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‘Constant Mental Battle’: 17-Year-Old With Depression And ADD Struggling To Cope Amid Medicine Shortage In Malta

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A 17-year-old Maltese teenager has opened up on the constant struggle he has been personally experiencing due to the ongoing medicine shortage on the island.

Over the last few weeks, Malta, as well as many other EU states, has been experiencing a drastic medicine shortage, affecting anything from antibiotics to psychiatric medication.

The student takes prescribed medication to manage his Depression and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) – Atomoxetine 40mg – however, he has not been able to consume it for more than a month now, causing a serious disturbance to his everyday life.

“My medication for ADD and Depression has been out of stock for a month, which leads me to experience withdrawal and side effects,” the disgruntled teen told Lovin Malta.

“Meanwhile, I’m expected to go to school, do my work, and study all at once, while A levels are right around the corner.”

“This isn’t just a physical crisis, it’s a mental crisis,” he appealed.

The medication is typically used to treat both ADD and MDD (Major Depressive Disorder). Once stopped, a patient will experience debilitating side effects.

“I have not been able to function properly. Going to lectures feels like a constant mental battle. I am struggling to focus every single day,” he explained. 

“Meanwhile, my sleep is being disrupted and I’m constantly in fatigue,” he said, expressing his panic at the stressful exams being just a few months away.

“While all this is happening, everybody around me expects me to perform well and study, and rehearse for an upcoming concert,” he said.

This comes after Lovin Malta previously wrote about a Maltese mother who was desperately trying to find the prescribed antibiotics for her sick child.

As of last week, Malta has around 40 medications that are completely out of stock. It’s unclear when this issue will be entirely resolved.

Have you been personally affected by this medicine shortage? Feel free to reach out to [email protected]

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Sasha is a writer, creator, and podcast host interested in environmental matters, humans, and art. Some know her as Sasha tas-Sigar. Inspired by nature and the changing world. Follow her on Instagram at @saaxhaa and send her your stories at [email protected]

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