Shortages of ADHD stimulants such as Adderall (amphetamine salts), Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) and methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) have left many adults calling pharmacy after pharmacy. If your usual medicine is out of stock, you have more options than you might think.
Options within your current medicine
A different strength or a generic made by another manufacturer is sometimes available when your usual product is not. Call around before your supply runs out, and ask the pharmacy what they can actually fill. Our providers prescribe long-acting stimulants only, so moving to an immediate-release version is not one of our options.
Switching stimulant families
Stimulants come in two families: amphetamine-based, such as Adderall XR and Vyvanse, and methylphenidate-based, such as Concerta and Focalin XR. When one family is scarce, the other is sometimes available, and many people do well on either. Your prescriber chooses a starting dose; the doses are not interchangeable one for one.
Non-stimulant options
- Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree), approved for adult ADHD, which take several weeks to reach full effect
- Guanfacine extended-release and clonidine extended-release, sometimes used alone or added to a stimulant
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin), sometimes used, especially when depression is also present
Non-stimulants are not controlled substances, so they are not affected by the same supply limits.
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Primary care, mental health, and addiction medicine in one practice. New patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment.
The rules that make stimulants different
Stimulants are Schedule II controlled substances, so each fill needs a new authorization from your prescriber, refills are not allowed, and South Carolina requires a check of the state prescription monitoring program. Planning ahead with your prescriber prevents gaps.
New to our practice?
If you have not completed a formal ADHD evaluation or testing before, we require ADHD testing before starting treatment. Read how ADHD testing and treatment work at Hope Integrative Medicine.
Get help from Hope Integrative Medicine
If a shortage has interrupted your ADHD treatment, we can review your options and help you avoid gaps. Our mental health team sees patients in person in West Ashley and by telehealth across South Carolina, alongside our primary care providers, and new patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment. Request an appointment.
This article is general health information and does not replace advice from your own provider. Never start, stop or change a medication without talking with your prescriber. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 or call 911.
Frequently Asked Questions
Options include a different strength or generic manufacturer, moving to another long-acting stimulant such as Vyvanse or Concerta, or a non-stimulant such as Strattera or Qelbree. Our providers prescribe long-acting stimulants only.
Both are amphetamine-based stimulants, but Vyvanse is lisdexamfetamine, a long-acting medicine that the body converts to its active form, while Adderall is a mix of amphetamine salts. Doses are not interchangeable one for one.
Yes. Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) are approved for adult ADHD. They take several weeks to reach full effect and are not affected by stimulant supply limits.