CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A medication used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy known as its brand name, Adderall, is in short supply. 

What You Need To Know

  • The FDA announced an Adderall shortage nationwide back in October
  • Manufacturing delays are one of the reasons behind the shortage
  • A mental health therapist said she’s noticed a regression in treatment for her ADHD clients unable to access their prescribed Adderall
  • The Adderall supply is expected to increase in April

In October, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced the Adderall shortage, explaining one manufacturer of the amphetamine is experiencing intermittent manufacturing delays. In addition, other manufacturers continue to produce it, but there is not enough supply to meet the demand in the U.S. 

Mental health therapist Veronda Bellamy owns Bridging the Gap of America Inc., which provides outpatient services for mental health treatment, parenting groups and depression support groups.

“Taking you by the hand and journeying with you through life until you become the best version of yourself. You discovering happiness and what that really does for you. That’s what I really love about it, just seeing the transformation that the clients make and knowing I was a part of that process is a beautiful thing,” Bellamy said. 

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of people she’s diagnosed with ADHD increased. Currently, 25% of her clients have the disorder.

“Usually what we see is that lack of ability to focus and concentrate to complete tasks,” Bellamy said. 

Once clients are diagnosed, she refers them to psychiatrists for prescriptions. Mixed amphetamine salts, known as Adderall, is one of the medications for ADHD.

“It helps the individual to laser focus on their activities. Their mind is able to concentrate,” Bellamy said. 

Bellamy said since December, her clients have shared their pharmacies don’t have the medication. 

“They’re coming back to therapy [saying] ‘I’m unable to get my medicine. This is going to affect my job and how I’m performing at work,'” Bellamy said. 

She said the shortage is scary. 

“I was surprised because the Adderall is what helps them to function on a day-to-day basis,” Bellamy said. 

She said medication and therapy go hand-in-hand and without one of the them, she’s noticed a regression in treatment for ADHD clients. 

“It’s disheartening for the client, their families. It’s disheartening for the therapists, because we feel the combination of therapy as well as medication management is not being met, which is necessary for the client to be able to move forward in life, Bellamy said. 

According to the FDA, Adderall supply for some companies is expected to increase by April. 

“It gives me hope, but I would really need to see my clients come in and say 'I was able to get my prescription,'” Bellamy said. 

The FDA recommends patients who are having trouble accessing their prescribed ADHD medication to discuss other treatment options. During the shortage, Bellamy said reminders on notepads, Vitamin D, Vitamin B-12 and walks may also help.