Finding Dextroamphetamine Shouldn't Be This Hard

If you've been prescribed Dextroamphetamine for ADHD or narcolepsy, you already know the drill: you show up at the pharmacy, and they tell you it's out of stock. You call three more pharmacies — same answer. It's exhausting, and it can feel like nobody has your medication.

The good news? There are tools and strategies that can save you hours of phone calls and help you find Dextroamphetamine faster. Here's what actually works in 2026.

Tip #1: Use Medfinder to Search Real-Time Pharmacy Inventory

The single most effective thing you can do is stop calling pharmacies one by one and start using Medfinder.

Medfinder shows you which pharmacies near your zip code currently have Dextroamphetamine in stock — in real time. Instead of spending an hour on the phone, you can see availability at a glance and head straight to a pharmacy that has what you need.

Here's how to use it:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "Dextroamphetamine" (or your specific formulation, like Dexedrine Spansule or Zenzedi)
3. Enter your zip code
4. See which nearby pharmacies have it in stock

It's free and works for all formulations — immediate-release tablets, extended-release capsules, and the oral solution (ProCentra).

Tip #2: Call Independent and Compounding Pharmacies

Large chain pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid use centralized inventory systems. During a shortage, their distribution centers may allocate limited quantities of controlled substances to each store, leaving many locations without stock.

Independent pharmacies often work with different wholesalers and have more flexibility in what they can order. Compounding pharmacies may also be an option — while they can't compound Schedule II medications without specific conditions being met, they may have insights on local availability.

Tips for calling pharmacies:

• Be specific about your dose and formulation (e.g., "Dextroamphetamine IR 10 mg tablets")
• Ask if they can order it and when they expect a shipment
• Ask if they'll hold your prescription when stock arrives
• Be polite — pharmacists are dealing with the shortage too

Tip #3: Time Your Refills Strategically

Pharmacies receive shipments on specific days, and controlled substance deliveries often follow predictable patterns. Here are a few timing strategies:

• Fill early in the month: Many patients fill on the 1st or 15th. If you can fill a few days before or after the rush, you may have better luck.
• Call first thing in the morning: Pharmacy shipments typically arrive overnight or early morning. Calling when the pharmacy opens gives you the best chance of catching new stock.
• Don't wait until you're out: Most states allow Schedule II refills a few days before your current supply runs out. Start looking early.

What If You Still Can't Find Dextroamphetamine?

If you've tried everything above and still can't locate your medication, here are additional options:

Talk to Your Prescriber

Your doctor may be able to write for a different strength that's more available. For example, if 20 mg tablets are out of stock, two 10 mg tablets might be in stock. They can also discuss alternative medications that may be easier to find right now.

Expand Your Search Radius

Availability can vary significantly between neighborhoods and cities. A pharmacy 20 minutes away may have stock when your local ones don't. Medfinder makes it easy to expand your search area.

Ask About Different Formulations

If you're on immediate-release tablets, the extended-release capsules (or vice versa) may be available. Your doctor can adjust your prescription if needed. You can also ask about the oral solution (ProCentra), which is sometimes in stock when tablets aren't.

Check Back Regularly

Pharmacy inventory changes daily. A pharmacy that was out of stock on Monday may have received a shipment by Wednesday. Check regularly rather than giving up after one attempt.

Final Thoughts

The Dextroamphetamine shortage is frustrating, but finding your medication isn't impossible. Using Medfinder, reaching out to independent pharmacies, and timing your refills strategically can make a real difference.

If you're wondering why this shortage is happening in the first place, read our full explainer: Why is Dextroamphetamine so hard to find?

And if cost is also a concern, check out our guide on how to save money on Dextroamphetamine.