Your Patients Can't Find Their Medication — Here's How You Can Help

For providers who prescribe Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine), the ongoing stimulant shortage means more phone calls, more frustrated patients, and more time spent navigating a supply problem you didn't create. The good news: there are practical steps you can take — during the visit and between visits — to reduce treatment disruptions.

This guide offers a structured approach to helping your patients find Dexedrine in stock and stay on track with their treatment.

Current Availability: What You Need to Know

As of early 2026, Dextroamphetamine products remain intermittently available:

• Generic Dextroamphetamine IR tablets: Improving but inconsistent. Manufactured by Teva, Mallinckrodt/SpecGx, Aurobindo, and others.
• Generic Dextroamphetamine ER capsules: Tighter supply than IR. Fewer manufacturers.
• Brand Dexedrine Spansule: Limited. Manufactured by Amneal Pharmaceuticals.
• Zenzedi (brand IR): Available but expensive ($200–$500+).
• Xelstrym (transdermal patch): Separate supply chain. May be more consistently available.

For the full shortage timeline and background, see: Dexedrine shortage: What providers need to know in 2026.

Why Patients Can't Find Dexedrine

Understanding the bottlenecks helps you advise patients more effectively:

1. DEA production quotas limit total manufacturing volume for Dextroamphetamine nationally.
2. Pharmacy ordering algorithms at chain pharmacies may not stock enough Schedule II medications for local demand.
3. Distributor allocation — wholesalers may limit how much controlled substance inventory they ship to individual pharmacies.
4. Patient clustering — pharmacies near prescribers who treat ADHD often run out faster because more patients fill there.
5. No refills — Schedule II rules require a new prescription each time, creating a monthly access challenge.

5 Steps Providers Can Take

Step 1: Direct Patients to Medfinder

Medfinder allows patients to search for pharmacies with Dexedrine in stock by zip code. Instead of telling patients to "call around," give them a specific tool. Consider adding the Medfinder link to your after-visit summary or patient portal messaging templates.

Step 2: Prescribe Flexibly

When clinically appropriate:

• Allow generic substitution — specify "substitution permitted" or DAW 0 so the pharmacy can fill with any available manufacturer
• Write for the formulation in stock — if a patient reports that ER is out, consider whether IR (with appropriate dosing adjustments) could work
• Consider alternative Dextroamphetamine products — Zenzedi (brand IR), Xelstrym (patch), or ProCentra (solution) may be available when generic tablets are not

Step 3: Pre-Authorize Alternatives

Don't wait until a patient can't fill their prescription. Proactively discuss backup medications and document preferred alternatives in the chart:

• First-line backup: Adderall / generic mixed amphetamine salts (closest match)
• Second-line backup: Lisdexamfetamine (generic Vyvanse) — same active metabolite
• Third-line backup: Methylphenidate-class (Concerta, Focalin) — different mechanism

Having this conversation during a scheduled visit saves a panicked phone call later. For a patient-facing resource: Alternatives to Dexedrine.

Step 4: Streamline Prior Authorization

When switching to brand or non-preferred products, prior authorization is often required. To speed up the process:

• Document that the switch is shortage-driven (not patient/provider preference)
• Reference the ASHP/FDA shortage listing
• Use electronic PA platforms (CoverMyMeds, Surescripts) for faster turnaround
• Have a staff member initiate the PA before the patient leaves the pharmacy empty-handed

Step 5: Recommend Independent Pharmacies

Independent pharmacies can often access controlled substances more flexibly than chain pharmacies. They may:

• Order from multiple distributors
• Special-order for individual patients
• Hold stock for established patients
• Provide more personalized communication about restock timing

If you have relationships with local independent pharmacies, share their contact information directly with patients.

Alternative Medications at a Glance

When Dextroamphetamine is completely unavailable, here's a quick reference for therapeutic alternatives:

• Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts): 75% Dextroamphetamine / 25% Levoamphetamine. IR and XR available. Closest match.
• Vyvanse / Lisdexamfetamine: Prodrug → Dextroamphetamine. Once daily. Generic available since 2023. 30 mg–70 mg dosing.
• Xelstrym: Dextroamphetamine transdermal patch. 9-hour wear time. Approved for ages 6+.
• Concerta / Methylphenidate ER: Different mechanism. Good option if patient can't access any amphetamine. 18 mg–72 mg dosing.
• Focalin / Dexmethylphenidate: Dextro-isomer of Methylphenidate. IR and XR. 5 mg–20 mg dosing.

For detailed clinical comparison: Alternatives to Dexedrine.

Workflow Tips for Your Practice

• Add a shortage alert to your EHR for Dextroamphetamine prescriptions — a simple reminder to discuss availability with the patient
• Create a patient handout with Medfinder instructions, independent pharmacy suggestions, and your office's callback process for unfilled prescriptions
• Batch prior authorizations — when switching multiple patients to the same alternative, create a template letter for efficiency
• Schedule medication check-ins more frequently during the shortage (e.g., monthly telehealth visits) to catch access issues early
• Track which formulations are filling — ask patients at follow-ups which formulation/manufacturer they received, so you can guide other patients accordingly

Final Thoughts

The stimulant shortage puts providers in a difficult position: your patients need medication, and the supply is out of your control. But by prescribing flexibly, using tools like Medfinder for Providers, proactively planning alternatives, and streamlining your workflow, you can meaningfully reduce the burden on your patients and your practice.

For the provider-focused savings guide: How to help patients save money on Dexedrine.