When You Can't Find Relexxii, There Are Other Options

If you rely on Relexxii for ADHD and your pharmacy keeps telling you it's out of stock, you're dealing with one of the most frustrating parts of the ongoing stimulant shortage. Going without your ADHD medication isn't really an option — it affects your focus, productivity, relationships, and quality of life.

Thanks to a partnership between Relexxii's manufacturer and Medfinder, you can use Medfinder's medication locating services completely free of charge.

The good news is that there are several effective alternatives to Relexxii. They contain similar active ingredients or work in similar ways, and your doctor can help you find one that's both available and right for you.

What Is Relexxii and How Does It Work?

Relexxii is a brand-name, once-daily, extended-release tablet containing Methylphenidate Hydrochloride. It's manufactured by Vertical Pharmaceuticals and was FDA-approved in 2022 for treating ADHD in adults (up to age 65) and children ages 6 and older.

Relexxii works by blocking the reuptake of two key brain chemicals — dopamine and norepinephrine — which are involved in attention, focus, and impulse control. What makes Relexxii unique is its osmotic delivery system (OROS technology). The tablet has a semipermeable membrane, an immediate-release coating that dissolves within the first hour, and then an osmotically active core that pushes medication out through a tiny laser-drilled hole at a steady rate for 6 to 7 hours. For a deeper dive, see our guide on how Relexxii works.

Relexxii comes in seven strengths (18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, 45 mg, 54 mg, 63 mg, and 72 mg) and is classified as a DEA Schedule II controlled substance.

Alternatives to Relexxii

The following medications are real, FDA-approved alternatives that your doctor may consider if Relexxii isn't available. Never switch medications on your own — always work with your prescriber to find the right fit.

1. Concerta (Methylphenidate ER — OROS)

Concerta is the closest alternative to Relexxii. It uses the same osmotic (OROS) delivery technology and contains the same active ingredient, Methylphenidate HCl. In fact, clinical studies showed that Relexxii 72 mg once daily is bioequivalent to Concerta 36 mg taken twice daily.

• Strengths: 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, 54 mg
• How to take: Once daily in the morning
• Key difference: Concerta has been on the market since 2000, so it has more generic options, though some generics are not rated as therapeutically equivalent by the FDA
• Cost: Generic Methylphenidate ER (Concerta-type) can cost as low as $32 to $50 per month with a coupon

2. Aptensio XR (Methylphenidate ER — Beaded)

Aptensio XR is another extended-release Methylphenidate product, but it uses a bead-based delivery system instead of osmotic technology. This means the capsule can be opened and the beads sprinkled on applesauce for patients who have trouble swallowing pills.

• Strengths: 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, 30 mg, 35 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg
• How to take: Once daily in the morning; capsule can be opened and sprinkled
• Key difference: More flexible dosing options and easier to take for those who can't swallow whole tablets
• Best for: Patients who have difficulty swallowing Relexxii's non-crushable tablet

3. Jornay PM (Methylphenidate ER — Delayed Release)

Jornay PM is a unique Methylphenidate ER product that's taken at night rather than in the morning. It uses a delayed-release mechanism so the medication is active by the time you wake up the next morning.

• Strengths: 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, 100 mg
• How to take: Once daily in the evening (between 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM)
• Key difference: Designed for patients who struggle with morning routines or need ADHD control the moment they wake up
• Best for: Patients who have trouble remembering morning doses or need immediate morning coverage

4. Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine)

Vyvanse is not a Methylphenidate product — it belongs to the amphetamine class. However, it's one of the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications and may be considered if Methylphenidate products aren't working or aren't available.

• Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, 50 mg, 60 mg, 70 mg
• How to take: Once daily in the morning; capsule can be opened and mixed with water
• Key difference: Different drug class (amphetamine-based); prodrug that's converted to active form in the body, which may reduce abuse potential
• Best for: Patients who haven't responded well to Methylphenidate or need a different stimulant class

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Switching

If you need to switch from Relexxii, here's how to approach the conversation:

1. Explain the situation: Let your doctor know that Relexxii is unavailable at your pharmacy and that you've tried to find it using tools like Medfinder.
2. Ask about equivalent options: Your doctor can recommend the closest alternative based on your dose and response history.
3. Discuss the transition: Some switches are straightforward (like Relexxii to Concerta), while others may require dose adjustments.
4. Plan for follow-up: Any time you switch ADHD medications, your doctor should check in within a few weeks to see how you're responding.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to fill your Relexxii prescription is stressful, but you have solid alternatives. Concerta is the most similar option, while Aptensio XR, Jornay PM, and Vyvanse each offer unique benefits that might work well for your situation.

The manufacturer of Relexxii has partnered with Medfinder to provide medication locating services free of charge. Visit medfinder.com to find Relexxii in stock near you at no cost.

Always work with your prescriber before making any changes. And if you haven't already, try Medfinder to check if Relexxii is available at a pharmacy near you — you might find it in stock somewhere you haven't checked yet.

For more information, read our guides on how to find Relexxii in stock, Relexxii side effects, and how to find a doctor who can prescribe Relexxii.