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.

I have to say I cringe every time another “expert” has come out with a documentary on ADHD. They are dry, depressing, and make ADHD sound like this death sentence for you or anyone with ADHD. Most of the time I watch these documentaries they make me so frustrated and I start to throw objects at the TV. So, when my sister called me up and told me there was a show about ADHD on OPB I was very skeptical. The next day I decided to look more into it and was very impressed.

When I found the website it was unlike any ADD/ADHD website that I have seen. The people behind it have ADD themselves or live with someone who has it. Even some of the “experts” they have on the site have ADHD. At first I found it very strange that they do not have articles they have webcasts and 3-5 minute films. Here is their website, I’d highly recommend visiting: www.totallyADD.com

The documentary is hosted by ADDer Patrick McKenna, who is a stand-up comic and star of The Red Green Show. McKenna takes a very humorous look at ADD/ADHD, touching on such topics as; shiny objects, myths, and generally attempts to paint ADD as much less of a life-altering monster. In the film they cover most of your basic questions, such as; what it is, how it is diagnosed and what treatments are available; and dispel many myths, i.e. bad parenting, too much TV, and the effects of medication. They try to show this is a serious disorder and that it is not something that will automatically ruin your life if you have it. There is a great deal of personal testimony and just as much humor makes this point that much more valid. They have also interviewed ADD powerhouses like Edward Hallowell, author of Driven to Distraction, and Thom Hartmann, author of ADD: A Different Perception. Then it ends with a few uncomplicated and very possible solutions to manage life with this disorder, I come away feeling that this was an excellent introduction into the world of ADD but by no means is it exhaustive, I hope they will continue to create so humorous and educational material. The program will air again Saturday, Jan 1, 1:00 pm PDT for more information on schedule visit the OPB website at http://www.opb.org/.