Alternatives to Adderall if you can’t fill your prescription

Your guide to Adderall alternatives

We know that finding pharmacies with Adderall in stock is a challenge millions of Americans struggle with every month, but fortunately, there are lots of alternative medications available for individuals with ADHD. Always be sure to consult your doctor to evaluate a medication change. With the disclaimer out of the way, let's dive into Adderall!

Pro tip - If you can’t find Adderall in stock near you, you can use Medfinder’s online medication locator tool to find a pharmacy with your medications in stock!

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a Schedule II Controlled Substance and part of the Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant class of medications. It’s commonly prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

How does Adderall work?

Adderall is made up of a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These chemicals work by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. The increases of these chemicals in the brain are thought to help improve focus, attention, and impulse control for individuals with ADHD.

What is the difference between Adderall and Adderall XR?

Adderall, also known as Adderall IR or “Instant Release,” is typically taken multiple times per day, and lasts between 4-6 hours. This allows the patient to have more control over their dosage throughout the day and can be more easily adjusted based on schedule or side effects.

Adderall XR or “Extended Release” uses a two-phase delivery system where half the dose is released immediately, and the other half is released gradually later in the day. For many individuals with ADHD, this option is more preferable as they don't have to remember to take another dose of their medication as they go through their day. Due to this preference, Adderall XR tends to be more difficult to find in stock than Adderall IR.

38,997+ patients found their medications in stock

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Alternative medications to Adderall

If you've tried everything and still can't manage to find adderall in stock, it may make sense to talk to your doctor about other options. Many medications have similar effects to Adderall, and there are often other medication options that can get you through shortages. Some other medications that are similar to Adderall are:

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

Vyvanse is a similar stimulant to Adderall in how it works, but with some key differences. Vyvanse is called a “prodrug,” meaning it is not active until metabolized by the body. This allows for a smoother and more consistent delivery of the medication throughout the day, with less potential for peaks and crashes. However, it also may mean that it takes longer to start working.

Concerta or Ritalin (methylphenidate)

Methylphenidate (commonly known as Ritalin or Concerta) is a different type of stimulant than Adderall or Vyvanse, though it still impacts the neurotransmitters Norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Methylphenidate is designed to solely block the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, while Adderall increases the release of dopamine and norepinephrine and inhibits their reuptake.

Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate)

Dexmethylphenidate is quite similar to Methylphenidate, but is considered more potent than Methylphenidate on a milligram-to-milligram basis. Generally, it is prescribed at roughly half the dosage of Methylphenidate. Both are available in immediate and extended release formulations, but some studies show that Dexmethylphenidate may last a bit longer.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication routine.

Final Thoughts

We know how challenging it can be when a regular medication you are taking suddenly is nowhere to be found. Thankfully, there are a number of alternative medications to Adderall, like:

1. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
2. Concerta or Ritalin (methylphenidate)
3. Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate)

If you don’t want to change your medication, be sure to check out our guide on how to find Adderall in stock for tips and tricks on how to find a pharmacy that can fill your prescription.