Counterfeit Adderall Found in Connecticut

Fake Adderall with methamphetamine as the active ingredient (DEA, 2021)

On February 16, 2023, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut reported counterfeit Adderall pills made with methamphetamine. Since PSM began tracking this issue in September 2018, these counterfeits have infiltrated 28 states. While the issue of counterfeit pills made with fentanyl grabs many headlines, the public must be aware that fake Adderall pills are a continuing problem as well and is impacted by the recent U.S. Adderall shortage.

While counterfeit Adderall pills can be made with anything, testing reveals that most often they are made with methamphetamine. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Mexican cartels are the primary manufacturers and distributors of methamphetamine in the U.S. After Mexican authorities took steps to limit the cartels’ access to ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, the cartels changed to using phenyl-2-propanone (P2P) to make the drug. P2P methamphetamine is what the cartels are using to make counterfeit Adderall pills.

This new version of meth, P2P methamphetamine, is more addictive and causes more overdose deaths. Users also can suffer long-lasting and sometimes permanent physical and psychological effects. Physically, P2P methamphetamine causes increased blood pressure, elevated body temperature, and cardiovascular issues. Psychologically, P2P methamphetamine causes users to experience more paranoia, hallucinations and to isolate themselves. 

Uncomfortable conversations need to happen to protect loved ones from the danger of counterfeit pills, and fake Adderall pills need to be part of this conversation. Use our resources for talking to your family and friends to help guide you through this important safety discussion.