LD Resources

Back in November, I’d posted about reported shortages of medications for ADHD, and at the time I hadn’t heard enough about it nor had I heard of anyone who’s actually experienced this, so I wasn’t sure what to make of it.

A couple of days ago, The New York Times reported further on these medication shortages. According to the report, these shortages are the result of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA ) being out of synch with the FDA and others involved with the sale and safety aspects of such medications.

The disconnect between the D.E.A. and just about everyone else involved in the sales of the medicines is so profound that they even disagree over whether there are shortages.

“We believe there is plenty of supply,” Special Agent Gary Boggs of the D.E.A.’s office of diversion control said in an interview.

And yet, among others, multiple drug manufacturers announced that their supply of these medicines are scarce. The Food and Drug Administration also lists these drugs as being in short supply.

Officials at the F.D.A. blame the shortages on overly strict quotas set by the D.E.A. — making for a rare open disagreement between two federal agencies.

Shortages, no shortages, essential medications, ripe for being misused on college campuses and elsewhere.  The government agencies need to get their act together.