A shortage of Adderall, which is used to treat attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder, shows little sign of easing as
manufacturers struggle to get enough active ingredient to make
the drug and demand climbs. Adderall, a stimulant, is a
controlled substance, meaning it is addictive and has the
potential to be abused. The Drug Enforcement Administration
tightly regulates how much of the drug's active pharmaceutical
ingredient (API) can be distributed to manufacturers each year.
The system is designed to prevent the creation of stockpiles
that could be diverted for inappropriate use. Adderall and other
stimulants are popular with students who may not have ADHD but
are seeking to improve their test scores. "I am very concerned
about the future. No one seems to have much inventory to get us
through the months ahead." - Ruth Hughes, chief executive of
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyeractivity Disorder
(CHADD) The DEA authorizes a certain amount of the API in
Adderall - mixed amphetamine salts - to