When Your Medication Isn't Available, You Still Have Options

If you've been trying to fill your Adderall IR prescription and keep running into empty shelves, you're not alone. The ongoing Adderall shortage has left millions of patients scrambling for alternatives — and wondering what other medications might work for them.

The good news: Adderall IR isn't the only effective treatment for ADHD or narcolepsy. Several alternative medications work through similar (or complementary) mechanisms and may be easier to find right now.

In this guide, we'll explain how Adderall IR works, then walk through four real alternatives your doctor might consider. Always talk to your prescriber before switching medications — never make changes on your own.

What Is Adderall IR and How Does It Work?

Adderall IR (immediate-release) contains a mixture of Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine salts — specifically, about 75% dextroamphetamine and 25% levoamphetamine. It's classified as a CNS stimulant.

The medication works by increasing levels of two key brain chemicals:

• Dopamine — involved in motivation, focus, and reward
• Norepinephrine — involved in attention and alertness

Adderall IR promotes the release of these neurotransmitters and blocks their reuptake, resulting in improved focus, attention, and impulse control for people with ADHD. For narcolepsy patients, it helps maintain wakefulness.

As an immediate-release tablet, it takes effect within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts about 4 to 6 hours, which is why most patients take it 2 to 3 times per day.

For a more detailed explanation, see our post on how Adderall IR works.

4 Alternatives to Adderall IR

The following medications are commonly used to treat ADHD and may be prescribed if Adderall IR is unavailable. Each has its own benefits and limitations.

1. Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

Drug class: CNS Stimulant (Amphetamine-based)
How it works: Vyvanse is a prodrug — it's inactive until your body converts it into dextroamphetamine during digestion. This gives it a smoother onset and longer duration (up to 14 hours) compared to Adderall IR.
Why consider it:

• Lower abuse potential because it must be metabolized to become active
• Once-daily dosing (no need for multiple pills per day)
• FDA-approved for ADHD in children (6+) and adults, plus binge eating disorder

Drawbacks: More expensive than generic Adderall IR. Cash price can exceed $300/month without coupons. No generic was available until recently — generic Lisdexamfetamine launched in 2023, which has helped reduce prices.

2. Ritalin (Methylphenidate IR)

Drug class: CNS Stimulant (Methylphenidate-based)
How it works: Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine — similar end result to Adderall but through a different mechanism. It does not promote the release of neurotransmitters the way amphetamines do.
Why consider it:

• Generic Methylphenidate IR is widely available and very affordable ($10 to $30/month with coupons)
• Well-studied with decades of clinical use
• Available in many formulations (IR, ER, patch, liquid)

Drawbacks: Shorter duration than Adderall IR (about 3 to 4 hours). Some patients find it less effective for their symptoms. May require 3 doses per day.

3. Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine IR)

Drug class: CNS Stimulant (Amphetamine-based)
How it works: Dexedrine contains pure dextroamphetamine — the more potent of the two amphetamine isomers found in Adderall. It works through the same mechanism (increasing dopamine and norepinephrine release and blocking reuptake).
Why consider it:

• Very similar to Adderall IR in terms of effects
• May be easier to find since it's a different product with different supply chains
• Generic Dextroamphetamine IR is relatively affordable ($15 to $45/month)

Drawbacks: Similar side effect profile to Adderall. Also a Schedule II controlled substance subject to the same supply constraints. Availability varies by region.

4. Strattera (Atomoxetine)

Drug class: Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) — not a stimulant
How it works: Atomoxetine increases norepinephrine levels in the brain by blocking its reuptake. Unlike stimulants, it does not significantly affect dopamine in reward pathways.
Why consider it:

• Not a controlled substance — no DEA quotas, no shortage issues, easier to prescribe and fill
• No abuse potential
• Good option for patients with anxiety or substance abuse history
• Once or twice daily dosing

Drawbacks: Takes 4 to 6 weeks to reach full effectiveness (not immediate like stimulants). May be less effective than stimulants for some patients. Side effects include nausea, decreased appetite, and fatigue. Generic Atomoxetine costs about $15 to $50/month.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

If you're considering an alternative to Adderall IR, here are some tips for the conversation with your prescriber:

• Be honest about your situation. Let your doctor know you've been unable to fill your prescription and for how long.
• Ask about the closest pharmacological match. If Adderall IR works well for you, Dexedrine or Vyvanse are the most similar options.
• Discuss your priorities. Do you want once-daily dosing? Lower cost? No controlled substance restrictions? This helps your doctor pick the best alternative.
• Ask about a trial period. Your doctor may suggest trying an alternative for 2 to 4 weeks before making a permanent switch.

Don't Give Up on Finding Adderall IR

Switching medications isn't always necessary. Before changing your treatment, try using Medfinder to check if a pharmacy near you has Adderall IR in stock. Independent pharmacies, in particular, may have supply when chain pharmacies don't.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your prescription is stressful, but you're not out of options. Vyvanse, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Strattera are all legitimate alternatives that your doctor can prescribe if Adderall IR remains unavailable.

The best choice depends on your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and budget. Work closely with your prescriber to find what works for you — and in the meantime, keep checking availability with Medfinder.

For information about side effects of Adderall IR itself, see our post on Adderall IR side effects.