In the ongoing FTX case trial, Sam Bankman-Fried's legal team has requested a postponement citing their client's restricted access to prescribed medication.

#FTX case: #SBF seeks access to ADHD medication during trial https://t.co/VFynUuaqf1
— AMBCrypto (@CryptoAmb) October 16, 2023
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SBF's Legal Team Appeals

In a late-night plea to U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan on 15 October, lawyers representing Bankman-Fried urgently requested the administration of his 12-hour extended-release 20mg dose of Adderall on Monday before heading to the courthouse for the 9:30 a.m. trial resumption.

SBF's attorneys wrote in the letter:

"The defense has a growing concern that because of Mr. Bankman-Fried’s lack of access to Adderall, he has not been able to concentrate at the level he ordinarily would and that he will not be able to meaningfully participate in the presentation of the defense case"

They emphasised the critical need for the long-release Adderall, stating that without it, the defendant might have to temporarily withdraw from the trial, risking potential life imprisonment for the former crypto billionaire.

In the motion, they have raised concerns that his ability to concentrate and participate in the defense case could be compromised without sufficient access to the medication.

This motion has also raised concerns that SBF and his legal team may be seizing the opportunity to strategise for an appeal.

Bankman-Fried's legal team highlighted that he currently receives only one dose of Adderall early in the morning, which reportedly wears off before his trial begins.

Previous court filings unveiled that SBF typically takes 10 mg of Adderall three to four times daily.

SBF's Struggles with Adderall

Sam Bankman-Fried has encountered persistent challenges in obtaining Adderall, with a previous dispute over his access to the medication during his time in a Brooklyn jail after his bail was revoked.

Despite the court's approval for uninterrupted access to his prescription, Bankman-Fried reportedly went without it for a prolonged period.

Reportedly, his supply of Emsam, a transdermal patch for treating depression, was also restricted during this period.

In response to the recent concerns, Bankman-Fried's legal team plans to administer an extended-release pill to address the issue, evaluating its availability within the Bureau of Prisons and its effectiveness for the former FTX CEO.

In the event of any setbacks, they have requested either a trial adjournment until a suitable solution is secured or permission to administer the medication themselves.