You Shouldn't Have to Call 20 Pharmacies to Fill Your Prescription

If you take Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine), you already know the drill: you get your prescription, drive to the pharmacy, and hear the words "we don't have it in stock." Then you start calling. Pharmacy after pharmacy. Some don't answer. Some put you on hold. Some say they can't disclose controlled substance inventory over the phone.

It's exhausting — and in 2026, with the amphetamine shortage still affecting supply, it's happening to thousands of patients every month.

The good news? There are ways to check pharmacy stock without calling. Here's how.

Why Is Dexedrine So Hard to Find?

Dexedrine is a Schedule II controlled substance, and the entire amphetamine class has been in shortage since late 2022. DEA production quotas, manufacturing delays, and increased demand have all contributed. For a deeper look at the causes, read our full explainer on why Dexedrine is so hard to find.

The result: pharmacies frequently run out, and restocking timelines are unpredictable.

How to Check Stock Without Calling

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder was built specifically for this problem. It tracks real-time pharmacy availability for medications that are hard to find — including Dexedrine and other amphetamine products.

Here's how it works:

• Enter your medication name and zip code
• See which nearby pharmacies have it in stock
• Get availability updates without having to call around

Medfinder is especially useful for Schedule II medications like Dexedrine, where many pharmacies won't confirm stock over the phone.

2. Check Pharmacy Apps and Websites

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

• CVS: The CVS app and website let you search for medications and check if they're available at specific locations. However, for controlled substances, availability may not always be displayed.
• Walgreens: Walgreens has an online prescription tool, but stock visibility for Schedule II drugs is limited.
• Walmart: Walmart's pharmacy website allows prescription transfers, which can sometimes reveal availability.

Keep in mind that pharmacy apps often lag behind actual inventory for high-demand medications. What shows as available online may be gone by the time you arrive.

3. Use GoodRx for Price and Stock Signals

While GoodRx is primarily a price comparison tool, it can give you indirect stock signals. If a pharmacy shows a price for Dexedrine on GoodRx, it usually means they carry the medication — though it doesn't guarantee current stock. It's a useful starting filter, especially when combined with a tool like Medfinder.

For pricing details and savings tips, see our guide on how to save money on Dexedrine.

4. Try Independent Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies sometimes have stock when the big chains don't. They may be more flexible about ordering specific formulations. Use Google Maps or Yelp to find independent pharmacies near you, then check with Medfinder or contact them directly.

If You Prefer to Call

Some patients still prefer to call, and that's fine. Here are tips to make it more efficient:

• Call early in the day — pharmacy staff are less busy and more likely to check stock for you
• Be specific: Ask for the exact formulation (e.g., "Dextroamphetamine ER capsules, 15 mg, manufactured by Teva")
• Ask about ordering: Even if a pharmacy is out, they may be able to order it for you with a 1-3 day turnaround
• Know the rules: Some pharmacies have policies against confirming Schedule II stock by phone. Don't take it personally — it's a security measure

Once You Find a Pharmacy With Stock

When you locate Dexedrine at a pharmacy, act quickly:

• Have your prescription ready: Your doctor's office can send an e-prescription directly. Schedule II e-prescriptions are now standard in most states.
• Ask the pharmacy to hold it: Most pharmacies will hold a medication for 24-48 hours once a prescription is received.
• Consider transferring: If your prescription is already at another pharmacy, ask about transferring it. Rules for Schedule II transfers vary by state.
• Pick it up promptly: Don't wait days — during a shortage, stock can sell out quickly.

If you still can't find Dexedrine, talk to your doctor about alternative medications that may be more available.

Final Thoughts

Checking pharmacy stock for Dexedrine shouldn't take hours of your day. Tools like Medfinder are designed to take the guesswork out of the process, so you can spend less time on the phone and more time on what matters. Combine digital tools with a few smart strategies, and you'll have a much better chance of getting your prescription filled — even during a shortage.