Your Patients Are Struggling to Find Amphetamine — Here's How You Can Help

As a prescriber, you've likely heard this from patients more times than you can count: "I can't find my Adderall anywhere." The ongoing Amphetamine shortage has placed an extraordinary burden on patients — and by extension, on the providers who care for them.

While the supply-side issues (DEA quotas, manufacturing delays, rising demand) are beyond your direct control, there are concrete steps you can take within your practice to help patients maintain access to their ADHD and narcolepsy medications.

This guide outlines a practical, five-step approach to supporting patients through the shortage, along with alternative medication options and workflow strategies.

Current Availability: What You Need to Know

As of February 2026, the following Amphetamine products remain in active shortage according to FDA and ASHP:

• Amphetamine mixed salts IR tablets — all strengths intermittently affected
• Amphetamine mixed salts XR capsules — 10mg and 20mg most affected
• Brand Adderall/Adderall XR — limited availability

Products with relatively better availability include:

• Lower-strength IR tablets (5mg, 7.5mg)
• Dyanavel XR (extended-release suspension)
• Adzenys XR-ODT (orally disintegrating tablet)
• Generic Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)

Why Your Patients Can't Find Amphetamine

Understanding the barriers patients face can help you provide more targeted support:

Pharmacy-Level Constraints

Individual pharmacies face DEA-imposed limits on how much controlled substance they can order from their distributor each month. Even if a pharmacy wants to order more Amphetamine, they may be unable to do so. Large chain pharmacies, which serve the highest prescription volumes, are often the first to run out.

Geographic Variability

Availability varies significantly by region. Urban areas with high prescribing volumes tend to experience more severe shortages, while rural areas may have better availability at independent pharmacies that serve smaller populations.

Prescription Timing

Patients who try to fill their prescriptions late in the month often find that pharmacies have already exhausted their controlled substance supply for that period. Timing of refills plays a meaningful role in access.

Transfer Restrictions

Unlike non-controlled medications, Schedule II prescriptions generally cannot be transferred between pharmacies. If a patient's pharmacy is out of stock, they typically need a new prescription sent to a pharmacy that has availability — which requires provider involvement.

What Providers Can Do: 5 Practical Steps

Step 1: Direct Patients to Medfinder

Medfinder for Providers is a real-time pharmacy availability tool that helps patients find which pharmacies near them currently have Amphetamine in stock. By directing patients to this resource, you can save significant staff time that would otherwise be spent fielding pharmacy-search calls.

Consider adding the Medfinder link to:

• Patient after-visit summaries
• Your practice website or patient portal
• Handouts or discharge instructions for ADHD patients

Step 2: Be Flexible with Formulations and Strengths

Prescribing flexibility is one of the most powerful tools you have during a shortage. Consider:

• Strength adjustments: If 20mg XR capsules are unavailable, prescribing two 10mg capsules (or vice versa) may resolve the issue. Some lower strengths have better availability.
• Formulation switches: Patients on XR who can't find their capsules may tolerate IR tablets taken 2-3 times daily. Liquid formulations (Dyanavel XR at 2.5mg/mL) and orally disintegrating tablets (Adzenys XR-ODT) offer alternative options.
• Proactive prescribing: When writing prescriptions, consider noting "or nearest available strength" or providing patients with prescriptions for multiple formulation options they can try.

Step 3: Be Ready to Send Prescriptions Quickly

Because Schedule II prescriptions can't be transferred, patients often need a new e-prescription sent to a different pharmacy when their usual one is out of stock. Streamlining this process in your practice saves critical time:

• Designate a staff member to handle shortage-related prescription redirects
• Allow patients to call or message through the portal with the pharmacy name and address when they find stock
• Use e-prescribing to send the prescription immediately — Amphetamine availability can change within hours

Step 4: Communicate Proactively About the Shortage

Many patients don't understand why their medication is unavailable and may assume their pharmacy is simply not trying hard enough. Proactive communication helps set expectations:

• Briefly explain the DEA quota system and the supply-demand imbalance at appointments
• Provide a printed or digital handout about the shortage (link to this patient-facing shortage update)
• Let patients know what you can and can't do as a prescriber, so they understand the process

Step 5: Have a Backup Plan Ready

For patients who experience repeated access issues, having an alternative medication plan documented in their chart ensures quick action when needed:

• Note the patient's preferred alternative (e.g., "If Amphetamine unavailable, switch to Methylphenidate ER 36mg")
• Pre-identify whether the alternative requires prior authorization under their insurance
• Discuss the backup plan with the patient in advance so they're prepared

Alternative Medications to Consider

When Amphetamine products are unavailable, these alternatives have the best evidence and availability:

Stimulant Alternatives

• Methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin LA, Focalin XR): Different mechanism, separate DEA quota, generally better availability. No 1:1 dose conversion — start at typical initial dose and titrate.
• Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse/generic): Prodrug of dextroamphetamine with its own supply chain. Generic now available. Good option for patients who respond well to Amphetamine, as the active metabolite is the same.

Non-Stimulant Alternatives

• Atomoxetine (Strattera/generic): SNRI, not scheduled, widely available. Onset: 4-6 weeks. Best for patients with substance abuse concerns or stimulant-related anxiety. Generic costs $15-$50/month.
• Viloxazine (Qelbree): Newer SNRI, FDA-approved for ADHD. Brand only (no generic yet). More expensive but manufacturer offers savings programs.

For detailed comparisons, see our alternatives guide.

Workflow Tips for Your Practice

Managing the shortage efficiently requires some practice-level adjustments:

• Track shortage status: Bookmark the ASHP Drug Shortage page for Amphetamine and check monthly for updates
• Template documentation: Create a note template for shortage-related visits and prescription changes
• Staff training: Ensure front desk and MA staff know to direct patients to Medfinder when they call about availability
• Insurance pre-work: For common alternative medications, pre-verify PA requirements with major payers in your area
• Patient education materials: Share links to finding Amphetamine in stock and saving money on Amphetamine

Final Thoughts

The Amphetamine shortage adds an unwelcome layer of complexity to ADHD and narcolepsy management. But with a proactive approach — leveraging tools like Medfinder, maintaining prescribing flexibility, preparing backup medication plans, and communicating clearly with patients — you can help minimize the impact on your patients' care.

For more clinical context, read our provider briefing on the Amphetamine shortage and the provider's guide to helping patients save money on Amphetamine.