Alternatives for Adderall
Drug shortages happen all the time - in fact, there are currently more than 200 of them in the US. Sometimes there’s a supply chain issue, lack of access to ingredients for pharmaceutical companies, or a myriad other possible complications.
But the Adderall shortage we’re seeing right now could affect an inordinate amount of attention deficit disorder (and ADHD) sufferers across the country. With the pandemic wreaking havoc on supply chains, a lack of workers at one of the top Adderall-producing companies, and government caps on how much can be produced, some patients are having an extremely hard time getting their medicine.
For kids this could throw a wrench into their education and social lives as school performance suffers and homelife becomes strained. Adults could be affected at their jobs, and relationships, and may sometimes turn to substance abuse to self-medicate.
As patients panic and experience anxiety about getting their needed medicine psychiatrists are scrambling to find a solution.
A short recap: ADD/ADHD is a disorder characterized by lack of focus, not being able to stay on task, impulsiveness, restlessness, recklessness - and these symptoms often disrupt one’s life. Adderall is a medicine widely used to reign in these symptoms and allow sufferers a normal life.
As the shortage continues (experts say it may not be resolved until March) some are turning to alternative treatments for ADD/ADHD. Since Adderall is a controlled substance some turn to black market sources, which are dangerous and unreliable.
The best way to make it through the Adderall shortage, as advised by licensed psychiatrists and mental health professionals, is by finding legitimate healthy alternatives.
This takes the form of both behavioral tools and supplements.
Behavioral tools
These will provide ADD/ADHD sufferers with mental/behavioral techniques to dampen the symptoms of the disorder such as poor focus or impulsive actions. They include
Meditation or related concentration exercises (there are tons of instructive apps that teach these methods like Headspace and Waking Up).
Physical exercise channels the body’s energy to somewhere productive.
Good sleep. When we sleep, we restore the mind from the previous day and it makes us more able to concentrate and control our emotions.
Supplements
Nutritional supplements can help along with behavioral techniques to create the best environment for a mind to operate in. In addition to staying well hydrated, there are a few helpful supplements ADD/ADHD sufferers may want to consider during the shortage:
Zinc
Vitamin C
Probiotics
Amino acids
Doctors may sometimes prescribe Gabapentin to improve cognition. Together with the supplements, they can make a big difference in helping focus and mental performance.
These alternatives are being proven effective, but remember before trying anything new it’s important to consult with both a doctor and an experienced alternative medicine practitioner.
To hear our conversation with Dr. Denise Suarez, an expert in alternative medicine who has already helped countless ADHD sufferers deal with the Adderall shortage, please check out the Breakdown with Dr. B podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more - including our own website www.bregmanmd.com !
You can find Dr. Suarez’s blog at: https://suarezdeniseomd.wixsite.com/holistic
Bregman Medical Group has decades of experience treating ADD/ADHD and various other disorders for kids, adults, families, and more. We offer online psychiatry and therapy right to your device! Simple schedule online at www.bregmanmd.com or call 305-740-3340.
References:
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-announces-shortage-adderall
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/10/21/adderall-shortage-adhd-alternatives/
https://www.wired.com/story/adderall-shortage-problems/