When Your Pharmacy Says "We Don't Have It"

If you or your child takes Metadate Cd for ADHD and your pharmacy can't fill the prescription, you're dealing with a problem that millions of patients across the country are facing right now. The ongoing stimulant medication shortage has made it difficult to find many ADHD medications — and Metadate Cd has been particularly affected.

The good news? There are several alternative medications that work in a similar way and may be easier to find. In this guide, we'll explain what Metadate Cd is, how it works, and walk you through the most common alternatives your doctor might recommend.

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

What Is Metadate Cd?

Metadate Cd is a brand-name extended-release capsule containing Methylphenidate Hydrochloride. It's FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children aged 6 to 15, though doctors also prescribe it off-label for adults and older teens.

Metadate Cd is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has legitimate medical uses but also carries a risk of abuse and dependence. It's available in strengths of 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, and 60 mg.

For more details about this medication, see our comprehensive guide: What is Metadate Cd?

How Does Metadate Cd Work?

Metadate Cd works by blocking the reuptake of two important brain chemicals: dopamine and norepinephrine. By keeping more of these neurotransmitters available in the brain, the medication helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control.

What makes Metadate Cd different from other Methylphenidate products is its dual-bead system. Each capsule contains:

• 30% immediate-release (IR) beads — these dissolve quickly and start working within about 30 minutes
• 70% extended-release (ER) beads — these dissolve more slowly, providing a second wave of medication about 3 hours later

This design gives you both quick symptom relief and sustained coverage throughout the school or work day, all from a single morning dose.

Learn more in our detailed article: How does Metadate Cd work?

Alternative 1: Concerta (Methylphenidate ER)

Concerta is one of the most well-known Methylphenidate extended-release products. It uses a different delivery system called OROS (Osmotic-Controlled Release Oral Delivery System), which looks like a small tablet with a laser-drilled hole that slowly releases medication throughout the day.

Key differences from Metadate Cd:

• Uses an osmotic pump mechanism instead of beads
• Provides approximately 22% immediate release and 78% extended release
• Available in 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, and 54 mg tablets
• Lasts up to 12 hours (slightly longer than Metadate Cd)
• Cannot be opened and sprinkled on food — must be swallowed whole

Concerta is also in high demand and may face some availability issues, but because it's one of the most widely prescribed ADHD medications, more manufacturers produce it, which can make it somewhat easier to find.

Alternative 2: Ritalin LA (Methylphenidate ER)

Ritalin LA is another extended-release Methylphenidate product that's very similar to Metadate Cd. Like Metadate Cd, it uses a bead-based delivery system — but with a different ratio.

Key differences from Metadate Cd:

• Uses a 50/50 split between immediate-release and extended-release beads (compared to Metadate Cd's 30/70 split)
• This means a stronger initial dose and a smaller second dose
• Available in 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, and 40 mg capsules
• Can also be opened and sprinkled on applesauce
• Duration of action is similar (about 8 hours)

Because of the different bead ratio, Ritalin LA may feel slightly different in terms of when you notice peak effects. Your doctor can help you decide if this ratio works better for your needs.

Alternative 3: Adderall XR (Mixed Amphetamine Salts ER)

Adderall XR is an extended-release stimulant, but instead of Methylphenidate, it contains a combination of amphetamine salts. This is a different class of stimulant that works on dopamine and norepinephrine through a slightly different mechanism.

Key differences from Metadate Cd:

• Contains amphetamine salts, not Methylphenidate
• Also uses a bead-based extended-release system
• Available in doses from 5 mg to 30 mg
• May be more effective for some patients who don't respond well to Methylphenidate
• Different side effect profile — may cause more appetite suppression
• Also a Schedule II controlled substance

Switching from a Methylphenidate product to an amphetamine product is a bigger change than switching between Methylphenidate formulations. Your doctor will want to start you at a lower dose and adjust from there.

Alternative 4: Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

Vyvanse is a unique stimulant medication. It's a prodrug, meaning the active ingredient (Lisdexamfetamine) isn't active until your body converts it to Dextroamphetamine after you swallow it. This design gives it a smoother onset and is thought to carry a lower potential for abuse.

Key differences from Metadate Cd:

• Prodrug that converts to Dextroamphetamine in the body
• Smoother, more gradual onset of action
• Available in capsules from 10 mg to 70 mg, and chewable tablets
• Lasts up to 14 hours in some patients
• Also approved for binge eating disorder in adults
• Generic version (Lisdexamfetamine) became available in 2023, making it more affordable

Vyvanse may be a good option if you're looking for longer-lasting coverage or if you've had issues with the "peaks and valleys" of other stimulants.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

If you can't find Metadate Cd and want to explore alternatives, here are some tips for the conversation with your prescriber:

1. Be upfront about the shortage. Tell your doctor you've been unable to fill your Metadate Cd prescription and how long you've been searching.
2. Ask about the most similar option first. If you want to stay on Methylphenidate, Ritalin LA or Concerta may be the closest alternatives.
3. Discuss your priorities. Do you need longer coverage? Fewer side effects? Lower cost? The "best" alternative depends on your specific needs.
4. Ask about dose conversion. Switching between formulations often requires a dose adjustment. Your doctor will know the right starting dose for the new medication.
5. Plan for follow-up. Whenever you switch medications, it's important to check in with your doctor after a few weeks to see how the new medication is working.

Before You Switch: Try to Find Metadate Cd First

If Metadate Cd has been working well for you, it's worth making an effort to find it before switching. Use Medfinder to check pharmacy availability near you, and read our tips on how to find Metadate Cd in stock. Sometimes a pharmacy just a few miles away may have what you need.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your ADHD medication is stressful, but you have options. Whether you switch to Concerta, Ritalin LA, Adderall XR, Vyvanse, or another alternative, the most important thing is to work with your doctor to find a solution that keeps your ADHD symptoms under control.

Use Medfinder to search for both Metadate Cd and its alternatives in pharmacies near you. And for more information about the current supply situation, check out our 2026 shortage update.