Finding Dexedrine Shouldn't Be This Hard

If you've been driving from pharmacy to pharmacy or spending hours on hold trying to find Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine), you're not imagining things. The amphetamine shortage that started in late 2022 is still affecting patients in 2026, and Dexedrine — both brand and generic — remains one of the harder ADHD medications to track down.

But there are smarter ways to search. Instead of the pharmacy-hopping routine, here are three strategies that actually work.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Stock Online

The fastest way to find Dexedrine near you is to use Medfinder. It's a free tool that shows you which pharmacies in your area currently have Dextroamphetamine in stock — so you can skip the guesswork and head straight to a pharmacy that has what you need.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "Dexedrine" or "Dextroamphetamine"
3. Enter your zip code
4. See a list of nearby pharmacies with current availability

This saves you from the frustrating cycle of calling 10 pharmacies only to hear "we're out of stock" at every one. For more on checking stock, see our guide: How to check if a pharmacy has Dexedrine in stock.

Tip 2: Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

Large chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) use centralized automated ordering systems. These systems decide how much of each medication to stock based on algorithms — and they often understock Schedule II controlled substances like Dextroamphetamine.

Independent pharmacies are different. They typically:

• Have direct relationships with multiple drug distributors
• Can special-order medications for individual patients
• Are more willing to call their distributor and check real-time availability
• May carry less common formulations (like Dexedrine Spansule) that chains don't stock

To find independent pharmacies near you, search "independent pharmacy" plus your city on Google Maps, or ask your prescriber for recommendations.

Tip 3: Time Your Refills Strategically

Timing matters more than you might think:

• Fill early in the month. Many patients fill their 30-day prescriptions at the beginning of the month. Pharmacies may restock around that cycle, so getting there early can improve your chances.
• Go during off-peak hours. Calling the pharmacy early in the morning (right when they open) means you're more likely to reach the pharmacist directly and get an honest answer about stock.
• Ask about restock days. Pharmacies receive shipments on specific days. Ask your pharmacist when their controlled substance orders typically arrive, and plan your refill around that schedule.
• Don't wait until you're out. Because Dexedrine is a Schedule II drug, you can't get automatic refills. But you can bring in a new prescription a few days before you run out and have the pharmacy hold it until your fill date.

What If You Still Can't Find Dexedrine?

If none of the above works, you have a few more options:

Ask Your Doctor About Switching Formulations

Sometimes the extended-release Spansule capsule is out of stock but immediate-release Dextroamphetamine tablets are available (or the reverse). Your doctor can write a new prescription for a different formulation. The newer Xelstrym transdermal patch is another Dextroamphetamine option that may be easier to find, though it's typically more expensive.

Consider Therapeutic Alternatives

If Dextroamphetamine in any form is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend a switch to another stimulant. Common alternatives include Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts), Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine), or methylphenidate-based medications like Concerta or Focalin. Our post on alternatives to Dexedrine covers each option in detail.

Look Into Mail-Order Pharmacies

Some patients have had success with mail-order or specialty pharmacies, which may have access to different distribution channels. Check with your insurance plan to see if mail-order is an option for controlled substances — policies vary by insurer.

Use Discount Cards to Expand Your Options

Sometimes a pharmacy has stock but the price is high. Using a discount card from GoodRx, SingleCare, or RxSaver can bring generic Dextroamphetamine IR tablets down to around $20–$60 for a 30-day supply. This can make it worthwhile to fill at a pharmacy you wouldn't normally use. For more savings strategies, see our guide on how to save money on Dexedrine.

Final Thoughts

Finding Dexedrine in 2026 requires more effort than it should — but it's not impossible. Start with Medfinder to see what's available near you, expand your search to include independent pharmacies, and time your refills strategically. If the shortage continues to affect your treatment, talk to your doctor about formulation switches or therapeutic alternatives.

For background on what's causing the shortage, read: Why is Dexedrine so hard to find?