We know that finding pharmacies with Methylphenidate in stock is a challenge millions of Americans struggle with every month, but fortunately, there are lots of alternative medications available for individuals with ADHD. Always be sure to consult your doctor to evaluate a medication change. With the disclaimer out of the way, let's dive into Methylphenidate !
Pro tip - If you can’t find Methylphenidate in stock near you, you can use Medfinder’s online medication locator tool to find a pharmacy with your medications in stock!
Methylphenidate is a Schedule II Controlled Substance and is a central nervous system stimulant most commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in both children and adults. It helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control by increasing certain chemicals (dopamine and norepinephrine) in the brain. Methylphenidate is also sometimes used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness.
Methylphenidate helps people with ADHD by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, improving attention, focus, and self-control. Methylphenidate works by blocking the reuptake (re-absorption) of two key neurotransmitters: dopamine and norepinephrine. It does this by inhibiting the dopamine transporter (DAT) and norepinephrine transporter (NET) on nerve cells, increasing the concentration of these chemicals in the spaces between brain cells (synapses). By increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels, Methylphenidate enhances activity in areas of the brain that control attention, behavior, and impulse control which helps improve focus, attention span, and self-control, while reducing distractibility and impulsivity in people with ADHD.
Both Methylphenidate (brand names include Ritalin, Concerta) and Adderall XR are stimulant medications commonly prescribed for ADHD, but they differ in their chemical makeup, how they work, and how long they last.
Adderall XR or “Extended Release” uses a two-phase delivery system where half the dose is released immediately, and the other half is released gradually later in the day. For many individuals with ADHD, this option is more preferable as they don't have to remember to take another dose of their medication as they go through their day. Due to this preference, Adderall XR tends to be more difficult to find in stock than Adderall IR.
Methylphenidate, on the other hand, contains only methylphenidate as its active ingredient. It tends to work more quickly, reaching peak levels sooner after taking a dose, though its effect only lasts about 8–12 hours.
If you've tried everything and still can't manage to find Methylphenidate in stock, it may make sense to talk to your doctor about other options. Many medications have similar effects to Methylphenidate, and there are often other medication options that can get you through shortages. Some other medications that are similar to Methylphenidate are:
Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication routine.
We know how challenging it can be when a regular medication you are taking suddenly is nowhere to be found. Thankfully, there are a number of alternative medications to Methylphenidate, like:
If you don’t want to change your medication, be sure to check out our guide on how to find Methylphenidate in stock for tips and tricks on how to find a pharmacy that can fill your prescription.