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10/26/2022

America’s Adderall Shortage Could Kill People

Across the country, people are struggling to fill their prescriptions

Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a nationwide shortage of immediate release amphetamine mixed salts. For many people who take this medication, the announcement just stated what they have known for months. Right now, it can be tricky, wildly inconvenient, and sometimes outright impossible to get hold of this drug, commonly referred to by its brand name Adderall. Pharmacies across the country do not have it in stock. People are rationing pills, driving for hours, and pleading with their doctors for alternative treatments.

Drug shortages are not uncommon; there are over 200 happening right now in the United States alone. But this one requires special attention. The Adderall shortage may worsen the American overdose crisis. People could die.

"It's a really big deal if I don't have access to it," a freelance writer named Kitty tells me. (She asked to be identified by only her first name for privacy reasons.) Kitty was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as an adult, and has found that extended-release Adderall is the most helpful medication for her, helping her focus without side effects.

Please select this link to read the complete article from WIRED.

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