Your pharmacy is out of stock — now what?

You've been here before. You hand over your prescription for amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR, wait in line, and hear the words: "We're out of stock. We don't know when we'll get more."

The ongoing amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR shortage has been affecting patients since late 2022, and while supply is slowly improving in 2026, many pharmacies still can't keep up with demand.

The good news? There are practical things you can do to improve your chances. Here are three strategies that actually work.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability

Instead of driving from pharmacy to pharmacy or making a dozen phone calls, use Medfinder to search for pharmacies near you that currently have amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR in stock.

Medfinder pulls availability data so you can see which pharmacies have your medication before you make the trip. It's free to use and covers pharmacies nationwide.

Here's how to use it:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR" or "generic Adderall"
3. Enter your zip code
4. See which nearby pharmacies have it in stock

This alone can save you hours of frustration.

Tip 2: Check independent and specialty pharmacies

When most people think "pharmacy," they think CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart. But during a shortage, these large chains often run out first because they serve the most patients and face strict allocation limits from distributors.

Independent pharmacies — the locally owned ones — often have advantages during shortages:

• They may work with multiple drug distributors, giving them more sourcing options
• They often have closer relationships with their patients and will go the extra mile to special-order medications
• They may face less competition for limited supply in their area

To find independent pharmacies near you, search Google Maps for "independent pharmacy near me" or ask your doctor's office for recommendations. Many independent pharmacies also show up on Medfinder.

Tip 3: Time your refills strategically

Pharmacies receive shipments on specific days, and controlled substance inventory can change from day to day. A few timing strategies can help:

• Call ahead. Before driving to the pharmacy, call and ask if they have your specific dose in stock. Ask when their next shipment is expected.
• Go early in the week. Many pharmacies receive deliveries on Monday or Tuesday. Checking in mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) can improve your chances.
• Refill early. Don't wait until you're on your last pill. Most states allow Schedule II refills a few days before your current supply runs out. Start the process 5 to 7 days early to give yourself time to search.
• Avoid the end of the month. Many patients fill 30-day prescriptions at the same time, creating a rush at the beginning and end of each month.

What if you still can't find it?

If you've tried all of the above and still can't find amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR, here are a few more options:

Ask your doctor about a different dose or strength

Sometimes one strength (like 20 mg) is unavailable while another (like 10 mg) is in stock. Your doctor may be able to adjust your prescription — for example, prescribing two 10 mg tablets instead of one 20 mg tablet.

Consider a therapeutic alternative

If the IR formulation is unavailable, your doctor might consider switching you to the extended-release (XR) version, or to a different medication in the same class like methylphenidate (Ritalin), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), or dextroamphetamine (Zenzedi). Learn more in our guide to alternatives.

Have your doctor contact the pharmacy directly

In some cases, a pharmacist can order a specific medication if a prescriber calls to confirm the prescription and the patient's need. This doesn't always work, but it can help with pharmacies that are hesitant to stock large quantities of controlled substances.

Check pharmacies in neighboring areas

Shortages can be highly localized. A pharmacy 20 or 30 minutes away may have stock when the ones closest to you don't. Medfinder lets you expand your search radius to find more options.

Final thoughts

Finding amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR in 2026 still takes more effort than it should. But with the right tools and strategies, you can significantly improve your chances of filling your prescription without missing doses.

Start with Medfinder, branch out to independent pharmacies, and plan your refills ahead of time. If you're also dealing with high costs, check out our guide on how to save money on amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR.

You shouldn't have to fight this hard for a medication you need — but until the shortage fully resolves, a little planning goes a long way.