When You Can't Fill Your Prescription

If you've been trying to fill your Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine prescription and keep running into empty shelves, you're not imagining things. The shortage that began in late 2022 is still affecting patients in 2026, and for many people, the question has shifted from "when will this end?" to "what else can I take?"

The good news is that there are several effective alternatives to Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine. The right one for you depends on your symptoms, medical history, and how your body responds to different medications. This guide covers the most common options so you can have an informed conversation with your doctor.

Important: Never switch medications on your own. Always work with your prescriber to find the safest and most effective alternative for your situation.

What Is Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine and How Does It Work?

Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine — sold under brand names like Adderall and Adderall XR — is a central nervous system stimulant that treats ADHD and narcolepsy. It contains a combination of amphetamine salts (75% dextroamphetamine and 25% levoamphetamine) that increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.

These neurotransmitters play key roles in focus, attention, and impulse control. By boosting their availability, Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine helps people with ADHD manage their symptoms throughout the day.

For a deeper dive, read: How Does Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine Work? Mechanism of Action Explained.

Alternative 1: Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)

Vyvanse is one of the closest alternatives to Adderall. It's a prodrug, meaning it's inactive until your body converts it into dextroamphetamine after you swallow it. This gives it a smoother onset and may reduce the "crash" some people experience with Adderall.

• Drug class: Amphetamine stimulant (Schedule II)
• FDA-approved for: ADHD (ages 6+) and binge eating disorder
• How it's taken: Once daily, in the morning
• Available as: Capsules (10mg–70mg) and chewable tablets
• Key advantage: Lower abuse potential due to prodrug design; smoother effect throughout the day
• Generic available: Yes, as of 2023

Vyvanse is often the first alternative doctors consider when Adderall isn't available, since it's in the same amphetamine family.

Alternative 2: Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin)

Methylphenidate is the other major class of stimulant used to treat ADHD. While it works on the same neurotransmitters (dopamine and norepinephrine), it has a different mechanism — it primarily blocks reuptake rather than increasing release, as amphetamines do.

• Drug class: Stimulant (Schedule II)
• Brand names: Ritalin (IR), Ritalin LA (ER), Concerta (ER), Focalin (dexmethylphenidate), Daytrana (patch)
• FDA-approved for: ADHD (ages 6+), narcolepsy (some formulations)
• How it's taken: IR is taken 2-3 times daily; ER/LA formulations are once daily
• Key advantage: Different mechanism may work better for some patients; widely available in multiple formulations
• Generic available: Yes, for most formulations

If you've never tried Methylphenidate, it's definitely worth discussing with your doctor. Some patients respond better to it than to amphetamines, and vice versa.

Alternative 3: Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)

Dexedrine contains only the dextro-isomer of amphetamine (unlike Adderall, which has both dextro- and levo-amphetamine). Some patients find that pure Dextroamphetamine produces fewer side effects, particularly less anxiety and jitteriness.

• Drug class: Amphetamine stimulant (Schedule II)
• FDA-approved for: ADHD (ages 3+), narcolepsy
• How it's taken: IR tablets 2-3 times daily, or ER capsules once daily
• Key advantage: May cause fewer peripheral side effects (like elevated heart rate) compared to mixed amphetamine salts
• Generic available: Yes

Since Dextroamphetamine is a different formulation, it may have different availability during the shortage. It's worth checking.

Alternative 4: Atomoxetine (Strattera)

Strattera is a non-stimulant option for ADHD treatment. It's a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that works differently from stimulants. Because it's not a controlled substance, it doesn't face the same DEA production limits or shortage issues.

• Drug class: Non-stimulant SNRI (not a controlled substance)
• FDA-approved for: ADHD in children (6+), adolescents, and adults
• How it's taken: Once or twice daily
• Key advantage: No abuse potential; no controlled substance restrictions; can be prescribed with refills
• Generic available: Yes
• Drawback: Takes 4-6 weeks to reach full effectiveness; generally less potent for core ADHD symptoms than stimulants

Atomoxetine is a particularly good option for patients who have a history of substance use disorder or who cannot tolerate stimulants.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

If you're considering an alternative, here are some tips for a productive conversation with your prescriber:

1. Explain the situation: Let your doctor know you've been unable to fill your Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine prescription and for how long.
2. Share what you've tried: Mention if you've checked multiple pharmacies or used tools like Medfinder.
3. Ask about the alternatives above: Your doctor can assess which option makes the most sense for your symptoms, health history, and insurance coverage.
4. Discuss a trial period: Switching medications often involves a trial-and-error process. Be open to adjusting the dose or trying a different option if the first switch doesn't feel right.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your ADHD medication is stressful and disruptive. But you have options. Whether it's Vyvanse, Methylphenidate, Dexedrine, or a non-stimulant like Strattera, there are proven alternatives that can help you manage your symptoms while the Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine shortage continues to resolve.

Start by checking Medfinder to see if your current medication is available near you. If it's not, use this guide to start a conversation with your doctor about what's next.

Related articles:

• Why Is Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine So Hard to Find?
• Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine Shortage Update for 2026
• Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine Side Effects: What to Expect