A practical guide for providers on helping ADHD patients locate Adzenys XR-ODT during the ongoing shortage, with 5 actionable steps and workflow tips.
If you prescribe Adzenys XR-ODT for ADHD, you've almost certainly heard from frustrated patients who can't get their prescriptions filled. The ongoing stimulant shortage has been particularly challenging for brand-name, single-source medications like Adzenys XR-ODT.
As a prescriber, you're in a unique position to help. This guide provides five concrete steps you can take — plus workflow tips to make the process more efficient for your practice.
As of early 2026, Adzenys XR-ODT availability remains inconsistent and regionally variable. Key facts:
The medication is a Schedule II controlled substance available in six strengths (3.1 mg, 6.3 mg, 9.4 mg, 12.5 mg, 15.7 mg, and 18.8 mg) as an extended-release orally disintegrating tablet.
For a detailed shortage timeline and background, see Adzenys XR Shortage: What Providers Need to Know in 2026.
Understanding the supply-side challenges helps you counsel patients more effectively:
As a single-source brand product, any disruption at Tris Pharma's manufacturing facility impacts the entire national supply. DEA manufacturing quotas for Schedule II substances add another constraint on production volume.
Large pharmacy chains use demand-based inventory systems. Because Adzenys XR-ODT has a relatively small prescription volume compared to generic Adderall XR or Vyvanse, many pharmacies don't carry it in their standard inventory. They only order it when a specific prescription comes in — and by then, the wholesaler may not have it available.
During shortages, pharmaceutical wholesalers allocate limited supply based on each pharmacy's historical ordering patterns. Pharmacies that don't regularly order Adzenys XR-ODT receive lower priority in the allocation system, creating a catch-22 where the pharmacies most likely to need it can't get it.
When generic stimulants are unavailable, patients and prescribers turn to brand-name alternatives, temporarily spiking demand for products like Adzenys XR-ODT beyond normal supply levels.
Before writing or e-prescribing Adzenys XR-ODT, direct your staff or patients to Medfinder to verify which pharmacies currently have it in stock. This prevents the frustrating cycle of sending prescriptions to pharmacies that can't fill them.
A quick availability check takes less time than fielding multiple patient callbacks about unfillable prescriptions.
Identify 2-3 independent or specialty pharmacies in your area that have demonstrated consistent ability to source Adzenys XR-ODT. These pharmacies often:
Share these pharmacy contacts with your patients and front-desk staff.
Have a switching protocol ready so you can quickly pivot when Adzenys XR-ODT is unavailable. Know the dose equivalencies:
Also consider Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) and Dyanavel XR as alternatives, particularly for patients who need non-pill formulations. See Alternatives to Adzenys XR for full details.
Federal regulations allow prescribers to issue up to three individual Schedule II prescriptions at a single office visit, each with a different "do not fill before" date, covering up to a 90-day supply. This gives patients more flexibility to fill at different times and pharmacies as supply becomes available.
This approach reduces the need for repeated office visits solely for prescription renewals during the shortage.
Maintain clear documentation of:
This documentation supports prior authorization appeals, insurance exception requests, and ensures continuity of care if the patient returns to Adzenys XR-ODT when supply stabilizes.
When Adzenys XR-ODT is unavailable, these alternatives offer the best balance of efficacy, availability, and cost:
Implementing a few process changes can reduce the administrative burden of the shortage:
Develop a simple protocol for your front desk and clinical staff:
Consider sending a standard message to patients on Adzenys XR-ODT at the beginning of each month:
Designate a staff member to check the FDA drug shortage database and Medfinder weekly. This helps your practice stay ahead of supply changes rather than reacting to patient complaints.
The Adzenys XR-ODT shortage requires providers to be more proactive and resourceful than in normal supply conditions. By verifying availability before prescribing, maintaining pharmacy relationships, having alternative protocols ready, and leveraging tools like Medfinder, you can significantly reduce patient frustration and treatment gaps.
Your patients are counting on you to help them navigate this shortage. These five steps and workflow tips can make a meaningful difference in their experience — and in your practice's efficiency.
For cost-related guidance to share with patients, see How to Help Patients Save Money on Adzenys XR.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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