ADD Drugs in Short Supply

There are also growing shortages of medications to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]. These drugs include Adderall, Ritalin and their generic equivalents. Such medications accounted for nearly 25 million prescriptions last year. Apparently the scarcity has been largely traced to the Drug Enforcement Agency. Because these stimulant medications can be abused, the DEA is in charge of authorizing active ingredient manufacture. A miscalculation last year has led to severe shortages having an impact on many families in the U.S. Until full production resumes, families, pharmacies and physicians are having to scrounge.