The recent supply shortage of AD/HD medication has left many wondering what they’re going to do if, or when, they run out of their medication.  A couple things before I offer some options on how to live without meds.

What’s happening?

The direct supply shortage affects just a couple of medications, however the shortage has been having a cascading effect. Because people can’t find their drug of choice, they settle for an alternate. For example, if you can’t find your Adderall, you might try Vyvanse. So, the direct shortage is causing an indirect shortage due to increased demand of alternate, or comparable, meds. Just because your medication isn’t on the official shortage lists doesn’t mean it will be easy finding it.

Here are two shortage lists:

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugShortages/ucm050792.htm

http://www.ashp.org/DrugShortages/Current/

Of particular interest are Amphetamine (Adderall) and Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

Why is it happening

Many have been blaming two organizations, the DEA and Shire.  The DEA is responsible for the regulation and supply of some of the critical ingredients  of the stimulant medications. Shire is the company responsible for the manufacture and distribution of the medications. What it boils down to; there isn’t enough of the “active pharmaceutical ingredient” to create a sufficient amount to satisfy demand. Furthermore, there has been a steady increase in demand for these medications.

The link below has some statistics:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

How long will the shortage last?

The shortage lists above are updated fairly regularly, they say expect delays for the next few months. That said, you may not experience any delays as the supply has been sporadic.

What do I do if I don’t have my meds?

First, call your pharmacy, if they don’t have it ask when they will. If they don’t know, call another pharmacy.

Next, talk to you doctor, they might have samples they are willing to give you or you can explore another medication for a time.

Exercise!

Aerobic exercise, 30 minutes several times a week, make sure you talk to your doctor about a new exercise regimen. The links below have some great information concerning Exercise and ADHD

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/3142.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/84407-exercise-adhd/

Diet!

I’m not talking about losing weight, I am talking about the food that goes in your mouth. Diets high in protein and low in simple carbohydrates have shown some improvement in the focus and attention of ADHD people. Those sugary cereals(nearly completely simple carbs) should go, replace it with eggs or oatmeal or dairy such as cottage cheese. Here is another good article from Additude:

http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/859.html

Supplements!

Now this gets into some more hazy and not as well documented information.

A good multi-vitamin should be first on your list, look for one that has nearly 100% daily values on a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals.

Omega-3, people have been going back and forth about how useful this essential fatty is, the fact remains they all say it is an ESSENTIAL fatty acid and that we don’t get enough of it. An easy way to add Omega-3 into your diet, cook with olive oil. There are also pills at many supermarkets, a good one I hear is Flax Seed Oil.

I must stress that before you alter your medication, exercise routine, diet or supplements you need to speak with your doctor. On a specific note, make sure he or she is aware of any supplements you are taking with your medication.

The journal Pediatrics has released the results of a study of 1,139 children ages eight to fifteen showing that those with higher urinary levels of pesticide metabolites were more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. While the study justifiably is attracting a great deal of attention, it’s important to remember that more research needs to be done to establish a causal effect.

For safety reasons and to guarantee good health, we should all take great care as we choose and prepare our foods. While it’s common sense, studies like the one released in Pediatrics remind us that fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly rinsed and, if possible, peeled. People with any concerns about the impact of food on their overall health should share their concerns with knowledgeable treatment professionals.

CHADD has joined with First Focus, the ARC, United Cerebral Palsy, and many others to urge legislation that would strengthen the regulation of chemicals used by industry and in consumer products that impact human health.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides information about general food safety. You can learn more on the FDA website.

Posted May 18, 2010 on the CHADD Home Page “In the News”

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