You’re not the only one who hasn’t been able to refill your ADHD meds. In the meantime, here’s what local experts recommend:
Alternative drugs and generic options
Lisa Wayant A professor of psychology at URI, who has published three books on ADHD, suggests that patients talk to their doctors about switching to other stimulants such as Vyvanse, Ritalin and Concerta.
However, these alternatives can be more expensive. Some patients may not respond to another drug or may experience more serious side effects, she noted.
There are also three non-stimulants approved for the treatment of ADHD. Guanfacine marketed as Intunib. and viloxazine he marketed as Qelbree.
Another alternative, currently approved only for children ages 7 to 12, is an external trigeminal nerve stimulation system called Monarch, Wayant said. connect to the electrodes that provide the
“It’s thought to stimulate areas of the brain that need to be stimulated like drugs,” Wayant explained.
Adderall Deficiency Details:From drugstore shopping to generics, how Rhode Islanders are coping with Adderall shortages
Coping Mechanisms That Help Improve Focus
Besides considering changing medications, people with ADHD can also benefit from breaking the task into smaller chunks with frequent breaks in between, Weyandt said.
“I tell college students that they can’t sit and study for two hours with ADHD,” she said.
Studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise can help some patients with mild to moderate ADHD symptoms, Weyandt added. Deep breathing and other “mindfulness training” can also make a difference. We encourage high school and college students to use reminder apps to stay on schedule and attend class.
Weyandt also recommends that parents stay in close contact with teachers about changing their child’s medications and see together if they can make adjustments in the classroom.
“Being flexible and patient goes a long way,” she said. “Hopefully the shortage doesn’t drag on any longer.”
Build a relationship with your pharmacist
Anita Jacobson, professor of clinical practice in URI’s School of Pharmacy, says temporarily switching to alternative ADHD medications that have been less effective in the past may still be better than doing nothing at all.
And calling pharmacies from pharmacy looking for Adderall might get you nowhere, because pharmacists are concerned about getting robbed or attracting a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation, she said. Told.
She suggests establishing a relationship with a local pharmacist. Your pharmacist will let you know if they have any medicines in stock or if there are other alternatives your doctor can prescribe for you.
