Navigating Regulatory Waters: The Impact of Policy in the Case of Adderall
Abstract
Health Canada has shown an inability to evaluate, monitor, and control the unanticipated events associated with the drug Adderall. This has been due to the intersection of a flawed drug regulatory process and the monetary incentives of pharmaceutical companies that profit from a flawed screening process. The unanticipated issues experienced by many users of Adderall are further complicated by the misdiagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, in cases where the drug is prescribed. This has exacerbated comorbid causations experienced by persons with a previous mental health disorder. Research underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive policy reform to mitigate these systemic failures.
This paper provides two policy recommendations for the TCPS2 focused on bolstering screening practices during clinical trials under the purview of Health Canada. The first involves better monitoring of psychostimulant medications and unanticipated issues, associated with their use, over a larger period of time than is currently required. Second, more thorough testing of psychostimulant medications for persons with a pre-existing mental health disorder would reduce the likelihood of drugs such as Adderall being wrongfully prescribed. These recommendations are grounded in the thorough analysis of Health Canada’s existing drug regulatory landscape that is shaped by the TCPS2.