Finding Azstarys Shouldn't Be This Hard

If you've been prescribed Azstarys for ADHD and spent hours on the phone calling pharmacies, you already know the frustration. The medication exists. Your prescription is valid. But actually getting it filled? That's another story.

The good news: there are smarter ways to find Azstarys in stock than calling every pharmacy in town. Here are three practical strategies that actually work — plus what to do if you still come up empty.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Search Pharmacy Availability

This is the fastest way to find Azstarys in stock near you. Medfinder is a free tool that shows you which pharmacies near your zip code currently have Azstarys available.

Instead of making 15 phone calls and being put on hold, you can search once and see results in seconds. Medfinder checks availability across a wide network of pharmacies, including chains and independents.

How to use it:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "Azstarys"
3. Enter your zip code
4. See which pharmacies near you have it in stock

It's especially useful because Azstarys is a brand-name-only medication with no generic available, so stock can be spotty. Medfinder takes the guesswork out of finding it.

For a deeper look at how to check pharmacy stock, see our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Azstarys in stock.

Tip 2: Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

When most people think "pharmacy," they think CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid. But large chain pharmacies often run out of Schedule II controlled substances like Azstarys before independent pharmacies do.

Why? Chain pharmacies serve a higher volume of patients and may have more rigid ordering systems. Independent pharmacies often have:

• More flexible relationships with their wholesale distributors
• The ability to special-order medications more easily
• Less competition for controlled substance inventory
• Pharmacists who know their patients by name and will go the extra mile

Search for independent pharmacies in your area and give them a call. Many will order Azstarys for you if they don't currently have it in stock — something chain pharmacies are less likely to do.

Specialty pharmacies that focus on mental health or ADHD medications may also be worth exploring. These pharmacies specifically stock medications like Azstarys and are experienced with the insurance and prior authorization process.

Tip 3: Time Your Refill Strategically

Timing matters more than you might think when it comes to filling a Schedule II prescription.

Best practices for timing:

• Fill early in the month. Many pharmacies receive their stimulant shipments at the beginning of the month. By mid-month or late month, stock may be depleted.
• Fill early in the week. Monday through Wednesday tends to be better than Thursday or Friday, when pharmacies may have already run through their weekly supply.
• Fill as early as your state and insurance allow. Most states permit refilling Schedule II medications 1-2 days before your current supply runs out. Don't wait until you're completely out — by then, you may face a gap in treatment.
• Drop off your prescription in person. Calling ahead to check stock is fine, but physically dropping off your prescription signals to the pharmacy that they need to fill it. Some pharmacies will prioritize prescriptions already in their queue.

What If You Still Can't Find Azstarys?

If you've tried all three tips and still can't find Azstarys, don't panic. You have more options.

Ask Your Doctor About Alternatives

Several medications work similarly to Azstarys. Your doctor may recommend switching to Focalin XR (Dexmethylphenidate ER), Concerta (Methylphenidate ER), or Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) while Azstarys is unavailable. These aren't identical, but they treat the same condition and may be easier to find.

Read our full guide on alternatives to Azstarys for detailed comparisons.

Ask Your Doctor to Contact the Pharmacy Directly

Sometimes a call from your prescriber's office can move things along. They can confirm the prescription, help with prior authorization, or even call a specific pharmacy to arrange the fill.

Check if Mail-Order Is an Option

Some insurance plans offer mail-order pharmacy services that may have better access to Azstarys. Be aware that Schedule II medications have additional mailing restrictions in some states, but it's worth checking with your plan.

Use Discount Cards if Insurance Is the Problem

If the issue isn't stock but cost, a coupon card from SingleCare, GoodRx, or the Corium copay savings card may bring the price down enough to fill at a pharmacy that has it.

Understanding Why Azstarys Is Hard to Find

Knowing why Azstarys is scarce can help you plan better. In short:

• It's Schedule II. DEA manufacturing quotas limit how much can be produced each year.
• No generic exists. Only one manufacturer (Corium) makes it, so any supply hiccup affects everyone.
• The ADHD medication shortage continues. Increased demand across all stimulants has strained the supply chain since 2022.
• Insurance barriers mean many pharmacies don't stock it regularly.

For the full breakdown, see why Azstarys is so hard to find in 2026.

Final Thoughts

Finding Azstarys in 2026 takes a little extra effort, but it's absolutely possible. Start with Medfinder to check real-time availability, expand your search to independent pharmacies, and time your refills strategically. If all else fails, your doctor can help you find an alternative that keeps your ADHD treatment on track.

You deserve access to the medication that works for you. Don't settle — keep searching.