More Americans Forgoing ADHD Meds As Shortages Drag On

Shortages of commonly prescribed drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have stretched on for nearly 18 months, with no clear end in sight for many Americans who've found it difficult if not impossible to get the treatments.

Why it matters: As demand for stimulants like Adderall and Vyvanse soared, the fill rate for such prescriptions has dropped more than 10% in two years, according to a new analysis from health analytics firm Truveta.

Patients struggling to find ADHD drugs have aired their frustrations in thousands of comments filed to the Federal Trade Commission, which is studying possible factors driving shortages.

"I have not been able to fill my prescription at any pharmacy I've been to including Costco, CVS, Publix, Walmart, and local discount pharmacies," wrote a man who identified himself as a medical student in the Miami area.

One woman said she's had trouble each month filling a prescription for her son, a sixth grader. "Recently his teacher asked him to find a way to 'just stay home' until his medication becomes available again," she wrote. "Can you imagine what it feels like for a child to hear this?"

Between the lines: Likely drivers of the shortages include pandemic-driven increases in demand, caps on production of the drugs, and the threat of rolling back rules making it easier to prescribe stimulants virtually.