What to Do When You Can't Find Evekeo

If you or your child depends on Evekeo for ADHD or narcolepsy and your pharmacy keeps coming up empty, you're not alone. The ongoing stimulant shortage has made Evekeo especially difficult to find — and for many patients, the only practical option is to explore alternatives.

This guide covers the most common alternatives to Evekeo, how they compare, and what to discuss with your doctor. Important: Never switch medications on your own. Always work with your prescriber to find the right alternative and dosage for your situation.

What Is Evekeo and How Does It Work?

Evekeo contains amphetamine sulfate in a 1:1 ratio of d-amphetamine and l-amphetamine (racemic amphetamine). It's classified as a CNS stimulant and 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 activity, Evekeo helps reduce the symptoms of ADHD — including difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior.

Evekeo is FDA-approved for:

• ADHD in patients aged 3 years and older
• Narcolepsy
• Exogenous obesity (short-term use)

What makes Evekeo different from other amphetamine medications is its balanced ratio. While Adderall uses a 3:1 ratio favoring d-amphetamine, Evekeo's equal mix may produce a different side effect profile for some patients. For a deeper dive into how Evekeo works, see our article on Evekeo's mechanism of action.

Alternative #1: Adderall (Mixed Amphetamine Salts)

Adderall is the most commonly prescribed amphetamine-based ADHD medication and the closest alternative to Evekeo. It contains a mixture of four amphetamine salts in a 3:1 ratio of d-amphetamine to l-amphetamine.

Key differences from Evekeo:

• Higher proportion of d-amphetamine (more stimulating, more focused effect)
• Available in both immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) formulations
• Generic versions are widely available (though also affected by shortages)
• More commonly stocked at pharmacies

Typical dosing: 5 mg to 40 mg per day, taken 1-3 times daily (IR) or once daily (XR)

Cash price: Generic Adderall IR costs approximately $30 to $80 for a 30-day supply. Brand-name Adderall XR or its generic can range from $50 to $300+.

Because Adderall has a higher d-amphetamine ratio, some patients who were stable on Evekeo may notice differences in side effects — particularly more jitteriness or anxiety. Your doctor can adjust the dose to compensate.

Alternative #2: Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine Sulfate)

Dexedrine contains only d-amphetamine, making it the most potent amphetamine option milligram-for-milligram. It's available as immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules (Spansules).

Key differences from Evekeo:

• Contains only d-amphetamine (no l-amphetamine)
• Typically more potent per milligram
• Extended-release option (Spansules) provides all-day coverage
• Generic dextroamphetamine is available but also subject to shortages

Typical dosing: 5 mg to 40 mg per day

Cash price: Generic dextroamphetamine costs approximately $25 to $70 for a 30-day supply.

Alternative #3: Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

Vyvanse takes a different approach. It's a prodrug — meaning it's inactive until your body converts it into d-amphetamine. This conversion happens gradually in the bloodstream, producing a smoother onset and longer duration of action.

Key differences from Evekeo:

• Prodrug design means smoother onset and less "peak and crash"
• Lower abuse potential due to its inactive form
• Lasts 10-14 hours (longer than Evekeo's 4-6 hours)
• Only available in capsule and chewable tablet forms
• Generic lisdexamfetamine became available in 2023-2024

Typical dosing: 20 mg to 70 mg once daily

Cash price: Brand Vyvanse costs $350 to $450 for a 30-day supply. Generic lisdexamfetamine costs approximately $50 to $150.

Vyvanse is a strong option if you experienced crashes or peaks with Evekeo, or if you prefer once-daily dosing.

Alternative #4: Ritalin / Concerta (Methylphenidate)

If amphetamine-based medications are unavailable or not well-tolerated, your doctor may suggest methylphenidate — a different class of stimulant. Brand names include Ritalin (IR), Concerta (ER), and Focalin (dexmethylphenidate).

Key differences from Evekeo:

• Completely different chemical class (not an amphetamine)
• Works by blocking dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake (rather than increasing release)
• Available in many formulations: IR, ER, patches, liquid
• Often tried as a first-line alternative when amphetamines aren't working

Typical dosing: 10 mg to 60 mg per day (varies by formulation)

Cash price: Generic methylphenidate IR costs $15 to $50 for a 30-day supply. Extended-release options range from $30 to $200+.

Switching from an amphetamine to methylphenidate is a bigger change, and not all patients respond the same way to both classes. Your doctor will likely start at a lower dose and adjust upward.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

If you're considering an alternative to Evekeo, here's how to prepare for that conversation:

1. Document what you've tried: Tell your doctor which pharmacies you've checked and how long you've been unable to find Evekeo
2. Share your concerns: If you were switched to Evekeo for a specific reason (side effects from other meds, better response), make sure your doctor knows
3. Ask about dosing: The dose of an alternative won't necessarily be the same as your Evekeo dose — equivalent doses vary between medications
4. Discuss a trial period: Ask about trying the new medication for 2-4 weeks with a follow-up to evaluate

For help finding a prescriber who's familiar with these medications, see our guide on how to find a doctor who can prescribe Evekeo.

Don't Give Up on Finding Evekeo

Switching medications should be a last resort if Evekeo is working well for you. Before making the switch, try these steps:

• Use Medfinder to search for pharmacies with Evekeo in stock
• Try independent pharmacies that may have different supply chains
• Ask your pharmacist about checking back when new shipments arrive

For more strategies, read our complete guide on how to find Evekeo in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your Evekeo prescription is stressful, especially when you depend on it to function at work, school, or in daily life. The good news is that there are effective alternatives available — Adderall, Dexedrine, Vyvanse, and Methylphenidate all treat ADHD effectively, even if they work slightly differently.

Work closely with your prescriber, keep looking for Evekeo through Medfinder, and know that you have options. For information on side effects to watch for with any stimulant, check out our guide on Evekeo side effects.