When You Can't Find Dyanavel XR, What Are Your Options?

You depend on Dyanavel XR to manage your ADHD, but your pharmacy doesn't have it. Maybe they haven't had it in weeks. You're frustrated, and you need a plan.

The ongoing amphetamine shortage has left many patients unable to fill their Dyanavel XR prescriptions. If you're in that situation, it helps to know what alternatives exist — so you can have an informed conversation with your doctor.

Important: Never switch medications on your own. Always talk to your prescriber before making any changes to your ADHD treatment.

What Is Dyanavel XR and How Does It Work?

Dyanavel XR is a brand-name ADHD medication made by Tris Pharma. Its active ingredient is Amphetamine, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant classified as a Schedule II controlled substance.

It works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play key roles in attention, focus, and impulse control. By boosting their availability, Dyanavel XR helps reduce ADHD symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Dyanavel XR is unique because it comes in two formulations:

• Extended-release oral suspension (liquid) — ideal for patients who can't swallow pills
• Extended-release tablets (5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg) — taken once daily in the morning

For more details, see our full guide on what Dyanavel XR is and how to take it.

Alternative 1: Adderall XR (Mixed Amphetamine Salts)

Adderall XR is the most widely prescribed extended-release amphetamine medication for ADHD. It contains a blend of four amphetamine salts (a 3:1 ratio of d-amphetamine to l-amphetamine), while Dyanavel XR contains a different ratio of amphetamine enantiomers.

Key Facts About Adderall XR

• Generic available: Yes — multiple generic manufacturers
• Dosage forms: Extended-release capsules (5 mg to 30 mg)
• Duration: About 10-12 hours
• Cash price: Around $30-$80 for generic; $300+ for brand
• Availability: Generics are more widely available than brand-name products, though the shortage has affected these too

Adderall XR is the most direct alternative to Dyanavel XR. However, it only comes in capsule form (which can be opened and sprinkled on applesauce), not as a liquid suspension.

Who It's Best For

Patients who can swallow capsules or sprinkle the contents on food, and who want a lower-cost option with wider availability.

Alternative 2: Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

Vyvanse is a prodrug, meaning it's inactive until your body converts it to its active form (d-amphetamine) in the bloodstream. This gives it a smoother onset and may reduce the potential for misuse.

Key Facts About Vyvanse

• Generic available: Yes — generic lisdexamfetamine became available in 2023
• Dosage forms: Capsules (10 mg to 70 mg) and chewable tablets (10 mg to 60 mg)
• Duration: Up to 14 hours
• Cash price: Around $30-$60 for generic; $350+ for brand
• Availability: Generally better than Dyanavel XR due to generic options

Who It's Best For

Patients who want a longer duration of action, a smoother onset, or who have concerns about abuse potential. The chewable tablet is also an option for patients who can't swallow capsules.

Alternative 3: Adzenys XR-ODT (Amphetamine Orally Disintegrating Tablet)

Adzenys XR-ODT is an orally disintegrating extended-release amphetamine tablet. It's actually bioequivalent to Adderall XR, meaning it delivers the same active ingredients at the same rate and extent.

Key Facts About Adzenys XR-ODT

• Generic available: No
• Dosage forms: Orally disintegrating tablets (3.1 mg to 18.8 mg)
• Duration: About 10-12 hours
• Cash price: $300-$400 per month
• Availability: Limited but may be available at pharmacies that stock specialty products

Who It's Best For

Patients who have difficulty swallowing pills or tablets. The ODT dissolves on the tongue without water.

Alternative 4: Mydayis (Mixed Amphetamine Salts Triple-Bead)

Mydayis is an extended-release capsule that uses a triple-bead delivery system to provide ADHD symptom coverage for up to 16 hours — longer than most other stimulant medications.

Key Facts About Mydayis

• Generic available: No
• Dosage forms: Extended-release capsules (12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg)
• Duration: Up to 16 hours
• Cash price: $350-$450 per month
• Availability: Limited; brand-name only

Who It's Best For

Patients aged 13 and older who need symptom coverage that extends into the evening, such as for homework or after-school activities.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

If you're considering an alternative to Dyanavel XR, here's how to approach the conversation with your prescriber:

1. Explain the situation. Let your doctor know you've been unable to find Dyanavel XR and how long you've been without it.
2. Ask about equivalent options. Your doctor can help determine which alternative is most appropriate based on your history, symptoms, and preferences.
3. Discuss the liquid formulation need. If you specifically need Dyanavel XR because it comes as a liquid suspension, mention this. Your doctor may know of compounding pharmacies that can prepare liquid amphetamine formulations.
4. Check availability first. Before switching, use Medfinder to check whether the alternative medication is actually available near you. The amphetamine shortage affects multiple products.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to find your medication is stressful — especially when it's something as important as your ADHD treatment. The good news is that several effective alternatives to Dyanavel XR exist, and your doctor can help you find the right fit.

In the meantime, don't give up on finding Dyanavel XR itself. Use Medfinder to search real-time pharmacy availability, and check out our guide on how to find Dyanavel XR in stock near you.

For the latest on the shortage, see our Dyanavel XR shortage update for 2026.