When You Can't Find Mydayis, There Are Options

If you've been prescribed Mydayis for ADHD and your pharmacy keeps telling you it's out of stock, you already know the frustration. The ongoing amphetamine shortage has left many patients scrambling for their medication — and sometimes, the best option is to talk to your doctor about an alternative.

In this guide, we'll explain what Mydayis is, how it works, and walk through the most common alternatives so you can have an informed conversation with your prescriber.

What Is Mydayis?

Mydayis is a brand-name, extended-release medication containing mixed amphetamine salts. It's FDA-approved to treat ADHD in patients aged 13 and older. Made by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, it comes in 12.5 mg, 25 mg, 37.5 mg, and 50 mg capsules.

Mydayis is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and is tightly regulated by the DEA. For full details on the medication, see our guide on what Mydayis is and how it's used.

How Does Mydayis Work?

Mydayis works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain — two neurotransmitters that play key roles in attention, focus, and impulse control.

What sets Mydayis apart from other amphetamine medications is its triple-bead delivery system:

• First bead: Releases immediately after you take the capsule
• Second bead: Releases about 4 hours later
• Third bead: Releases about 8 hours later

This three-phase release provides up to 16 hours of symptom control — longer than most other ADHD stimulants. That's why many patients and doctors prefer Mydayis, especially for adults who need coverage throughout a long workday.

Learn more in our detailed article on how Mydayis works.

Alternative Medications to Mydayis

If you can't find Mydayis, these are the most common alternatives your doctor may consider. Each has its own strengths and trade-offs.

1. Adderall XR (Amphetamine Mixed Salts Extended-Release)

Adderall XR is the closest relative to Mydayis. It contains the same active ingredients — mixed amphetamine salts — but uses a two-bead system instead of three. This provides about 10-12 hours of symptom control, compared to Mydayis's 16 hours.

Key details:

• Duration: 10-12 hours
• Strengths: 5 mg to 30 mg
• Generic available: Yes — generic Adderall XR is widely available and typically costs $30 to $80 with a coupon
• Best for: Patients who did well on Mydayis but don't need full 16-hour coverage

Important note: Because Adderall XR and Mydayis have different bead systems and release profiles, they are not interchangeable on a milligram-per-milligram basis. Your doctor will need to determine the right Adderall XR dose for you.

Adderall XR is also affected by the amphetamine shortage, but generic versions are more widely available than Mydayis.

2. Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

Vyvanse is another popular ADHD medication that's closely related to amphetamine. It's a prodrug, which means it's inactive until your body converts it to dextroamphetamine. This conversion process provides a smoother onset and may reduce the abuse potential.

Key details:

• Duration: Up to 14 hours
• Strengths: 10 mg to 70 mg (capsules and chewable tablets)
• Generic available: Yes — generic lisdexamfetamine became available in 2023
• Cash price: Brand Vyvanse costs $350-$450; generic can be $30-$80 with a coupon
• Best for: Patients who want long-lasting coverage with a smoother onset and potentially lower abuse risk

Vyvanse is one of the most commonly prescribed alternatives to Mydayis because of its similar duration and effectiveness.

3. Concerta (Methylphenidate Extended-Release)

Concerta is an extended-release form of methylphenidate — a different stimulant class than amphetamine. If you haven't responded well to amphetamines, or if amphetamine products are unavailable, methylphenidate-based medications are the primary alternative.

Key details:

• Duration: Up to 12 hours
• Strengths: 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, 54 mg
• Generic available: Yes — widely available
• Cash price: Generic methylphenidate ER costs $25-$60 with a coupon
• Best for: Patients who need a non-amphetamine stimulant option, or who experience too many side effects with amphetamines

Since Concerta uses a completely different active ingredient, it's not affected by the amphetamine shortage. This makes it a reliable backup option when Mydayis and other amphetamine products are unavailable.

4. Jornay PM (Methylphenidate)

Jornay PM is a unique ADHD medication that you take at night before bed. It's designed to start working by the time you wake up in the morning, providing coverage from the moment your day begins.

Key details:

• Duration: Active from morning through the afternoon
• Strengths: 20 mg to 100 mg
• Generic available: No
• Best for: Patients who struggle with morning ADHD symptoms or who have trouble remembering to take medication in the morning

Jornay PM is a methylphenidate product, so it's not part of the amphetamine shortage. However, it's a brand-name only medication and can be expensive without insurance.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

Switching ADHD medications isn't something to do on your own. Here's how to approach the conversation:

• Explain the situation: Let your doctor know you've been unable to find Mydayis and have tried multiple pharmacies
• Ask about your options: Your doctor can recommend the best alternative based on your history, symptom pattern, and any other medications you take
• Discuss the transition: Switching typically involves starting the new medication at a low dose and gradually adjusting. Your doctor will manage this process
• Keep checking for Mydayis: Even after switching, you can continue looking for Mydayis using Medfinder. If it becomes available, you and your doctor can decide whether to switch back

For more information about drug interactions to watch for, see our guide on Mydayis drug interactions.

Final Thoughts

Losing access to a medication that helps you function is genuinely stressful. But having a plan and knowing your options can make a difficult situation more manageable.

If you're searching for Mydayis right now, start with Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability. If you can't find it, the alternatives above — Adderall XR, Vyvanse, Concerta, or Jornay PM — are well-established medications that your doctor can help you transition to safely.

For more tips on locating Mydayis, check out our guide on how to find Mydayis in stock near you. And for information about the shortage itself, read our Mydayis shortage update for 2026.