Your Patients Need Help Finding Their Medication

If you prescribe Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine, you've likely fielded an increasing number of calls from patients who can't get their prescriptions filled. The ongoing shortage — now in its fourth year — has turned a routine 30-day refill into a source of anxiety and frustration for millions of patients with ADHD.

As a prescriber, you're in a unique position to help. This guide provides a practical, step-by-step framework for helping your patients navigate the Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine shortage — without overwhelming your clinical workflow.

Current Availability in 2026

The shortage of Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine (generic Adderall) began in October 2022 and remains active in early 2026. Key facts:

• The FDA continues to list mixed amphetamine salts as in shortage
• The DEA increased the 2025 production quota for d-amphetamine by 25% (from 21.2M to 26.5M grams)
• Supply has improved overall but remains uneven — certain strengths (20mg, 30mg IR), regions, and pharmacy types are more affected
• XR formulations have generally been easier to source than IR tablets

For a detailed timeline and analysis, see: Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine Shortage: What Providers Need to Know in 2026.

Why Patients Can't Find Their Medication

Understanding the barriers your patients face helps you provide targeted guidance:

Distributor Allocation Systems

Pharmaceutical distributors allocate controlled substances to pharmacies based on historical purchasing data. A pharmacy that hasn't historically carried a specific strength of Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine may be unable to order it — even when the drug is technically available from the manufacturer. This is one of the most common and least understood bottlenecks.

Chain Pharmacy Constraints

Large retail chains (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) use centralized procurement systems that can be slow to respond to local demand shifts. Individual store pharmacists often have limited ability to override corporate ordering limits for controlled substances.

Geographic Variability

Supply distribution is uneven. Urban areas with many pharmacy options tend to have better availability than rural communities. Patients in underserved areas may need to travel significant distances to fill their prescriptions.

Patient Hesitancy

Some patients feel uncomfortable calling multiple pharmacies to ask about controlled substance availability. They may worry about being perceived as "drug-seeking" — a stigma barrier that can lead them to simply go without medication rather than advocate for themselves.

What Providers Can Do: 5 Practical Steps

Step 1: Direct Patients to Medfinder

Medfinder is a free tool that shows real-time pharmacy availability for hard-to-find medications. Recommend it to your patients (or check it yourself during the visit) to identify pharmacies near them that currently have Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine in stock.

You can integrate this into your workflow by having front desk staff share the Medfinder link when scheduling follow-ups for patients on controlled substances.

Step 2: Prescribe With Flexibility in Mind

When writing prescriptions, consider current availability:

• Multiple strengths: If 20mg IR is unavailable, two 10mg tablets achieve the same dose. Prescribing a more available strength can be the difference between a filled and unfilled prescription.
• Formulation switches: If IR is unavailable, an equivalent XR dose may be in stock (and vice versa). A patient taking 10mg IR twice daily can potentially switch to 20mg XR once daily.
• Manufacturer-agnostic prescribing: Ensure prescriptions are written for the generic name rather than a specific manufacturer, allowing the pharmacy maximum flexibility.

Step 3: Proactively Discuss Backup Plans

Don't wait until a patient calls in crisis. During routine ADHD follow-ups, address the shortage proactively:

• "Let's talk about what to do if you can't find your medication this month."
• "If your pharmacy doesn't have it, here's a tool to check other pharmacies."
• "If we need to switch medications temporarily, here are the options I'd consider for you."

This reduces patient anxiety and ensures there's a plan before the next prescription is due.

Step 4: Know Your Alternative Options

Have a mental framework for switching patients when necessary:

• Within the amphetamine class: Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) — generic now available; Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
• Different stimulant class: Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin) — widely available generics
• Non-stimulant options: Atomoxetine (Strattera), Guanfacine ER (Intuniv), Clonidine ER (Kapvay) — no DEA quota constraints

For patient-facing information on alternatives: Alternatives to Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine.

Step 5: Recommend Independent Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility with their wholesalers and may be able to source medications that chain pharmacies cannot. If your patients have only been trying chain pharmacies, suggesting a local independent can be a game-changer.

Workflow Tips for Your Practice

Managing the shortage doesn't have to consume your clinical time. Here are efficiency strategies:

• Template patient handout: Create a one-page handout for patients on shortage-affected medications that includes the Medfinder link, tips for finding their medication, and your office's process for handling fill issues.
• Pre-visit availability check: Have medical assistants or front desk staff check Medfinder before ADHD follow-ups so you can discuss options during the visit.
• Batch prescription management: For patients on stable doses, consider sending prescriptions to 2-3 pharmacies the patient has identified as having stock (where state law permits).
• Document shortage-related switches: When switching patients due to availability rather than clinical failure, note this clearly in the chart. This helps with continuity and insurance appeals.

Final Thoughts

The Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine shortage has created a new dimension of ADHD management that wasn't part of medical training. But with the right tools and a proactive approach, you can significantly reduce the burden on your patients and your practice.

Start by sharing Medfinder with your patients and staff. Build backup plans into your routine ADHD visits. And stay informed about the evolving supply landscape so you can guide your patients with confidence.

Related provider resources:

• Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine Shortage: What Providers Need to Know in 2026
• How to Help Patients Save Money on Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine