Why Is Relexxii So Hard to Find at Pharmacies?

If you've ever driven to your pharmacy to pick up Relexxii (methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release) only to hear "we're out of stock," you're not alone. The broader stimulant shortage that began in late 2022 has affected methylphenidate ER products across the board, and while supply has improved thanks to DEA production quota increases in late 2025, many patients still face unpredictable availability.

The good news: you don't have to call every pharmacy in town to figure out who has it. This guide covers the fastest, most reliable ways to check Relexxii stock — all from your phone or computer.

Use Medfinder to Check Relexxii Stock Instantly

Medfinder is built specifically for this problem. Instead of calling pharmacies one by one, you can search for Relexxii availability by location and see which pharmacies near you have it in stock — in real time.

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

Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "Relexxii" or "Methylphenidate ER"
3. Enter your zip code or city
4. View a list of nearby pharmacies with current stock status

Medfinder is especially useful for controlled substances like Relexxii, where traditional pharmacy stock-checking tools often fall short. It's free to use and doesn't require an account.

Check Your Pharmacy's App or Website

Many major pharmacy chains let you check medication availability or manage prescriptions through their apps:

CVS Pharmacy

The CVS app shows prescription status and will notify you when your medication is ready. While it doesn't display real-time stock for every drug, you can use the "Transfer a Prescription" feature to check if another CVS location might have Relexxii available. You can also text or chat with a CVS pharmacist directly through the app.

Walgreens

The Walgreens app lets you manage prescriptions and request refills. If your home store is out, you can search nearby Walgreens locations and call or transfer. Walgreens also offers a chat feature within the app.

Walmart Pharmacy

Walmart's app shows your prescription history and refill status. For controlled substances like Relexxii, you may need to contact the pharmacy directly for stock status, but the app can help you identify nearby locations.

Independent Pharmacies

Smaller independent pharmacies may not have apps, but many are surprisingly well-stocked because they have more flexibility in ordering from different wholesalers. A quick call — or better yet, a Medfinder search — can reveal hidden inventory that chain pharmacies don't have.

Use GoodRx to Compare Prices and Check Availability

GoodRx is primarily known as a coupon and price-comparison tool, but it can also help you find pharmacies that carry Relexxii or its generic equivalent, methylphenidate ER. When you search for a medication on GoodRx, it shows prices at nearby pharmacies — and if a pharmacy lists a price, it's a strong signal they carry that medication.

Keep in mind that GoodRx prices reflect coupon-discounted cash prices, which can be useful if you're paying out of pocket. Generic methylphenidate ER can cost as little as $32-$45/month with GoodRx coupons, compared to $350-$505/month for brand-name Relexxii at retail.

For more ways to save, check out our guide: How to Save Money on Relexxii.

Ask Your Doctor's Office for Help

Your prescriber's office may have insights into which local pharmacies tend to have Relexxii in stock. Some practices maintain informal lists of pharmacies with reliable stimulant supply, especially during shortage periods. When your doctor writes the prescription, ask: "Do you know which pharmacies near here typically have this in stock?"

Many electronic prescribing systems also allow your doctor to send the prescription directly to a specific pharmacy, so if you've already identified one with stock via Medfinder or another tool, let your doctor know before they submit it.

What to Do When Nobody Has Relexxii

If you've searched everywhere and Relexxii is truly out of stock in your area, here are your options:

Ask About a Different Strength

Relexxii comes in seven strengths: 18 mg, 27 mg, 36 mg, 45 mg, 54 mg, 63 mg, and 72 mg. Sometimes a pharmacy may be out of one strength but have another. Your doctor may be able to adjust your regimen — for example, using two lower-strength tablets to achieve the same total dose.

Ask About the Generic

If brand-name Relexxii is unavailable, generic methylphenidate ER (osmotic delivery) may be in stock. The generic is therapeutically equivalent and typically much more affordable. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about substitution.

Try a Different Pharmacy Type

If chain pharmacies are out, try:

• Independent pharmacies — Often have different supply chains and more flexibility in ordering
• Hospital outpatient pharmacies — May have access to different wholesaler allocations
• Mail-order pharmacies — Some patients find that mail-order services through their insurance have more reliable supply for maintenance medications, though controlled substance policies vary

Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

If the shortage is ongoing and you can't reliably get Relexxii, your doctor may recommend trying a different ADHD medication. Options include other methylphenidate formulations like Aptensio XR or Jornay PM, or amphetamine-based alternatives like Vyvanse. Read more about how Relexxii compares in our guide: How Does Relexxii Work?

Tips for Avoiding Future Stock Issues

Once you find a pharmacy that has Relexxii, these strategies can help you avoid running into the same problem next month:

• Refill early. Most states allow Schedule II prescriptions to be filled a few days before you run out. Don't wait until your last pill.
• Build a relationship with your pharmacist. Pharmacists who know you may be willing to set aside stock or give you a heads-up when supply is low.
• Ask about ordering ahead. Some pharmacies can special-order Relexxii for you if they don't normally stock it. This works best at independent pharmacies.
• Keep your doctor's office in the loop. If you're consistently having trouble, your provider needs to know — they may have solutions you haven't considered.
• Bookmark Medfinder. Check it a few days before you need a refill so you have time to act if your usual pharmacy is out.

Important Notes About Controlled Substance Prescriptions

Because Relexxii is a Schedule II controlled substance, there are some rules that affect how you fill it:

• No automatic refills. Your doctor must write a new prescription each time (some states allow up to 90-day supplies or post-dated prescriptions).
• Limited transfers. In many states, Schedule II prescriptions cannot be transferred between pharmacies. If your pharmacy is out, your doctor may need to send a new prescription to a different location.
• ID required. Pharmacies may require valid photo ID when you pick up Schedule II medications.
• Early refill limits. Insurance companies and pharmacies may not fill the prescription more than a few days early to prevent stockpiling.

Final Thoughts

Finding Relexxii in stock shouldn't be a monthly scavenger hunt. Tools like Medfinder take the guesswork out of pharmacy availability, and combining them with pharmacy apps, GoodRx, and a good relationship with your pharmacist can keep your treatment on track — even during shortage periods.

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.

New to Relexxii? Start with our overview: What Is Relexxii? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026. Already taking it and wondering about side effects? Read: Relexxii Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor.