Like most online or mail-order pharmacies, DiRx does not dispense Schedule IIN controlled substances like Adderall. However, our pharmacy team is well-versed in the role and mechanism of action for such stimulants and understands why many parents are worried about the impending Adderall shortage.

Dr. Rima Arora, Director of Pharmacy for DiRx, says our pharmacy team is already receiving calls from individuals looking for advice on how best to support children through the shortage safely. Below are some of the tips our pharmacy team recommends.

1. Rationing

   Talk to your child’s prescriber about spacing out doses to ensure the medication is utilized only on days most needed, such as school days and not on weekends. It is okay to give a ‘holiday’ from some medications and it’s sometimes recommended to avoid reaching a plateau for the current dose.

2. Alternatives

   Discuss possible alternatives with your child’s prescriber in the absence of Adderall. Non-stimulant medications such as Guanfacine, Clonidine and Atomoxetine are more widely available and accessible through online and mail-order pharmacies such as DiRx and are generally a fraction of the cost of retail pharmacies. The prescriber may also recommend other Schedule II/IIN medications available on the market, such as Methylphenidate (Brand name Concerta), Dexmethylphenidate (Brand name Focalin), among the commonly available in generic form.

3. Partial Dosing

   Some pills may be split to supply partial doses and prolong the supply. PLEASE NOTE this is only a safe option for immediate-release formulations. Splitting or opening extended-release pills or capsules is unsafe and could result in uncontrollable dosing variations. If you are unsure which formulation of Adderall your child is taking, please consult with the prescriber or the pharmacy filling your child’s prescription. We hope you find these tips helpful. Always consult your prescriber to ensure you take the safest approach for your child.

We hope you find these tips helpful. Always consult your prescriber to ensure you take the safest approach for your child.

Reviewed by: Rima Arora, PharmD, RPh, DiRx Director of Pharmacy

Definitions

A controlled (scheduled) drug is one whose use and distribution is tightly controlled because of its abuse potential or risk. Controlled drugs are rated in the order of their abuse risk and placed in Schedules by the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The drugs with the highest abuse potential are placed in Schedule I, and those with the lowest abuse potential are in Schedule V. These schedules are commonly shown as C-I, C-II, C-III, C-IV, and C-V. Schedule II—drugs with a high abuse risk, but also have safe and accepted medical uses in the United States. These drugs can cause severe psychological or physical dependence. Schedule II drugs include certain narcotic, stimulant, and depressant drugs.

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