When You Can't Fill Your Dexedrine Prescription

If you've been unable to find Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine) at your pharmacy, you're dealing with one of the most frustrating aspects of the ongoing stimulant shortage. Going without your ADHD or narcolepsy medication isn't an option for most people — it affects work, school, relationships, and daily life.

The good news: there are several alternatives your doctor may consider. Some are very similar to Dexedrine, while others take a different approach. Here's what you need to know.

What Is Dexedrine and How Does It Work?

Dexedrine is a brand name for Dextroamphetamine sulfate, a CNS stimulant in the amphetamine class. It works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain — two neurotransmitters involved in attention, focus, and alertness. Dextroamphetamine is the "right-handed" (dextro) isomer of amphetamine, which is considered more potent for treating ADHD symptoms than the "left-handed" (levo) isomer.

For a full breakdown, see: How does Dexedrine work? Mechanism of action explained.

Understanding how Dexedrine works helps you evaluate alternatives — because the best substitute depends on whether you need the same mechanism of action or whether a different approach might work for you.

Alternative 1: Adderall (Mixed Amphetamine Salts)

Adderall contains a mix of four amphetamine salts: 75% Dextroamphetamine and 25% Levoamphetamine. Because it's mostly Dextroamphetamine, it's the closest alternative to Dexedrine in terms of how it works.

• Available forms: Immediate-release tablets (Adderall) and extended-release capsules (Adderall XR)
• Typical dose: 5 mg to 30 mg per day
• Key difference: The levoamphetamine component may provide additional peripheral nervous system effects (some patients feel it's "smoother," while others prefer pure Dextroamphetamine)
• Availability: Adderall has also been affected by the amphetamine shortage, but generic mixed amphetamine salts are produced by more manufacturers, which can make them slightly easier to find

Important note: Adderall and Dexedrine are both Schedule II amphetamines. Your doctor can switch between them, but you'll need a new prescription — they're not interchangeable at the pharmacy level.

Alternative 2: Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

Vyvanse is a prodrug — meaning it's inactive until your body converts it into Dextroamphetamine. It was designed to provide a smoother, longer-lasting effect and to have lower abuse potential.

• Available forms: Capsules (20 mg to 70 mg) and chewable tablets
• Typical dose: 30 mg to 70 mg once daily
• Key difference: Because Vyvanse must be metabolized to become active, it can't be crushed and abused as easily. The onset is more gradual and the effect lasts 10–14 hours
• Availability: Generic Lisdexamfetamine became available in 2023, which has improved supply and brought prices down significantly
• Cost: Generic Vyvanse can cost $30–$80 for a 30-day supply with a discount card

Vyvanse is a popular switch for Dexedrine patients because the active ingredient is ultimately the same: Dextroamphetamine.

Alternative 3: Concerta or Ritalin (Methylphenidate)

Methylphenidate is a different class of stimulant. While it also increases dopamine and norepinephrine, it works primarily by blocking reuptake rather than increasing release (as amphetamines do).

• Available forms: IR tablets (Ritalin), ER tablets (Concerta, Ritalin LA), transdermal patch (Daytrana)
• Typical dose: 10 mg to 60 mg per day (varies by formulation)
• Key difference: Different mechanism means some patients respond better to one class than the other. If you did well on Dexedrine, your doctor might try an amphetamine-based alternative first before switching to Methylphenidate
• Availability: Methylphenidate products are generally easier to find than amphetamine products during the current shortage

Alternative 4: Focalin (Dexmethylphenidate)

Focalin is the dextro-isomer of Methylphenidate — similar to how Dexedrine is the dextro-isomer of amphetamine. It's considered more potent mg-for-mg than regular Methylphenidate.

• Available forms: IR tablets (Focalin) and ER capsules (Focalin XR)
• Typical dose: 5 mg to 20 mg per day
• Key difference: May be a good fit if you want to try a methylphenidate-class medication but want something targeted and potent
• Availability: Generally available, though generic supply can vary

What About Non-Stimulant Options?

If stimulants aren't an option (or you want to avoid the shortage entirely), non-stimulant ADHD medications include:

• Strattera (Atomoxetine) — a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, not a controlled substance
• Qelbree (Viloxazine) — a newer non-stimulant option
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion) — sometimes used off-label for ADHD
• Intuniv (Guanfacine ER) or Kapvay (Clonidine ER) — alpha-2 agonists, often used as add-ons

Non-stimulants are generally less effective for core ADHD symptoms than stimulants, but they can be helpful — especially in combination or for patients who can't tolerate stimulants.

Final Thoughts

If you can't find Dexedrine, don't go without treatment. Talk to your prescriber about switching to an available alternative. The closest options are Adderall and Vyvanse (both amphetamine-based), while Concerta and Focalin offer a methylphenidate-based route. Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons of each.

In the meantime, Medfinder can help you check if Dexedrine or its alternatives are in stock near you. And for tips on finding a prescriber, see: How to find a doctor who can prescribe Dexedrine near you.