderall is one of the things that helps us function effectively in this neurotypical world of ours.
The good news is that it's not a forever thing: it's a matter of supply and demand. The companies that produce Adderall are having trouble finding enough workers (who isn't?), and - hooray! - more adults (especially women) are finally getting accurate diagnoses of ADHD, thus needing Adderall to live happy, productive lives.
But what can you do now until the shortage ends?
Here are Three Key Tips To Help:
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Contact your doctor immediately! Let them know you're having trouble getting your prescription filled. They may be able to:
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Help you find a pharmacy that has Adderall in stock.
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Find a different ADHD med that could help you during this period.
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Here is a helpful link from the FDA
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It describes various pharmaceutical companies that produce ADHD medications that you can share with your doctor.
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If you have any remaining Adderall medication, be strategic about when and how much you take. Use it when you know you need to be at peak performance levels, and use the following techniques to manage your ADHD at other times.
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Exercise for at least 30 minutes each morning and more, if possible.
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Engage in short stints of vigorous physical activity throughout your day. For example, running up and down the stairs three or more times, briskly walking around the block, and energetically using a piece of exercise equipment for 10 minutes. Anything to get your blood flowing to your brain.
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Experiment with different forms of meditation such as walking (use the Calm app), Guided and Semi-Guided (use the Headspace app), or Breath of Fire meditation.
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- Last, be kind and gentle to yourself!
- Practice self-compassion. The frustrations you experience without medication would be difficult for anyone to manage.
- Many others in the country are experiencing the same challenges you face right now. Try to remember that, luckily, this, too, shall pass!
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Most adults with ADHD want to lead productive and meaningful lives. As a certified ADHD coach who also has ADHD, I understand your stress. I hope these tips and strategies help until the shortage ends. The good news is you will be able to use these tips long after the Adderall shortage is over!
Here are some additional helpful resources. In the meantime, let's support each other. Take things a day at a time, and again, remember, this, too, shall pass.
We're all in this together,
I understand what you’re going through, because I’ve struggled with ADHD my whole life. Most adults I work with want to lead meaningful and productive lives.
As a certified ADHD coach, I help my clients develop specific ADHD strategies, tools, and techniques so they can achieve more than they ever thought possible.
I can help. Take the first steps towards your productive and happy life by scheduling a consult today!