National Shortages of Stimulant Medications
Nation wide shortages of primarily amphetamine formulations of stimulant medications has been an issue since July 2022. There are multiple factors contributing to shortages. In 2021 due to the opioid crisis a pharmaceutical manufacturer and three pharmaceutical distributors agreed to a $26 billion dollar settlement earmarked for health care and drug treatment programs. Meanwhile pharmacy chains such as CVS and Walmart have agreed to pay more than 10$ billion for their role in the distribution of opioids. Although no one is taking responsibility for their part in the crisis, there is now greater oversight and monitoring by companies, pharmacies, pharmacists and physicians. Opioids are considered Schedule II drugs by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Schedule I drugs have no accepted medical use and high abuse potential such as LSD, heroin, marijuana…