Pediatrics

How did the pandemic, Adderall shortages impact stimulant prescribing patterns for U.S. children?

January 29, 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic initially reduced stimulant dispensing, but rates subsequently increased. The October 2022 shortage of Adderall led to a shift towards alternative stimulants like dexmethylphenidate.

Study details: This study analyzed changes in prescription stimulant dispensing to children ages 5 to 17 years from 2017 to 2023, using the IQVIA Longitudinal Prescription Database, which captures 92% of U.S. prescriptions. The analysis focused on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the shortage of immediate-release mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) announced in October 2022.

Results: Monthly stimulant dispensing rate declined by 18.8% in March 2020, with a decrease of 454.9 children per 100,000 (95% confidence interval [CI], -572.6 to -337.2). After March 2020, the rate increased by 12.7 children per 100,000 per month (95% CI, 6.6-18.8). In October 2022, there wasn’t a significant change in overall stimulant dispensing rates, though a decrease in immediate-release mixed amphetamine salts dispensing was offset by an increase in dexmethylphenidate dispensing.

Source:

He S, et al. (2025, January 27). Pediatrics. Prescription Stimulant Dispensing to US Children: 2017-2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39864457/