The important part:
The current shortage of stimulant medications is the result of many factors. It began last fall due
to a manufacturing delay experienced by one drug maker. While this delay has since resolved,
we are continuing to experience its effects in combination with record-high prescription rates of
stimulant medications. Data show that, from 2012 to 2021, overall dispensing of stimulants
(including amphetamine products and other stimulants) increased by 45.5 percent in the United
States. According to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, particularly
during 2020-2021, when virtual prescribing was permitted on a widespread basis during the
COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, the percentages in certain age groups grew by more than
10 percent. We are calling on key stakeholders, including manufacturers, distributors,
pharmacies, and payors, to do all they can to ensure access for patients when a medication is
appropriately prescribed. We want to make sure those who need stimulant medications have
access. However, it is also an appropriate time to take a closer look at how we can best ensure
these drugs are being prescribed thoughtfully and responsibly.
Stimulants are controlled substances with a high potential for abuse, which can lead to addiction
and overdose. Therefore, there are limits (also known as quotas) set by DEA for how much of
these drugs can be produced. However, for amphetamine medications, in 2022, manufacturers
did not produce the full amount that these limits permitted them to make. Based on DEA's
internal analysis of inventory, manufacturing, and sales data submitted by manufacturers of
amphetamine products, manufacturers only sold approximately 70 percent of their allotted quota
for the year, and there were approximately 1 billion more doses that they could have produced
but did not make or ship. Data for 2023 so far show a similar trend.
We (DEA and the FDA) have called on manufacturers to confirm they are working to increase
production to meet their allotted quota amount. If any individual manufacturer does not wish to
increase production, we have asked that manufacturer to relinquish their remaining 2023 quota
allotment. This would allow DEA to redistribute that allotment to manufacturers that will
increase production. DEA is also committed to reviewing and improving our quota process.
Mine for a while has been playing Fall Guys. It's a game that's somewhat challenging to do well at, but there's no stakes, and it's a brightly colored game that's good ad giving you a quick "dopamine" hit without sucking you in. It also lets me look at lemmy a bit between rounds, but makes sure I don't get stuck here, forcing me to put it down when the next round starts.