When Your Pharmacy Can't Fill Your Aptensio XR Prescription

Running out of your ADHD medication with no refill in sight is stressful. If you've been struggling to find Aptensio XR due to the ongoing stimulant medication shortage, you may be wondering: what else is out there?

The good news is that Aptensio XR isn't the only effective treatment for ADHD. There are several alternatives — some very similar, others that take a different approach entirely. In this guide, we'll cover what Aptensio XR is, how it works, and the most common alternatives your doctor might suggest.

What Is Aptensio XR?

Aptensio XR is a once-daily, extended-release capsule containing methylphenidate hydrochloride. It's FDA-approved for treating ADHD in patients aged 6 and older. The capsules use a multilayer bead design to deliver medication in two phases: an initial release for quick symptom control, followed by a gradual release that lasts throughout the day.

Aptensio XR comes in strengths from 10 mg to 60 mg and is manufactured by Rhodes Pharmaceuticals. It's a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it's tightly regulated by the DEA.

How Does Aptensio XR Work?

Like all methylphenidate-based medications, Aptensio XR works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These are neurotransmitters involved in attention, focus, and impulse control. By keeping more of these chemicals available in the brain, methylphenidate helps reduce ADHD symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

For a deeper dive, see our article on how Aptensio XR works.

Alternative Medications to Aptensio XR

If you can't find Aptensio XR, here are the alternatives most commonly considered by doctors. We've grouped them by how closely they relate to Aptensio XR.

1. Concerta (Methylphenidate ER Tablets)

Concerta is one of the most widely prescribed extended-release methylphenidate products. It uses an OROS (osmotic-release) technology that delivers methylphenidate steadily over about 12 hours.

• Active ingredient: Methylphenidate (same as Aptensio XR)
• Strengths: 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, 54 mg
• How it's taken: Once daily in the morning; must be swallowed whole (cannot be opened or crushed)
• Key difference: Concerta is a tablet, not a capsule — it cannot be sprinkled on food like Aptensio XR can
• Generic available: Yes, which may improve availability and lower cost

2. Ritalin LA (Methylphenidate ER Capsules)

Ritalin LA is another extended-release methylphenidate capsule that uses a bi-modal bead system — similar in concept to Aptensio XR. It delivers about half the dose immediately and the other half about 4 hours later.

• Active ingredient: Methylphenidate
• Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg
• How it's taken: Once daily; capsules can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce
• Key difference: Fewer available strengths than Aptensio XR, but very similar delivery mechanism
• Generic available: Yes

3. Adderall XR (Mixed Amphetamine Salts ER)

Adderall XR is a different class of stimulant — an amphetamine-based medication rather than methylphenidate. It works through a similar but distinct mechanism, both blocking reuptake and promoting release of dopamine and norepinephrine.

• Active ingredient: Mixed amphetamine salts (a different stimulant than methylphenidate)
• Strengths: 5 mg to 30 mg
• How it's taken: Once daily in the morning; capsules can be opened and sprinkled
• Key difference: Different drug class, so it may work differently for you — some patients respond better to amphetamines, others to methylphenidate
• Generic available: Yes (though also affected by the stimulant shortage)

Important: Switching from a methylphenidate to an amphetamine requires your doctor's guidance, as the dosing and side effects are different.

4. Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

Vyvanse is a prodrug — it's inactive until your body metabolizes it into its active form (dextroamphetamine). This design gives it a smoother onset and is thought to carry a somewhat lower risk of abuse compared to other stimulants.

• Active ingredient: Lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (converted to dextroamphetamine in the body)
• Strengths: 10 mg to 70 mg
• How it's taken: Once daily in the morning; capsules can be opened and mixed with water
• Key difference: Prodrug mechanism means it can't be crushed and abused as easily; may have a longer, smoother effect
• Generic available: Yes, generic lisdexamfetamine became available in 2023

Non-Stimulant Alternatives

If stimulant medications aren't an option for you — whether due to side effects, a history of substance use, or other medical reasons — there are also non-stimulant ADHD medications:

• Strattera (atomoxetine) — A selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor; not a controlled substance
• Qelbree (viloxazine ER) — A newer non-stimulant option for ADHD
• Intuniv (guanfacine ER) — An alpha-2 agonist, often used in combination with stimulants or alone in younger patients
• Kapvay (clonidine ER) — Another alpha-2 agonist option

Non-stimulants generally have fewer abuse concerns but may not be as effective for all patients. Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons.

How to Decide on an Alternative

Switching ADHD medications is a medical decision that should always involve your prescriber. Here are some things to discuss:

• Why Aptensio XR specifically? If it's the bead-sprinkle feature you need (for example, if you have trouble swallowing pills), Ritalin LA offers something similar.
• Have you tried methylphenidate alternatives before? If you've had a good response to methylphenidate in general, staying within that drug class (Concerta, Ritalin LA) makes sense.
• Are you open to amphetamine-based options? Some patients respond much better to one class over the other. Your doctor may suggest trying Adderall XR or Vyvanse.
• What about availability? The shortage affects different products differently. Use Medfinder to check which alternatives are actually in stock near you before committing to a switch.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your Aptensio XR prescription is stressful, but having a gap in treatment is worse. The most important thing is to talk to your doctor about alternatives before your medication runs out — don't wait until you're in crisis.

Whether you switch to another methylphenidate product like Concerta or Ritalin LA, try an amphetamine option like Vyvanse, or explore non-stimulant treatments, there are real options that can help you manage your ADHD effectively.

And if you'd rather keep trying to find Aptensio XR, check out our guide on how to find Aptensio XR in stock near you.