Adderal pills, 20 mg

Prescription stimulants, such as methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin) and amphetamine compounds (e.g., dextroamphetamine; Adderall), have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These medications are available in short, intermediate, and long-acting (i.e., sustained release) forms.

 

Report on Stimulant Prescription Trends in the United States

A new DEA-commissioned report looks at stimulant prescription trends from 2012-2023. Prescriptions for stimulants have steadily increased since 2012, with women surpassing men in dispensed stimulant prescriptions in 2022. Research shows that 90% of dispensed medications primarily treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Read the report.

Reports (2012-2021)

In response to the growing problems of opioid overdose involving stimulants and reported increases in prescription stimulant use, DEA released two additional reports that assessed trends related to prescription stimulant use in the U.S. from 2012-2021.

IQVIA Report on Stimulant Prescription Trends from 2012–2022 (PDF) (August 2023)

IQVIA Report on Stimulant Prescription Trends from 2012–2021 (PDF) (October 2022)

General Stimulant Information

DEA Fact Sheet on Stimulants (October 2022)