Stop Calling Every Pharmacy — There's a Better Way

If you've tried to fill a prescription for Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine XR recently, you know the drill: call one pharmacy, they don't have it. Call another, same story. Maybe you drive across town only to hear "we're out of stock" at the counter.

With the ongoing shortage, this frustrating cycle has become the norm for millions of ADHD patients. But you don't have to keep calling around blindly. There are tools that can help you check pharmacy stock without picking up the phone.

Why Is Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine XR So Hard to Find?

The shortage of Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine XR has been ongoing since late 2022. A combination of manufacturing delays, DEA production quotas, and increased demand has kept certain strengths — especially 15 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg — intermittently unavailable.

Even when supply improves nationally, availability varies dramatically from pharmacy to pharmacy and week to week. That's why real-time stock checking tools are so valuable.

How to Check Stock Without Calling

1. Medfinder (Recommended)

Medfinder was built specifically for this problem. It tracks real-time pharmacy availability for medications that are hard to find — including Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine XR.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine XR
3. Enter your zip code
4. See which pharmacies near you currently have it in stock

Medfinder updates frequently and shows availability by specific strength and form, so you're not guessing. It's free to use and doesn't require an account.

2. Pharmacy Apps and Websites

Some major pharmacy chains let you check medication availability through their apps or websites:

• CVS — The CVS app and website allow you to check if a prescription can be filled at a specific location. You can also transfer prescriptions between CVS locations if one store has stock and another doesn't.
• Walgreens — Walgreens' app shows prescription status and lets you search for medications at nearby locations.
• Walmart — Walmart's pharmacy app provides prescription tracking. You can call the automated pharmacy line to check stock without speaking to a person.

Keep in mind that pharmacy apps are better at showing whether your specific prescription is ready, rather than general stock levels. They may not always reflect real-time inventory for controlled substances.

3. GoodRx

While GoodRx is best known for discount coupons, it also shows which pharmacies in your area carry a medication and at what price. This can give you a rough sense of availability — if a pharmacy lists a price for your dose, they likely have it or can order it.

However, GoodRx doesn't show real-time inventory the way Medfinder does. Treat it as a starting point, not a guarantee.

If You Prefer to Call

Sometimes a phone call is still the quickest option. If you do call, here are some tips to make it more productive:

• Call early in the morning — Pharmacies receive deliveries in the morning, so staff will have the most up-to-date stock information early in the day.
• Be specific. Tell them the exact medication name, strength, and quantity: "I'm looking for Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine XR 20 mg, 30 capsules."
• Ask about manufacturer. If your pharmacy is out of one manufacturer's version, they may have another. Generic Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine XR is made by Teva, Sandoz, Lannett, and others.
• Ask when they expect more. Pharmacies often know their delivery schedule and can tell you when a restock is expected.
• Try independent pharmacies. Smaller, independent pharmacies sometimes have better access to medications that chain pharmacies are out of.

Once You Find It in Stock

When you locate a pharmacy that has your medication, act quickly:

• Have your prescription ready. Your doctor will need to send an electronic prescription directly to that pharmacy. Schedule II medications like Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine XR cannot be transferred between pharmacies in most states.
• Ask them to hold it. Some pharmacies will set aside a medication for a short period if you tell them your prescription is on the way.
• Compare prices before you fill. Generic Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine XR ranges from $28 to $80 with discount coupons, but retail prices without coupons can be $200 to $350. Check our guide to saving money on Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine XR for the best deals.

Final Thoughts

The Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine XR shortage has made filling a routine prescription feel like a scavenger hunt. But with the right tools — especially Medfinder — you can check stock levels online and skip the frustrating phone calls.

If you're struggling to find your medication, start with Medfinder, check pharmacy apps, and don't be afraid to call independent pharmacies. And if the shortage is making it impossible to fill your prescription, talk to your doctor about alternative medications that may be easier to find.