Finding a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Amphetamine

If you've been struggling with focus, attention, or staying awake during the day, you may have wondered whether Amphetamine could help. But before you can fill a prescription, you need to find the right doctor — and because Amphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance, not every provider can or will prescribe it.

This guide walks you through exactly what type of doctor to look for, how to find one near you, and what to expect at your first appointment.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Amphetamine?

Several types of healthcare providers can prescribe Amphetamine and other stimulant medications:

• Psychiatrists — These are the most common prescribers of Amphetamine for ADHD. They specialize in mental health and are very familiar with stimulant medications.
• Primary care physicians (PCPs) and family medicine doctors — Many PCPs are comfortable prescribing Amphetamine, especially for straightforward ADHD cases. This is often the fastest route.
• Pediatricians — For children and adolescents with ADHD, pediatricians frequently prescribe Amphetamine. Some may refer complex cases to a child psychiatrist.
• Neurologists — If you have narcolepsy or another neurological condition, a neurologist may prescribe Amphetamine.
• Sleep medicine specialists — For narcolepsy or excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep medicine doctors may prescribe stimulants including Amphetamine.
• Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) — In most states, NPs and PAs with appropriate training can prescribe controlled substances including Amphetamine.

Keep in mind that some providers have personal policies against prescribing stimulants. If one doctor declines, it doesn't mean you won't find another who will help.

How to Find a Provider Near You

There are several practical ways to locate a doctor who prescribes Amphetamine in your area:

1. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

Start with your insurance company's online directory. You can filter by specialty (psychiatry, family medicine) and location. This ensures the provider is in-network, which keeps your costs lower. Most insurance websites let you search by condition (ADHD) as well.

2. Try Zocdoc or Similar Platforms

Websites like Zocdoc, Healthgrades, and Vitals let you search for doctors by specialty, condition, and insurance. You can read patient reviews and book appointments online. Search for "ADHD" or "psychiatrist" in your zip code to see available providers.

3. Ask Your Primary Care Doctor for a Referral

If you already have a PCP, ask for a referral to a psychiatrist or ADHD specialist. Your doctor may even be willing to prescribe Amphetamine themselves after an evaluation. A referral from a trusted provider can also help you skip long waitlists.

4. Consider Telehealth

Telehealth has become a popular option for ADHD treatment. Several platforms now offer virtual ADHD evaluations and can prescribe stimulant medications including Amphetamine. In-person visits may still be required for the first appointment in some states, but follow-ups are often virtual.

Popular telehealth platforms for ADHD include Done, Cerebral, and Ahead. Check that the platform is available in your state and accepts your insurance.

5. Check With Local Mental Health Clinics

Community mental health centers and university-affiliated clinics often have psychiatrists on staff who prescribe stimulants. These can be more affordable options, especially if you're uninsured or underinsured.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Finding a doctor is the first step. Here's what typically happens once you get an appointment:

The Evaluation

Your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD or another condition that Amphetamine treats. This usually includes:

• A detailed medical and psychiatric history
• Questions about your symptoms, when they started, and how they affect your daily life
• Standardized questionnaires or rating scales (like the ASRS for adults)
• A review of your current medications and medical conditions
• Sometimes, input from family members or past school records

What to Bring

Come prepared with:

• A list of your current medications and supplements
• Your insurance card
• Any prior medical records related to ADHD or mental health
• Notes about your symptoms — when they occur, how long they've been happening, and how they impact work, school, or relationships

The Prescribing Decision

If your doctor determines that Amphetamine is appropriate, they'll typically start you on a low dose and increase gradually. For adults, this often means starting at 5–10 mg per day of immediate-release Amphetamine or 20 mg per day of extended-release. Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your response and adjust the dose.

Because Amphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance, your doctor must write a new prescription each time — no automatic refills. Most states now allow electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS), which makes this easier.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once you have a prescription in hand, the next challenge may be finding a pharmacy that has Amphetamine in stock. Due to the ongoing Amphetamine shortage, some pharmacies may not have your specific dose or formulation available.

Here are a few tips:

• Use Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability near you
• Call your pharmacy ahead of time to confirm they have your medication
• Ask your doctor if they can suggest pharmacies that typically keep Amphetamine in stock
• Be flexible with the formulation — if your pharmacy is out of brand Adderall XR, generic Amphetamine mixed salts XR may be available

You can also save money on Amphetamine by using discount cards from GoodRx or SingleCare. Generic Amphetamine mixed salts can cost as little as $13–$60 for a 30-day supply with a coupon.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right doctor to prescribe Amphetamine doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start with your insurance directory or a referral from your primary care doctor, and don't hesitate to explore telehealth options if local providers have long wait times. Once you have a diagnosis and prescription, tools like Medfinder can help you locate a pharmacy with your medication in stock.

If you're unsure whether Amphetamine is the right medication for you, read our guide on what Amphetamine is and how it works, or learn about alternatives to Amphetamine if you're having trouble filling your prescription.