By Brynn Gibson

Editor in Chief

On Oct. 12, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared a nationwide shortage of amphetamine salts –– commonly known as Adderall. Used to treat ADHD/ADD (Attention Deficit [Hyperactivity] Disorder) and narcolepsy, over 40 million people take prescription Adderall in the United States. For most patients, daily functions become significantly more difficult without the medication, an effect exacerbated by withdrawal symptoms. One of the few major Adderall producers, Teva Pharmaceuticals, reportedly failed to hire enough employees last year and is now dealing with a surge in demand. Since the US government classifies Adderall as a Schedule II drug, strict restrictions cap the amount of Adderall each manufacturer can produce, preventing other companies from simply taking on the backorders of another. The FDA predicts the shortage will last at least through the new year, potentially stretching on until March.(Source: FDA, NY Times)