Online Pharmacies Fueling Rise in Unprescribed ADHD Medication Use, Dutch Inspectorate Warns
The Hague, Netherlands – A surge in online pharmacies illegally selling prescription medications, especially ADHD drugs, is raising serious health concerns in the Netherlands, according to the Healthcare and Youth Inspectorate (IGJ). Reports to the IGJ have nearly doubled this year,with authorities cracking down on dozens of websites offering medications like those for ADHD,sleeping disorders,pain,and steroids without requiring a doctorS prescription.
The increase in readily available, unprescribed medication poses significant risks to consumers, the IGJ warns. “The origin and quality of the medicines is unclear. They may be contaminated or contain too much or too little active substance, with all the consequences that entails.There is also often fraud; people pay, but do not receive anything,” stated the inspectorate. One fake pharmacy has already been reported by the IGJ.
From January to early October 2024, the IGJ received 187 reports concerning these illicit online pharmacies, a ample increase from the 114 reports received during all of 2023. Investigations have been launched into 150 websites selling prescription-required medications.
A particularly concerning trend identified by the IGJ is the popularity of ADHD medication among students. These individuals are reportedly purchasing the drugs not for treatment of the disorder,but to enhance concentration for academic purposes,and,as previously reported by the Trimbos institute,to extend periods of wakefulness. the medications, often containing methylphenidate, are being misused by young people.
The IGJ is now alerting healthcare providers to be vigilant for signs of unprescribed ADHD medication use among young patients and has contacted educational organizations to disseminate warnings about the risks associated with obtaining medication without a prescription. The inspectorate has successfully taken down numerous web shops involved in the illegal sale of these drugs.