Can't find or afford Jornay PM? Here are the best alternative ADHD medications your doctor may consider, including Concerta, Vyvanse, and Adderall XR.
Jornay PM is the only ADHD stimulant designed to be taken in the evening. For patients who struggle with early-morning symptoms — difficulty waking up, trouble getting ready for school or work, poor focus in the first hours of the day — Jornay PM can be life-changing. But what happens when you can't find it or can't afford it?
Whether you're dealing with a supply issue, an insurance denial, or the high cost of a brand-only medication, there are alternatives worth discussing with your prescriber. Here's what you need to know.
Jornay PM (methylphenidate hydrochloride) is an extended-release capsule approved for ADHD in patients aged 6 and older. It's taken between 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM, and its unique delayed-release technology ensures the medication doesn't begin working until the following morning.
The active ingredient, methylphenidate, works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This increases the availability of these neurotransmitters, improving focus, attention, and impulse control.
What makes Jornay PM special isn't the drug itself — methylphenidate has been used for ADHD since 1955 — it's the delivery system. No other stimulant provides morning-through-evening coverage from a single dose taken the night before.
If you can't get Jornay PM, your doctor has several effective alternatives to consider. Keep in mind that none of these offer evening dosing, so you'll need to take them in the morning.
Concerta is the most direct alternative to Jornay PM. It contains the same active ingredient — methylphenidate — in an extended-release formulation designed for once-daily morning dosing. Concerta uses an osmotic-release (OROS) system that provides up to 12 hours of coverage.
Vyvanse is a long-acting stimulant that uses a prodrug mechanism — the body converts lisdexamfetamine into active dextroamphetamine after ingestion. This provides smooth, sustained coverage for up to 14 hours.
Adderall XR is one of the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. It combines four amphetamine salts in an extended-release capsule that provides about 10-12 hours of coverage.
Azstarys is a newer methylphenidate-based option that combines a prodrug form of methylphenidate with immediate-release dexmethylphenidate. It was approved in 2021 and provides up to 13 hours of coverage.
The best alternative depends on your specific situation:
Jornay PM is truly one-of-a-kind, and switching to an alternative isn't always easy. But if you can't find it or can't afford it right now, the alternatives listed above are proven, effective ADHD treatments that your doctor can help you transition to.
Before switching, make sure to check if Jornay PM is available near you using Medfinder. You can also explore savings options in our guide on how to save money on Jornay PM. And for a deeper look at why this medication is hard to find, read why Jornay PM is so hard to find in 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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