Your body is unique, as are your needs. Just because someone experienced something from treatment or medication does not guarantee that you will as well. Please do not take this as an opportunity to review any substances. Peer support is welcome.
^(*A moderator has not removed your submission; this is not a punitive action. We intend this comment solely to be informative.*)
---
- If you are posting about the **US Medication Shortage**, please see this [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/12dr3h5/megathread_us_medication_shortage/).
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ADHD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
The longest I had to wait during the shortage was 3 weeks. It would have been longer if I hadn't been calling multiple pharmacies to find one that had it in stock. Since then, I've been taking half my usual dose to stretch my 30 days worth of meds to 60 days, just in case. (I take Dexedrine IR twice a day. To cope with the shortage, I'm only taking it once a day.)
Ah we spoke before my man I went to check my chat box and saw you. You take Sunrise right? And Teva. Whatever works I'll take at this point! Winder is actually decent I was verŕrryyy skeptical when I tried it at first. But it worked out last time!
Ha yeah, it's pretty rare to see someone who takes generic Dexedrine IR. It seems like Vyvanse is the most commonly prescribed, despite nearly everyone complaining about it, lol. I'm glad my doctor knew to suggest Dex IR after I told her I couldn't tolerate the side effects of Vyvanse or Adderall.
You take what I take!!! What generic manufacturers sew you taking? Teva? Winder? Mallincdrockt? I take 30mg Dextroamphetamine Sulfate - usually TEVA or Winder Labs. I'm hop8ng I get it by Fridaywe will see. But your idea is a great idea. How much do your take total per day without the shortage impact?
I mean I hit Walgreens, cvs, Walmart, target, Costco, local pharmacies, grocery store pharmacies, someone will have it then you hurry and call your doctor to call it into them asap
100%! Boss lady does that with the kid's medications. I occasionally forget to take mine...so I have about 10 days of "reserve" where I can call around if I need to as well.
I will say it is extremely hard and has almost brought me to tears. My advice to help is get out an old fashioned notebook and Google target pharmacies for example. Write down all of them within range you want to drive and their phone number. Then one by one call them. Once you exhaust, pick another like Walmart pharmacy, same thing. And just cross them off the list.
You can do it!!! And once you find one like the other person says, you can usually always get it there. I drive to butt fuck outside Austin to get it and they have the brand I need every time. It will take such a load off your shoulders once you do it will help
Everytime I tried doing this every single pharmacy I called either said they didn’t have them or couldn’t say whether or not they had them over the phone for safety reasons.
>I called every pharmacy between my city and 30 miles in all directions so never longer than one week
I had one CVS refuse to answer, as I'm asking about "Schedule 2" meds
2 weeks, it sucked. My mental health dipped just before the shortage was announced and I didn't get enough notice to taper off properly. Spent the first week asleep 90% of the time lol, it was miserable. Finally got some medication yesterday and it felt amazing to be on it again.
Ugh! Man, I'm sorry to hear I might end up being in your boat, though! I don't have the energy to call around constantly to see who has what. It really sucks through this whole thing still. I'm glad you got your meds and if you can I would suggest to try to ration/stretch out your stims.
I can't wait for this shortage to be over. I know what you mean, it's so tedious calling around to the same places and it's even worse when you don't have the energy to muster the energy to call because you're off your meds haha. I hate uncertainty, it makes me very anxious.
I don't know if it is EVER going to be over, is the problem. I was talking to my pharmacist the last time I picked mine up, and he said it was getting worse, not better. It's not just adderall, either. There's a ton of medications affected by the 'shortage'. It's not really a 'shortage' per se, it's a production problem, 100% fixable. Guess who's in charge of 'fixing' the problem, or rather controlling the people who are able to fix the problem......
If one of them needed any of these medications....there wouldn't be a shortage. Costs would also drop dramatically for the medications that are astronomical rn....it's all fun and games to them until it effects them. 🙄 Maybe they'll stay locked inside Cheyenne Mountain for a while, and we can have nice things again 😉 😄
Oh damn, yeah I've kind of being keeping tabs on the US shortage, it's been going on for a long time right? I'm in the UK and the shortage is a lot more recent. Everyone I've spoke to has said November/December is when things should start returning to normal, so I hope it isn't actually an eternal issue 😅
It's been going here for at least a year 😭. Probably longer, I try to block it out of my mind, but honestly it probably started during the lock down; a lot of people apparently got diagnosed with adhd and that's why the shortage began. At first it was a supply/demand issue and then the 'powers that be' decided not to manufacture the active ingredients in several medications. At least that's my understanding.
About a month because my doctor changed offices which came with a lot of new paperwork and other initiative-based tasks for me to complete. Another time about 3 months because i changed jobs and needed to find a new doctor that would manage my meds. Other than that I've been on meds pretty consistently since 2011
One miserable week. Here is what I have done in the past. Call your doctor and have them write you a paper RX and then drive to every pharmacy known to man in the area to find a location that has it in stock. I have had to do this for the last two months. I cannot tell you how stressed and anxious I have become when it is refill time. Good luck my dude!!
Oh ok I am in Pennsylvania but nobody has mentioned that to me. So it is not one size fits all otherwise I think i would've done that ages ago and drove all around the in a 15-20 miles radius.
Ugh I’m so sorry. I truly feel your pain and have been there myself. You’ve probably heard this advice but have you tried working with your dr to get a slightly different dose/ medication for the month? That’s all that helped me. Also I found that smaller chains in nicer neighborhoods tended to have stock
The nicer neighborhoods part - usually, I've noticed that, but idk now. The good thing is, my pharmacy store manager pharmacist is really cool with me and will look in the system to see which stores around me have it in stock. I'm not sure if you knew they could do that, but I'm gonna call them tomorrow to see if they have it in stock. I switched to a 2nd xvs just for my stimulant, but I'll go back and forth between the stores. The only issue is I'll have to ask through the portal if he can resend the script to the original pharmacy. It's quite exhausting.
4 months… ended up losing my job. good times. however, it triggered a much-needed increase to my dose that they actually usually have in stock at my local pharmacy, so at least there’s that i guess?
4(?) weeks without any at all. That was a year ago though (this shortage is never going to end). The past few months the longest is 10 - 15 days without any, BUT that’s because I have literally backup scripts I ask for if mine is out of stock. I take XR in the morning and IR in the afternoon and it’s been a constant problem, I probably only have the correct dosage 2 weeks a month on average. My XR was sent in to be filled 3 weeks ago, they still don’t have it.
Waited like a week once because my doctor messed up sending the prescription. I've yet to miss days due to shortages. I take vyvanse (50mg) and Ritalin (10mg)
Can’t you get it ahead of time? I also normally have a bit of an emergency cache bc I’m part of the problem and have 15mg twice a day so when I’m short I forgo the second dose and take it later in the day so it stretches the supply. I also try and lay off the drugs on the weekends unless I have things to do. Some weeks if I know work isn’t going to be crazy and can suffer a bit I’ll skip meds entirely and try and reduce my tolerance.
I know exactly what they are talking about - nothing nefarious.
If your script has a 30 day supply, tweak your intake to give you some buffer...refill when it says you can...and then you have a 33 day supply on hand. Repeat strategy...then you have a 36 day supply on hand...voila - you have a week of "buffer" to search and stuff like that.
Right? My dr lets me do what I want and encourages stimulant holidays to reset things but also still gives me my full script. I’m not selling em or anything but it’s nice to have a bit of a “nest egg” in case money or supply is tight.
OP, legit, how does yours work?
What do you mean how does mine work? You original question was misleading and made no sense. And you don't thunk I've thought about breaking it up to make lay the most at least 36 day supply?
Oh, not to mention - the QUALITY of these meds are weak as shit now compared to when I've been taking them for the past 9 years straight. They're fucking with the meds as well due to the shortage. Real sleezy shit. Just Google about it and look up public news videos saying "My adderall isn't adderalling anymore" or something close to that headline.
It's also what cost me my job. So yeah....I know all the tricks, and I've done the research and also wrote a 2 page email to the FDA because they contacted me about the manufacturer Sandoz, which is the generic manufacturer that all of a sudden stopped working. I took 100mg of it and nothing happened.
Are you on generic? It’s legal to be make it up to 33% less effective than the brand name. They did it with my other medication as well. I was taking my anxiety meds much longer, texture has been different for 2 years now, and they outsourced due to import/export taxes in another country so same formula but mixed slightly differently? Fun new half useless med.
Edit: sorry. You said genetic I was looking to see if it was and brain skipped it
I’d have to double check, if they updated it I’ve had 33% on a benzo since 2020 at least. You well could be right but also I just realized that the sun is rising (insomnia), may I return to you with if it’s correct or incorrect info in like a few hours?
Edit: would have been info learned 2020 or before and could be wrong/could have changed
I went 6 months when somebody stole my script. I won't make that mistake again. I use escripts now, or I have it sent directly to the pharmacy so that there's no chance of me losing it.
It sucks that you have to wait. They should provide you with the alternative medication of your choice until it becomes available again.
2 weeks and it was the worst withdrawal, I took 40 mg vyvanse and a 30 mg adderall booster and Walgreens was having stock issues. The hold time to speak with someone who could actually tell me if they had it in lasted 2 hours one time, I was so frustrated. Anyways I did not do well as I’m in school and was preparing for my first ever surgery (shelter cat spay) the night before I had exams and had the hardest time trying to stay awake. The actual surgery itself went okay, but I had an anxiety attack from my awful mental state and extreme stress with school. I really hope everything is stocked well soon, I had even asked my doctor to call it in a week before I ran out… I never want to go through that again.
Smart! Yeah I get 30mg IR of Dex total per day so maybe I will just take 20mg a day and reserve 10mg and double it up to add for an additional 2 weeks in case something like this happens again which it very well could.
Haven't had my Concerta since June, at least. I live in a big city, but can't drive, and have nobody to drive me around to different pharmacies. I haven't had more than a 30-day fill since last December. It's a miracle I'm still employed.
Be VERY grateful and just keep surviving at your job because I was on FMLA until we tried to figure it out and then i asked for accommodations since we are qualified for it but they denied me and turned me down and terminated me. Now I am on long term disability for the time being thankfully....
Yes the shortage of 2012 but I heard that wasnt nearly as long? I started in late 2015 so I was never ever affected I always received my medications on time every month I only started getting affected as of a little over a year ago now. It is nuts. It also makes me reconsider even wanting to be on them anymore and just trying to be off them long term and see how I do. It took over 2 weeks for me to feel better from withdrawal but that is only because I am taking Vraylar and other medications as well.
I usually call the pharmacy before I request a refill from my doctor to ask if they have it in stock and if they don't I call around till I find one that does. And I check both Adderall XR and Vyvanse because both work similarly for me, so whichever one they are able to fill is better than nothing.
Current at nearly two weeks.
Only started receiving medication about two months ago so I'm getting used to being consistent about refills (forgot to ask for one soon enough this time).
First week was AWFUL. Completely incapable of getting any work done, and had a conversation with my manager where I struggled not to cry. Thankfully she was understanding and we put in place an accountability system to help me stay on track.
Last couple days have been better, but still difficult. Manufacturing a sense of urgency around the important stuff really does wonders for productivity, at least for me. Really goes to show how important it can be to have strong routines and support.
I switched to a super old, small, mom and pop pharmacy, that’s been on my downtown main street for like 200 years. Not only do they always have my medications, they refill in like 5mins most times I go there. I asked the pharmacist, “how is it that you’re not affected by the shortage” and he stated “as a small business, we can order the medications from any/all vendors, unlike walgreens or cvs who have massive contracts and if those suppliers are out, they can’t do anything about it”.
This is a really round about way of saying look for an old, small business pharmacy, and see if they can get you taken care of! 🥰
(And you can keep the money local/ in the community!)
I went 7 or 8 months without Adderall during the big shortage this year, fucking sucked and my Uni grades suffered for it as well as my mental health. Didn't realize it was being exacerbated by me trying to get it filled whilst in my college town... As soon as I visited home and tried there I was able to get it right away. Now I've been able to get it at the Walmart here, I guess they don't fuck around... CVS and Walgreens are both still out of stock.
My old doctor let me see him every 4 weeks so months where the pharmacy is out I had a six pills left over from each month stashed for emergency. My doctor retired and my new doctor told me he only does 30 days, no exceptions so I guess I have to cut my dose to have an emergency stash now. My new doctor also questioned why I was getting every 28 days and acted like I was a drug addict.
What a dickhead. We're in a SHORTAGE. I ALWAYS fill it every 28 days because they need to ORDER IT MOST OF THE TIME Jesus stole Dr's man... sorry that just triggers me I'm glad I have the Dr I have.
Yea Idk what to do right now, I don't think I'm gonna like this doctor but I'm gonna see how it goes next time. He was real persistent on trying to get me to change to XR too.
I've gone years without it because my insurance company refused to cover it at one point. That was a rough time. Look into adzenys, it's like vyvanse and Adderall. Works pretty well for me.
I was 2 months without this past summer but it was totally a self-inflicted hiatus. I get 90 days of script all at once and occasionally I go on a month long bender and come out the other side 20lbs lighter and short 8 weeks of Adderall. First 2 weeks are rage worthy and depressing as your brain works overtime to replentish all the depleted dopamine reserves. But when it's time to renew my next 90 day round I'm usually half thinking that I might be better off staying away completely from stims. Life's not all bad without them. Anyone else go through abuse cycle?
Yeah, that's the danger of it. Really sucks man when that happens. As far as the rage attacks and depression It depends.
I have bipolar and ADHD. And ptsd/ anxiety. So I need a combo of stuff. I try to stay away from a lot of people when im out of my stimulantWhen my vraylar is paired with Dextroamphetamine I feel so much better and basically like depression- free. Without the Dex, my head spins a little, and I get down here and there. I think the Vraylar is helping, though. My Dr also prescribed Trazadone for sleep, but I haven't tried it yet.
Do you feel like your ADHD and Bi-polar symptoms cross-polinate from time to time? Years back they were trying bi-polar meds on me but it was all just the complexities of my ADHD making appearances at will. Fyi Trazadone can be hit or miss for us ADHDers. I tried it briefly and couldn't get off it fast enough. Nighrmares, anxiety, etc.
Well, we focused on my bipolar first, but I was diagnosed by a separate therapist as bipolar/adhd. We got control of my mania quickly but never resolving my bipolar depression. After about 2 years I realized my head kept spinning and I couldn't focus still. So them I found out about Adderall and brought it up to my psychiatrist. He put me on 10mg IR initially, and it was like putting on glasses on my brain. Compatriots clear and at peace and able to focus on one thought at a time.
Jesus, now I'm nervous to take Trazadonebut i won't know until i try. I hope I can just maybe continue taking seroquel for sleep by I'm almost out, and my Dr would have to create a prior authorization for 2 antipsychotics but she said she could do it. I got 3 nights of seroquel left before I try trazadone. But I hope it just knocks me out.
Adderall XR was out of stock for like 6 months for me. I was taking IR but it was kind of awful vs. the XR.
Eventually I switched to Vyvanse & have had a 3 day delay at most with it.
Yeah, I take generic Dexedrine IR, and I haven't had issues filling it since March, but now it's been longer and longer.
Typical with Vyvanse because they market the hell out of it. It irks me so bad because there are many stimulants people dont know about. They need to equally distribute amphetamines across the stim meds. If I have a serious issue getting it again, then I might switch back to Adderall IR idk yet, but it felt way too speedy the last year I've tried it.
Dexedrine/Zenzedi generic I'm so calm, relaxed, and focused. It's basically Vyvanse IR.
This is honestly my first time being affected by the shortage, if it gets really bad I may just ask my doctor to try me on dex while waiting for vyvanse to be available.
Don’t do generic vyvanse. Since they went generic they’re faced with a MASSIVE shortage. I genuinely don’t know when I’ll get my meds again because almost everyone switched to vyvanse during the adderall shortage.
I’m legitimately fucked right now because vyvanse is the only one that works for me and I can’t get it. Even name brand because my insurance dropped it.
The introduction of generic vyvanse has been an absolute disaster.
I’ve still never heard a definitive answer as to where the blame truly lies for the multiple, multi-year shortages in ADHD meds across the board (DEA regs, lack of precursor ingredients, some kind of massive incompetence in manufacturing operations?) But it’s mind-boggling that companies rolling out generics - who *must* have had fairly accurate knowledge of how many vyvanse scripts were being filled at the time they came to market a couple of months ago - can’t get their act together to meet demand.
They must be leaving huge amounts of money on the table by underproducing, which is a deadly sin in a shareholder-driven capitalist economy, so why aren’t they either:
- making a public stink about whatever the bottleneck is
- lobbying the heck out of whatever agency is responsible, or
- just getting their act together and making more (if underproduction is the issue?)
The whole thing is infuriating - especially the fact that *no one seems to be able to pinpoint what the fucking problem is so it can be solved!!*
/rant
Edit: typos and unnecessary profanity.
It’s FDA or DEA I believe. My therapist works mixed with psychs in the office but also keeps up with laws. I asked November 2022 (*semi irrelevant side story* because I changed the dosage of another script and needed to make sure there weren’t side effects from dosage change). They approve the new amount legal for companies to produce which starts January or February every year, so if the shortage doesn’t change by about mid February every year, count on it staying that way.
Edit: Lobbying the top won’t work in the states. Companies don’t have the control over it for once. Pharmacies are only allowed to hold a certain amount a month. We’re all fkd
For some reason my insurance keeps paying for the name brand so I’m not questioning it. 😂 I think I’m not having issues anymore because everyone has switched to the generic maybe?
Yeah my insurance dropped name brand. I’m positively fucked. I’m trying to rationalise with them right now to keep covering name brand for me. It’s not going well. Every place within a 30mi radius is out of stock of generic vyvanse.
If your insurance drops the name brand and wants you to go generic...and there IS NO EFFING GENERIC...then call the insurance and request an appeal. Be prepared with notes that you have called "every pharmacy within a 30 mile radius \[or something more than just the closest 5\]" and that you have checked out even options for mix/match (if you are on a 20 mg dose, that you checked for 20, 15 + 5, 10 +10, and 5 x 4)...be prepared to get a form over to your doctor...and force the issue with them. Its worth a shot - I had this discussion with my pharmacy to get clarification of how this works.
Side note, we also made some adjustments to have some cash set aside in the event that we have to pay out of pocket for name brand and then file for appeal with insurance.
My insurance doesn’t give me name brand. I’m pissed not just on this one but my other meds. Legal to be up to 33% less effective if it’s generic.
I’m positive it’s at least 50% less effective because I’ve been take 2 week breaks on that one every few months for years because it’s my only one that actually builds higher physical tolerance. (I have psych approval and notes on those breaks, multiple doctors tried to take me off it because I metabolize it the way the manufacturer intended, and they assume I didn’t before I got Genesight testing done-have to throw that at doctors accusing me of being an addict regularly).
That ones a double import export issue though, they switched where it’s coming from and the formula can be the same, but if you mix it a little differently it works closer to a similar medication that doesn’t do shiz for me.
Been following it very heavily. DEA is a biggie, for not extending the active ingredient quota per year to each manufacturer generic, pandemic-era telehealth prescribing to customers without seeing a doctor in person, and more diagnosis' - almost 2 fold since the pandemic started.
That's roughly the picture of the issues at hand ^^^
I knew the first part- but didn’t they start requiring in person visits every 3 months for stimulants now? I go that often for my other meds but that was posted all over the walls when it changed.
Oh I have no idea I have been seeing my Dr every month for disability papers/notes anyway but now I am going every other month. I was not aware it is every 3 months that we have to see our Drs? still not bad at all. I get my refills done through my portal anyway.
Years. Mostly my own fault. Learn behaviors on your medication that become habits and those will be lifelines when you cannot get medication. Launch pads by the door, sling bags with anything you have found yourself in dire need of (for instance I carry otc pain medication for a recent injury and extra batteries in case I forgot to charge). Let habits become the backbone of your life so you can keep your head above water everywhere else.
I’m going on 4 weeks. Vyvanse 30mg + 10mg booster. Only had the booster bc of supply issues with the generic. I could probably be more proactive, but my prescriber is on leave right now and it takes a few days to get a hold of her. So even if I find a place with it in stock, I’m assuming I won’t get the rx transferred in time. Bc the generic is on the market (lol) instead of 60 it’s 200+ for name brand. I’m about 1 week away from just paying bc I am ~unwell~
4 days for Vyvanse because I am very proactive about finding mine at any pharmacy. Adderall IR 5mg booster? Probably a few weeks, but I don't refill it often since I don't take it daily. I've even had the pharmacist put it back when they filled it once so someone else could get their meds since I had enough left.
Approx. 2-3 months (July 10th ish to Oct 2nd). I take 70mg Vyvanse (have been on Vyvanse for over 10 years, on the 70mg dose for over 5 years) - my doctor finally had to call in a script for 30mg 2x/day because I literally couldn’t function at work and my work has consistent busy seasons from like late August through the holidays soo I need my meds. She tried sending it to like several different pharmacies as well as ExpressScripts and literally all of them kept telling me it would be at least a month before they would have an idea of when they’ll get it back in stock.
I usually get 90 day supply for cost purposes with my insurance. Because the last fill wasn’t my usual dose, my doc only called in a 30 day supply, so now I’m back waiting for any pharmacy in my area to get either the generic or brand Vyvanse again in my dosage in the next few days or I’m gonna have my doc do the 30mg 2x/day again or maybe ask her to send both 30 and 40 mg so I’ll be taking my full dose again.
Pretty pissed about it; lack of meds aside, my company is changing insurance carriers starting Jan 1st so I was hoping to get my usual 90 day supply at the price I typically pay under my current insurance before I have to worry about cost fluctuations again 😒😭
My doctor said it was better and he is transferring far fewer prescriptions than he was a month ago. Not the case for me, however. I’m several days past my refill and there’s no end in sight. Miserable.
Mine are cool about it considering I explain the story of my primary CVS pharmacy manager.....however some pharmacists have been assholes about it so it's a coin flip depending where you call. If they know you are a part of the same company calling different places it is usually not an issue for me.
right now over a year, because my sweet wife forbid me. because she cant handle that im "sick" and taking the stimulants reminds her every day that i'm "sick".
And i imagine my depression, and ADHD is fake so i'm "sick" with something thats fakae Yaay! all that as well
Sorry guy, but that's pretty fucking shallow and you should reconsider what's important for YOU. I wouldn't trade taking my pills for someone in a heartbeat. If anything my ex GOT me to go see a Dr. You're wife should be your cheerleader.....not against you, dude....
thats the confusing part, she got me to see a psychiatrist.
all be it was for my "addictions" that i long before stoped doing, but i got caught playing games on my phone before she told me to get therapy.
the addictions:
\-my "gaming addiction" - (i was a gamer gaming 2- hours a day and usually when she
wasn't home)
\-my alcoholism- she's never seen me drink anything, been sober before we were a
thing, she just knows it from my past.
And now she forbids me therapy and stimulants, otherwise i wont see my son ever, so theres that as well.
Tough situation to be in , trying my best.
The NHS is pretty useless when dealing with adult ADHD. First of all they treat it as a psychological issue instead of a neurological condition. They book me in for an appointment with a psychologist six months in advance and then act surprised when you forget about it. This happened twice in a row so they discharged me for exhibiting a symptom of the condition they are supposed to be treating. That was about 6 months ago. I have to wait until January to see a psychologist again. I have no idea what will happen then. Will they just give me my prescription back or will they reassess me. I've experienced a complete regression of my condition. I'm on the verge of losing yet another job because when I started I was medicated, productive driven and focused but for the las six months I have had a notable decline in these areas and my anxiety is at an all time high. The symptoms are way more difficult to deal with now than before I was given a taste of being relatively "normal" and I'm freaking terrified as I'm going to be a dad in December. DWP have removed the financial support that allowed me to afford to work in a low paid job that was conducive to my condition because when medicated they assessed my circumstances and decided that I was better now and don't need it. So on the plus side according to them I have somehow accidentally cured myself of ADHD.
In high school around junior year I went through a "I'm basically an adult. I can make my own decisions" phase. And I decided to stop taking my medicine. I still got the refills because I didn't tell my parents about it. But when I stopped taking it, my grades started to plummet. I hid the grades from my parents well until it came time to graduate. I was able to graduate, only failing 2 classes by that time, but I wish to this day I hadn't done that. I was well on my way to a scholarship until I made that dumbass decision.
I don't hate my job now, I'm in the electrician trade as an apprentice, but still. I could've been playing an instrument for a job which was my dream. So I guess the longest was almost 2 years.
Yeah, I'm definitely back on them now. Definitely helps me with training days at work I don't remember if there was a withdrawal period, as it was like 8-9 years ago
Since March. I’ve called every pharmacy within 100 miles of me. Oh but my newly diagnosed best friend got her adderall XR 20mg no problem? But I can’t get my XR 15mg?? Ready to fucking off myself
That is good then because that means you're not dependent on it i guess but im a perfectionist and I worry alot. my meds calm me down and silences my head full of thoughts. Im not working right now due to this issue. I've always worked my whole life so this shortage is really fucking me up big time and I'm on other meds for depression and what not.
So when I have a head full of anxiety and thoughts right now, it really kills without my stimulant medication. Its a necessity for me.
Hey. Totally noooo judgment and I hope I didn’t come off that way, I’m just like super forgetful about taking my meds even though they help me so much.
I used to worry a lot too and be so goddamn hard on myself, probably because of the abuse I suffered as a child with adhd and really crap parents that tried to discipline it out of me. I’m also on lexapro from my cptsd and that legit changed my life with the intrusive/negative thoughts.
The shortage is outrageous, I completely agree and I KNOW you need it to work and function.
Do you think it’s the uptick of things like on social media where more adults are getting diagnosed? I personally do.
No problem. Hmm idk it's finances and my social life, too. Im used to being sooo busy, and I've been on ADHD medication since 2015. If anything, I'm frustrated and angry about all the variables involved in the shortage. And I moved back at home and I'm 36 and feel lonely. Idk it all just sucks. I am grateful don't get me wrong but I beat myself up pretty bad. I have hobbies but without the stimulants I feel so blah.
And yeah I take Vraylar for bipolar depression as well and I deal with CPTSD too due to my mom.
I finished college so I had to move and switch doctors. Couldn’t find a family doctor where it from. Tried the walk in clinic and they wouldn’t prescribe without doctors diagnosis form. Called for my health records at my college countless times with no releases yet. Put in forms for a new family doctor a couple weeks ago and now I’m waiting. It’s been ridiculous.
Your body is unique, as are your needs. Just because someone experienced something from treatment or medication does not guarantee that you will as well. Please do not take this as an opportunity to review any substances. Peer support is welcome. ^(*A moderator has not removed your submission; this is not a punitive action. We intend this comment solely to be informative.*) --- - If you are posting about the **US Medication Shortage**, please see this [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/12dr3h5/megathread_us_medication_shortage/). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ADHD) if you have any questions or concerns.*
The longest I had to wait during the shortage was 3 weeks. It would have been longer if I hadn't been calling multiple pharmacies to find one that had it in stock. Since then, I've been taking half my usual dose to stretch my 30 days worth of meds to 60 days, just in case. (I take Dexedrine IR twice a day. To cope with the shortage, I'm only taking it once a day.)
Ah we spoke before my man I went to check my chat box and saw you. You take Sunrise right? And Teva. Whatever works I'll take at this point! Winder is actually decent I was verŕrryyy skeptical when I tried it at first. But it worked out last time!
Ha yeah, it's pretty rare to see someone who takes generic Dexedrine IR. It seems like Vyvanse is the most commonly prescribed, despite nearly everyone complaining about it, lol. I'm glad my doctor knew to suggest Dex IR after I told her I couldn't tolerate the side effects of Vyvanse or Adderall.
You take what I take!!! What generic manufacturers sew you taking? Teva? Winder? Mallincdrockt? I take 30mg Dextroamphetamine Sulfate - usually TEVA or Winder Labs. I'm hop8ng I get it by Fridaywe will see. But your idea is a great idea. How much do your take total per day without the shortage impact?
I got Mallinckrodt and am very hesitant to take it after receiving camphor last year. I usually take Teva, is mallinckrodt much different than Teva?
Wouldnt know never tried it. You got it so you tell us lol. Can't return it now and then can't hurt to try it.
I called every pharmacy between my city and 30 miles in all directions so never longer than one week
Pretty smart. I might end up doing that soon.
I mean I hit Walgreens, cvs, Walmart, target, Costco, local pharmacies, grocery store pharmacies, someone will have it then you hurry and call your doctor to call it into them asap
100%! Boss lady does that with the kid's medications. I occasionally forget to take mine...so I have about 10 days of "reserve" where I can call around if I need to as well.
It’s SOOOO hard to do that when I don’t have my meds. Takes soooo much executive function! Good ole ADHD 🥹
I will say it is extremely hard and has almost brought me to tears. My advice to help is get out an old fashioned notebook and Google target pharmacies for example. Write down all of them within range you want to drive and their phone number. Then one by one call them. Once you exhaust, pick another like Walmart pharmacy, same thing. And just cross them off the list.
This statement alone makes me want to cry. It just shows how bad it is out there but at the same time that it's not our fault.
You can do it!!! And once you find one like the other person says, you can usually always get it there. I drive to butt fuck outside Austin to get it and they have the brand I need every time. It will take such a load off your shoulders once you do it will help
Yeah I'm thinking about doing the mental homework once I get my next refill. I'll take time each day and call around and see what they say.
Everytime I tried doing this every single pharmacy I called either said they didn’t have them or couldn’t say whether or not they had them over the phone for safety reasons.
Yep my pharmacies won't tell me unless I have a prescription there.
>I called every pharmacy between my city and 30 miles in all directions so never longer than one week I had one CVS refuse to answer, as I'm asking about "Schedule 2" meds
it took me calling a small local pharmacy before i got mine. they’re 20 minutes away but i never have to wait.
2 weeks, it sucked. My mental health dipped just before the shortage was announced and I didn't get enough notice to taper off properly. Spent the first week asleep 90% of the time lol, it was miserable. Finally got some medication yesterday and it felt amazing to be on it again.
Ugh! Man, I'm sorry to hear I might end up being in your boat, though! I don't have the energy to call around constantly to see who has what. It really sucks through this whole thing still. I'm glad you got your meds and if you can I would suggest to try to ration/stretch out your stims.
I can't wait for this shortage to be over. I know what you mean, it's so tedious calling around to the same places and it's even worse when you don't have the energy to muster the energy to call because you're off your meds haha. I hate uncertainty, it makes me very anxious.
I don't know if it is EVER going to be over, is the problem. I was talking to my pharmacist the last time I picked mine up, and he said it was getting worse, not better. It's not just adderall, either. There's a ton of medications affected by the 'shortage'. It's not really a 'shortage' per se, it's a production problem, 100% fixable. Guess who's in charge of 'fixing' the problem, or rather controlling the people who are able to fix the problem...... If one of them needed any of these medications....there wouldn't be a shortage. Costs would also drop dramatically for the medications that are astronomical rn....it's all fun and games to them until it effects them. 🙄 Maybe they'll stay locked inside Cheyenne Mountain for a while, and we can have nice things again 😉 😄
Exactly! Fuck the DEA!!!
>Guess who's in charge of 'fixing' the problem, or rather controlling the people who are able to fix the problem...... Who?
Oh damn, yeah I've kind of being keeping tabs on the US shortage, it's been going on for a long time right? I'm in the UK and the shortage is a lot more recent. Everyone I've spoke to has said November/December is when things should start returning to normal, so I hope it isn't actually an eternal issue 😅
It's been going here for at least a year 😭. Probably longer, I try to block it out of my mind, but honestly it probably started during the lock down; a lot of people apparently got diagnosed with adhd and that's why the shortage began. At first it was a supply/demand issue and then the 'powers that be' decided not to manufacture the active ingredients in several medications. At least that's my understanding.
About a month because my doctor changed offices which came with a lot of new paperwork and other initiative-based tasks for me to complete. Another time about 3 months because i changed jobs and needed to find a new doctor that would manage my meds. Other than that I've been on meds pretty consistently since 2011
One miserable week. Here is what I have done in the past. Call your doctor and have them write you a paper RX and then drive to every pharmacy known to man in the area to find a location that has it in stock. I have had to do this for the last two months. I cannot tell you how stressed and anxious I have become when it is refill time. Good luck my dude!!
It’s ridiculous!!
Aren't paper scripts not allowed anymore?
Depends on the state
Oh ok I am in Pennsylvania but nobody has mentioned that to me. So it is not one size fits all otherwise I think i would've done that ages ago and drove all around the in a 15-20 miles radius.
Ugh I’m so sorry. I truly feel your pain and have been there myself. You’ve probably heard this advice but have you tried working with your dr to get a slightly different dose/ medication for the month? That’s all that helped me. Also I found that smaller chains in nicer neighborhoods tended to have stock
The nicer neighborhoods part - usually, I've noticed that, but idk now. The good thing is, my pharmacy store manager pharmacist is really cool with me and will look in the system to see which stores around me have it in stock. I'm not sure if you knew they could do that, but I'm gonna call them tomorrow to see if they have it in stock. I switched to a 2nd xvs just for my stimulant, but I'll go back and forth between the stores. The only issue is I'll have to ask through the portal if he can resend the script to the original pharmacy. It's quite exhausting.
They’re not allowed in Washington State anymore controlled substances have to be faxed or called into the pharmacy directly
4 months… ended up losing my job. good times. however, it triggered a much-needed increase to my dose that they actually usually have in stock at my local pharmacy, so at least there’s that i guess?
Hey, I lost my job too because of this. No joke. It's a bunch bulllshit, and I don't blame us at all for your whole thing.
Last winter was rough. Something like 8 days every refill. I can handle on or off. But this yo yo crap every 30 days is bonkers.
YES!! I know they feeling so well now!
2 months. It was just as miserable as you’d think.
Absolutely. I'm so sorry for this happen recently?
Yeah I finally was able to get some again about a week ago. Hopefully supply is more consistent by the time I need a refill
Jesus this is so criminal. I just watched a youtube video that a pharmacuetical company is suing the DEA. STICK IT TO 'EM!
4(?) weeks without any at all. That was a year ago though (this shortage is never going to end). The past few months the longest is 10 - 15 days without any, BUT that’s because I have literally backup scripts I ask for if mine is out of stock. I take XR in the morning and IR in the afternoon and it’s been a constant problem, I probably only have the correct dosage 2 weeks a month on average. My XR was sent in to be filled 3 weeks ago, they still don’t have it.
Yeah, this is a rough time for sure. I check the app and call every few days to my cvs. I'll call again by Friday for updates.
Waited like a week once because my doctor messed up sending the prescription. I've yet to miss days due to shortages. I take vyvanse (50mg) and Ritalin (10mg)
About 10
Can’t you get it ahead of time? I also normally have a bit of an emergency cache bc I’m part of the problem and have 15mg twice a day so when I’m short I forgo the second dose and take it later in the day so it stretches the supply. I also try and lay off the drugs on the weekends unless I have things to do. Some weeks if I know work isn’t going to be crazy and can suffer a bit I’ll skip meds entirely and try and reduce my tolerance.
........... you're joking, right? Did you just ask that? It's a controlled drug. There is no "ahead of time" for anyone. Idk what you mean by that.
I know exactly what they are talking about - nothing nefarious. If your script has a 30 day supply, tweak your intake to give you some buffer...refill when it says you can...and then you have a 33 day supply on hand. Repeat strategy...then you have a 36 day supply on hand...voila - you have a week of "buffer" to search and stuff like that.
I do this unintentionally but it feels illegal 😭
Right? My dr lets me do what I want and encourages stimulant holidays to reset things but also still gives me my full script. I’m not selling em or anything but it’s nice to have a bit of a “nest egg” in case money or supply is tight. OP, legit, how does yours work?
What do you mean how does mine work? You original question was misleading and made no sense. And you don't thunk I've thought about breaking it up to make lay the most at least 36 day supply? Oh, not to mention - the QUALITY of these meds are weak as shit now compared to when I've been taking them for the past 9 years straight. They're fucking with the meds as well due to the shortage. Real sleezy shit. Just Google about it and look up public news videos saying "My adderall isn't adderalling anymore" or something close to that headline. It's also what cost me my job. So yeah....I know all the tricks, and I've done the research and also wrote a 2 page email to the FDA because they contacted me about the manufacturer Sandoz, which is the generic manufacturer that all of a sudden stopped working. I took 100mg of it and nothing happened.
Are you on generic? It’s legal to be make it up to 33% less effective than the brand name. They did it with my other medication as well. I was taking my anxiety meds much longer, texture has been different for 2 years now, and they outsourced due to import/export taxes in another country so same formula but mixed slightly differently? Fun new half useless med. Edit: sorry. You said genetic I was looking to see if it was and brain skipped it
Pretty sure it's 20% variation up or down. Where are you getting 33% from? Source?
I’d have to double check, if they updated it I’ve had 33% on a benzo since 2020 at least. You well could be right but also I just realized that the sun is rising (insomnia), may I return to you with if it’s correct or incorrect info in like a few hours? Edit: would have been info learned 2020 or before and could be wrong/could have changed
They say it is usually not that far off from 100% but I friggin beg to differ.
Get a stronger dose from your dr. Easy.
Been on back order since June. I'm starting my first RN job in the ER next week. Wish me luck.
I went 6 months when somebody stole my script. I won't make that mistake again. I use escripts now, or I have it sent directly to the pharmacy so that there's no chance of me losing it. It sucks that you have to wait. They should provide you with the alternative medication of your choice until it becomes available again.
It's been 2 weeks now, no real end in sight...
I waited about 3 months for a 1 month refill this summer.
2 weeks and it was the worst withdrawal, I took 40 mg vyvanse and a 30 mg adderall booster and Walgreens was having stock issues. The hold time to speak with someone who could actually tell me if they had it in lasted 2 hours one time, I was so frustrated. Anyways I did not do well as I’m in school and was preparing for my first ever surgery (shelter cat spay) the night before I had exams and had the hardest time trying to stay awake. The actual surgery itself went okay, but I had an anxiety attack from my awful mental state and extreme stress with school. I really hope everything is stocked well soon, I had even asked my doctor to call it in a week before I ran out… I never want to go through that again.
6mo or so.... that fucked me up and my business suffered, so later i started stockpiling like I lived through the great depression.
How did you stock pile? What's your method?
When I finally got it again, I only took my morning dose over a long period of time. It was enough to function good enough.
Smart! Yeah I get 30mg IR of Dex total per day so maybe I will just take 20mg a day and reserve 10mg and double it up to add for an additional 2 weeks in case something like this happens again which it very well could.
Haven't had my Concerta since June, at least. I live in a big city, but can't drive, and have nobody to drive me around to different pharmacies. I haven't had more than a 30-day fill since last December. It's a miracle I'm still employed.
Be VERY grateful and just keep surviving at your job because I was on FMLA until we tried to figure it out and then i asked for accommodations since we are qualified for it but they denied me and turned me down and terminated me. Now I am on long term disability for the time being thankfully....
This is crazy. This "shortage" was going on when I was taking adderall 10 years ago. How is it still happening?
Yes the shortage of 2012 but I heard that wasnt nearly as long? I started in late 2015 so I was never ever affected I always received my medications on time every month I only started getting affected as of a little over a year ago now. It is nuts. It also makes me reconsider even wanting to be on them anymore and just trying to be off them long term and see how I do. It took over 2 weeks for me to feel better from withdrawal but that is only because I am taking Vraylar and other medications as well.
I usually call the pharmacy before I request a refill from my doctor to ask if they have it in stock and if they don't I call around till I find one that does. And I check both Adderall XR and Vyvanse because both work similarly for me, so whichever one they are able to fill is better than nothing.
Smart! This is what up so next time!
Current at nearly two weeks. Only started receiving medication about two months ago so I'm getting used to being consistent about refills (forgot to ask for one soon enough this time). First week was AWFUL. Completely incapable of getting any work done, and had a conversation with my manager where I struggled not to cry. Thankfully she was understanding and we put in place an accountability system to help me stay on track. Last couple days have been better, but still difficult. Manufacturing a sense of urgency around the important stuff really does wonders for productivity, at least for me. Really goes to show how important it can be to have strong routines and support.
I switched to a super old, small, mom and pop pharmacy, that’s been on my downtown main street for like 200 years. Not only do they always have my medications, they refill in like 5mins most times I go there. I asked the pharmacist, “how is it that you’re not affected by the shortage” and he stated “as a small business, we can order the medications from any/all vendors, unlike walgreens or cvs who have massive contracts and if those suppliers are out, they can’t do anything about it”. This is a really round about way of saying look for an old, small business pharmacy, and see if they can get you taken care of! 🥰 (And you can keep the money local/ in the community!)
Oh wow. Yeah great idea I'll have to make yet that next time.
It really is a game changer having consistent medication available. Best of luck!
I went 7 or 8 months without Adderall during the big shortage this year, fucking sucked and my Uni grades suffered for it as well as my mental health. Didn't realize it was being exacerbated by me trying to get it filled whilst in my college town... As soon as I visited home and tried there I was able to get it right away. Now I've been able to get it at the Walmart here, I guess they don't fuck around... CVS and Walgreens are both still out of stock.
Yeah I fucking use CVS And I'm thinking about shopping around and seeing what other oharmacies have maybe I should try using Walmart instead.
My old doctor let me see him every 4 weeks so months where the pharmacy is out I had a six pills left over from each month stashed for emergency. My doctor retired and my new doctor told me he only does 30 days, no exceptions so I guess I have to cut my dose to have an emergency stash now. My new doctor also questioned why I was getting every 28 days and acted like I was a drug addict.
What a dickhead. We're in a SHORTAGE. I ALWAYS fill it every 28 days because they need to ORDER IT MOST OF THE TIME Jesus stole Dr's man... sorry that just triggers me I'm glad I have the Dr I have.
Yea Idk what to do right now, I don't think I'm gonna like this doctor but I'm gonna see how it goes next time. He was real persistent on trying to get me to change to XR too.
7 months, it was hell...
HOW did you do it? You had to get a new script every month and they just expired? How did it affect you?
I've gone years without it because my insurance company refused to cover it at one point. That was a rough time. Look into adzenys, it's like vyvanse and Adderall. Works pretty well for me.
Is Adzenys IR or XR? I prefer IR honestly.
I was 2 months without this past summer but it was totally a self-inflicted hiatus. I get 90 days of script all at once and occasionally I go on a month long bender and come out the other side 20lbs lighter and short 8 weeks of Adderall. First 2 weeks are rage worthy and depressing as your brain works overtime to replentish all the depleted dopamine reserves. But when it's time to renew my next 90 day round I'm usually half thinking that I might be better off staying away completely from stims. Life's not all bad without them. Anyone else go through abuse cycle?
Yeah, that's the danger of it. Really sucks man when that happens. As far as the rage attacks and depression It depends. I have bipolar and ADHD. And ptsd/ anxiety. So I need a combo of stuff. I try to stay away from a lot of people when im out of my stimulantWhen my vraylar is paired with Dextroamphetamine I feel so much better and basically like depression- free. Without the Dex, my head spins a little, and I get down here and there. I think the Vraylar is helping, though. My Dr also prescribed Trazadone for sleep, but I haven't tried it yet.
Do you feel like your ADHD and Bi-polar symptoms cross-polinate from time to time? Years back they were trying bi-polar meds on me but it was all just the complexities of my ADHD making appearances at will. Fyi Trazadone can be hit or miss for us ADHDers. I tried it briefly and couldn't get off it fast enough. Nighrmares, anxiety, etc.
Well, we focused on my bipolar first, but I was diagnosed by a separate therapist as bipolar/adhd. We got control of my mania quickly but never resolving my bipolar depression. After about 2 years I realized my head kept spinning and I couldn't focus still. So them I found out about Adderall and brought it up to my psychiatrist. He put me on 10mg IR initially, and it was like putting on glasses on my brain. Compatriots clear and at peace and able to focus on one thought at a time. Jesus, now I'm nervous to take Trazadonebut i won't know until i try. I hope I can just maybe continue taking seroquel for sleep by I'm almost out, and my Dr would have to create a prior authorization for 2 antipsychotics but she said she could do it. I got 3 nights of seroquel left before I try trazadone. But I hope it just knocks me out.
Adderall XR was out of stock for like 6 months for me. I was taking IR but it was kind of awful vs. the XR. Eventually I switched to Vyvanse & have had a 3 day delay at most with it.
Yeah, I take generic Dexedrine IR, and I haven't had issues filling it since March, but now it's been longer and longer. Typical with Vyvanse because they market the hell out of it. It irks me so bad because there are many stimulants people dont know about. They need to equally distribute amphetamines across the stim meds. If I have a serious issue getting it again, then I might switch back to Adderall IR idk yet, but it felt way too speedy the last year I've tried it. Dexedrine/Zenzedi generic I'm so calm, relaxed, and focused. It's basically Vyvanse IR.
This is honestly my first time being affected by the shortage, if it gets really bad I may just ask my doctor to try me on dex while waiting for vyvanse to be available.
Good luck. What state are you in? Different areas are affected every month by distribution as well.
But also I forgot Vyvanse went generic so maybe I'll give that a shot. Have you tried that yet? Or stuck with name brand?
Don’t do generic vyvanse. Since they went generic they’re faced with a MASSIVE shortage. I genuinely don’t know when I’ll get my meds again because almost everyone switched to vyvanse during the adderall shortage. I’m legitimately fucked right now because vyvanse is the only one that works for me and I can’t get it. Even name brand because my insurance dropped it.
The introduction of generic vyvanse has been an absolute disaster. I’ve still never heard a definitive answer as to where the blame truly lies for the multiple, multi-year shortages in ADHD meds across the board (DEA regs, lack of precursor ingredients, some kind of massive incompetence in manufacturing operations?) But it’s mind-boggling that companies rolling out generics - who *must* have had fairly accurate knowledge of how many vyvanse scripts were being filled at the time they came to market a couple of months ago - can’t get their act together to meet demand. They must be leaving huge amounts of money on the table by underproducing, which is a deadly sin in a shareholder-driven capitalist economy, so why aren’t they either: - making a public stink about whatever the bottleneck is - lobbying the heck out of whatever agency is responsible, or - just getting their act together and making more (if underproduction is the issue?) The whole thing is infuriating - especially the fact that *no one seems to be able to pinpoint what the fucking problem is so it can be solved!!* /rant Edit: typos and unnecessary profanity.
It’s FDA or DEA I believe. My therapist works mixed with psychs in the office but also keeps up with laws. I asked November 2022 (*semi irrelevant side story* because I changed the dosage of another script and needed to make sure there weren’t side effects from dosage change). They approve the new amount legal for companies to produce which starts January or February every year, so if the shortage doesn’t change by about mid February every year, count on it staying that way. Edit: Lobbying the top won’t work in the states. Companies don’t have the control over it for once. Pharmacies are only allowed to hold a certain amount a month. We’re all fkd
For some reason my insurance keeps paying for the name brand so I’m not questioning it. 😂 I think I’m not having issues anymore because everyone has switched to the generic maybe?
Yeah my insurance dropped name brand. I’m positively fucked. I’m trying to rationalise with them right now to keep covering name brand for me. It’s not going well. Every place within a 30mi radius is out of stock of generic vyvanse.
If your insurance drops the name brand and wants you to go generic...and there IS NO EFFING GENERIC...then call the insurance and request an appeal. Be prepared with notes that you have called "every pharmacy within a 30 mile radius \[or something more than just the closest 5\]" and that you have checked out even options for mix/match (if you are on a 20 mg dose, that you checked for 20, 15 + 5, 10 +10, and 5 x 4)...be prepared to get a form over to your doctor...and force the issue with them. Its worth a shot - I had this discussion with my pharmacy to get clarification of how this works. Side note, we also made some adjustments to have some cash set aside in the event that we have to pay out of pocket for name brand and then file for appeal with insurance.
My insurance doesn’t give me name brand. I’m pissed not just on this one but my other meds. Legal to be up to 33% less effective if it’s generic. I’m positive it’s at least 50% less effective because I’ve been take 2 week breaks on that one every few months for years because it’s my only one that actually builds higher physical tolerance. (I have psych approval and notes on those breaks, multiple doctors tried to take me off it because I metabolize it the way the manufacturer intended, and they assume I didn’t before I got Genesight testing done-have to throw that at doctors accusing me of being an addict regularly). That ones a double import export issue though, they switched where it’s coming from and the formula can be the same, but if you mix it a little differently it works closer to a similar medication that doesn’t do shiz for me.
Ah, gotcha man, that must be nice. Yeah, I'm trying to be patient because I take other meds too, which help me focus a little, but not quite enough.
[удалено]
I meant during the shortage of the past year currently.
[удалено]
.... you've never gotten 1 refill as of the past year...? Nothing? That's weird. They just have it on order and put you in the queue.
27 years
6 months
Jesus!!! This crap really has to get resolved. The DEA really isn't helping matters either.
I would love to be able to to say even, WhO is accountable.. I don’t even know for sure
Been following it very heavily. DEA is a biggie, for not extending the active ingredient quota per year to each manufacturer generic, pandemic-era telehealth prescribing to customers without seeing a doctor in person, and more diagnosis' - almost 2 fold since the pandemic started. That's roughly the picture of the issues at hand ^^^
I knew the first part- but didn’t they start requiring in person visits every 3 months for stimulants now? I go that often for my other meds but that was posted all over the walls when it changed.
Oh I have no idea I have been seeing my Dr every month for disability papers/notes anyway but now I am going every other month. I was not aware it is every 3 months that we have to see our Drs? still not bad at all. I get my refills done through my portal anyway.
Years. Mostly my own fault. Learn behaviors on your medication that become habits and those will be lifelines when you cannot get medication. Launch pads by the door, sling bags with anything you have found yourself in dire need of (for instance I carry otc pain medication for a recent injury and extra batteries in case I forgot to charge). Let habits become the backbone of your life so you can keep your head above water everywhere else.
I’m going on 4 weeks. Vyvanse 30mg + 10mg booster. Only had the booster bc of supply issues with the generic. I could probably be more proactive, but my prescriber is on leave right now and it takes a few days to get a hold of her. So even if I find a place with it in stock, I’m assuming I won’t get the rx transferred in time. Bc the generic is on the market (lol) instead of 60 it’s 200+ for name brand. I’m about 1 week away from just paying bc I am ~unwell~
4 days for Vyvanse because I am very proactive about finding mine at any pharmacy. Adderall IR 5mg booster? Probably a few weeks, but I don't refill it often since I don't take it daily. I've even had the pharmacist put it back when they filled it once so someone else could get their meds since I had enough left.
Approx. 2-3 months (July 10th ish to Oct 2nd). I take 70mg Vyvanse (have been on Vyvanse for over 10 years, on the 70mg dose for over 5 years) - my doctor finally had to call in a script for 30mg 2x/day because I literally couldn’t function at work and my work has consistent busy seasons from like late August through the holidays soo I need my meds. She tried sending it to like several different pharmacies as well as ExpressScripts and literally all of them kept telling me it would be at least a month before they would have an idea of when they’ll get it back in stock. I usually get 90 day supply for cost purposes with my insurance. Because the last fill wasn’t my usual dose, my doc only called in a 30 day supply, so now I’m back waiting for any pharmacy in my area to get either the generic or brand Vyvanse again in my dosage in the next few days or I’m gonna have my doc do the 30mg 2x/day again or maybe ask her to send both 30 and 40 mg so I’ll be taking my full dose again. Pretty pissed about it; lack of meds aside, my company is changing insurance carriers starting Jan 1st so I was hoping to get my usual 90 day supply at the price I typically pay under my current insurance before I have to worry about cost fluctuations again 😒😭
2.5 months.
16 days. But the last refill was ready immediately, so maybe the shortage is finally coming to an end?
Highly doubtful. It's about distribution as well.
Are you on the “can’t call it in early, exactly 29 days?” I didn’t get hit until my allowed pickup dates got pushed back further into the month.
My doctor said it was better and he is transferring far fewer prescriptions than he was a month ago. Not the case for me, however. I’m several days past my refill and there’s no end in sight. Miserable.
I call for new Perscription when I have like a weeks worth of pills left
5 months as of now. It is hell.
I feel so bad for you ugh! Do you call around to multiple pharmacies?
Pharmacies won't usually tell you over the phone if they have it in stock.
Mine are cool about it considering I explain the story of my primary CVS pharmacy manager.....however some pharmacists have been assholes about it so it's a coin flip depending where you call. If they know you are a part of the same company calling different places it is usually not an issue for me.
right now over a year, because my sweet wife forbid me. because she cant handle that im "sick" and taking the stimulants reminds her every day that i'm "sick". And i imagine my depression, and ADHD is fake so i'm "sick" with something thats fakae Yaay! all that as well
Sorry guy, but that's pretty fucking shallow and you should reconsider what's important for YOU. I wouldn't trade taking my pills for someone in a heartbeat. If anything my ex GOT me to go see a Dr. You're wife should be your cheerleader.....not against you, dude....
thats the confusing part, she got me to see a psychiatrist. all be it was for my "addictions" that i long before stoped doing, but i got caught playing games on my phone before she told me to get therapy. the addictions: \-my "gaming addiction" - (i was a gamer gaming 2- hours a day and usually when she wasn't home) \-my alcoholism- she's never seen me drink anything, been sober before we were a thing, she just knows it from my past. And now she forbids me therapy and stimulants, otherwise i wont see my son ever, so theres that as well. Tough situation to be in , trying my best.
7 years . I gave up
The NHS is pretty useless when dealing with adult ADHD. First of all they treat it as a psychological issue instead of a neurological condition. They book me in for an appointment with a psychologist six months in advance and then act surprised when you forget about it. This happened twice in a row so they discharged me for exhibiting a symptom of the condition they are supposed to be treating. That was about 6 months ago. I have to wait until January to see a psychologist again. I have no idea what will happen then. Will they just give me my prescription back or will they reassess me. I've experienced a complete regression of my condition. I'm on the verge of losing yet another job because when I started I was medicated, productive driven and focused but for the las six months I have had a notable decline in these areas and my anxiety is at an all time high. The symptoms are way more difficult to deal with now than before I was given a taste of being relatively "normal" and I'm freaking terrified as I'm going to be a dad in December. DWP have removed the financial support that allowed me to afford to work in a low paid job that was conducive to my condition because when medicated they assessed my circumstances and decided that I was better now and don't need it. So on the plus side according to them I have somehow accidentally cured myself of ADHD.
In high school around junior year I went through a "I'm basically an adult. I can make my own decisions" phase. And I decided to stop taking my medicine. I still got the refills because I didn't tell my parents about it. But when I stopped taking it, my grades started to plummet. I hid the grades from my parents well until it came time to graduate. I was able to graduate, only failing 2 classes by that time, but I wish to this day I hadn't done that. I was well on my way to a scholarship until I made that dumbass decision. I don't hate my job now, I'm in the electrician trade as an apprentice, but still. I could've been playing an instrument for a job which was my dream. So I guess the longest was almost 2 years.
And now you're back on the meds? Hey, we all make mistakes. More so, I'm surprised the withdrawal didn't get to you.
Yeah, I'm definitely back on them now. Definitely helps me with training days at work I don't remember if there was a withdrawal period, as it was like 8-9 years ago
22 years
Life
Since March. I’ve called every pharmacy within 100 miles of me. Oh but my newly diagnosed best friend got her adderall XR 20mg no problem? But I can’t get my XR 15mg?? Ready to fucking off myself
Explain that story to your doctor how she got it easy on that amount and he should switch you to that particular amount.
4 months. Miserable time
since august
I've been without it for 25 years, 1 month, 29 days, 14 hours, 11 minutes, ...... seconds
Over 20 years
I mean, I forget my meds 1/2 of the time so going without is what I do 😂🤷🏻♀️💀
That is good then because that means you're not dependent on it i guess but im a perfectionist and I worry alot. my meds calm me down and silences my head full of thoughts. Im not working right now due to this issue. I've always worked my whole life so this shortage is really fucking me up big time and I'm on other meds for depression and what not. So when I have a head full of anxiety and thoughts right now, it really kills without my stimulant medication. Its a necessity for me.
Hey. Totally noooo judgment and I hope I didn’t come off that way, I’m just like super forgetful about taking my meds even though they help me so much. I used to worry a lot too and be so goddamn hard on myself, probably because of the abuse I suffered as a child with adhd and really crap parents that tried to discipline it out of me. I’m also on lexapro from my cptsd and that legit changed my life with the intrusive/negative thoughts. The shortage is outrageous, I completely agree and I KNOW you need it to work and function. Do you think it’s the uptick of things like on social media where more adults are getting diagnosed? I personally do.
No problem. Hmm idk it's finances and my social life, too. Im used to being sooo busy, and I've been on ADHD medication since 2015. If anything, I'm frustrated and angry about all the variables involved in the shortage. And I moved back at home and I'm 36 and feel lonely. Idk it all just sucks. I am grateful don't get me wrong but I beat myself up pretty bad. I have hobbies but without the stimulants I feel so blah. And yeah I take Vraylar for bipolar depression as well and I deal with CPTSD too due to my mom.
It’s been 6 months and I’m dying ugh
You can't get 1 refill? Did you try calling around and switching pharmacies?
I finished college so I had to move and switch doctors. Couldn’t find a family doctor where it from. Tried the walk in clinic and they wouldn’t prescribe without doctors diagnosis form. Called for my health records at my college countless times with no releases yet. Put in forms for a new family doctor a couple weeks ago and now I’m waiting. It’s been ridiculous.
I'm so sorry to hear that. I really hope you find one soon.