The Adderall Shortage: How to Find Pharmacies With Stock

The Adderall Shortage: How to Find Pharmacies With Adderall In Stock

Adderall is a common prescription medication used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain like dopamine and norepinephrine. This helps improve focus, attention, and concentration in people with ADHD and reduces daytime sleepiness in those with narcolepsy.

However, in recent years, there have been shortages of Adderall and generic versions of the drug. This has made it difficult for some people to get their prescriptions filled reliably at local pharmacies.

What's Causing the Adderall Shortage?

There are a few factors that have led to the shortage of Adderall and generic amphetamine salt medications:

High demand - As ADHD diagnoses have increased, so has the demand for Adderall and related medications.
Manufacturing and supply issues - Drug companies have had trouble getting enough active ingredients to make the medications.
Discontinuations - Some manufacturers have discontinued making certain doses of the drug, reducing supply.
Delays - There have been delays in production and shipments at manufacturing facilities.

These issues have made the drug extremely difficult to find at some pharmacies. Patients may call around to multiple locations only to find the medication is out of stock.

How to Find Adderall at Local Pharmacies

If you’ve been having trouble filling your Adderall prescription, here are some tips to help locate it:

Ask Your Prescribing Doctor for Help

Your doctor may have information about which pharmacies have a supply of the medication. They may be able to call the pharmacy directly to ensure they have enough of the specific dose you need before sending over the prescription.

Use Pharmacy Locator Websites and Apps

Websites like Find RX and apps like GoodRX can tell you prices and availability of medications at pharmacies near you. This can help you pinpoint locations that currently have Adderall in stock.

Call Local Pharmacies Directly

Call pharmacies in your area and simply ask if they have Adderall in stock before you try to fill your prescription. This can save you time and trips to stores that don’t have your medication available.

Ask About Ordering From Their Supplier

Even if the pharmacy is out of Adderall, you can ask them if they can order a shipment from their supplier. Most pharmacies get new stock regularly. They may be able to get your prescription medication within a few days.

Use Large Retail Chain Pharmacies

Major chains like CVS, Walgreens, or Rite Aid have sophisticated distribution networks. This gives them better access to scarce drugs like Adderall. Check multiple locations of retail chains for availability.

Consider Independent or Specialty Pharmacies

Independent and specialty pharmacies sometimes have access to harder to find medications. Don’t overlook smaller pharmacies in your search for Adderall.

Ask for Help from Your Insurance Company

Your health insurance company may be able to provide information on where to get your prescription filled in your network. They may have resources to locate pharmacies with medication in stock.

Can Any Pharmacy Order Adderall?

No, only pharmacies that are designated distributors of controlled substances like Adderall can order and dispense the medication directly. Regular pharmacies cannot stock CII medications like Adderall unless they meet stringent DEA requirements.

How to Get Adderall from an Online Pharmacy

Some legitimate online pharmacies may carry Adderall and be able to ship it to you if local pharmacies near you don't have it in stock. However, there are risks if using an online pharmacy:

Make sure the pharmacy requires a valid prescription from a medical professional.
Only use reputable pharmacies recommended by your doctor or pharmacy benefit manager.
Research the pharmacy thoroughly and look for red flags indicating it is not operating legally.
Only provide your medical information to secure, encrypted websites when placing orders.

Work closely with your doctor to make sure using an online pharmacy is safe and appropriate for getting your medication.

Alternative Medications For Adderall Shortages

If Adderall is completely unavailable in your area, there are some alternative prescription medications that may work instead for ADHD or narcolepsy:

Methylphenidate - Sold under brand names like Ritalin or Concerta, it can provide similar benefits to Adderall.
Dexmethylphenidate - The active component of Focalin, it mimics effects of Adderall.
Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine - Vyvanse is an amphetamine stimulant that can reduce ADHD symptoms.
Methamphetamine - The active ingredient in Desoxyn, it stimulates the central nervous system similarly to Adderall.

Discuss pros and cons of using alternate prescription stimulants with your doctor if Adderall is not available.

Tips for Making Your Adderall Prescription Last

When supplies of Adderall are limited, it’s important to make your current prescription last as long as possible. Here are some tips:

Take your medication exactly as prescribed to avoid running out too quickly from taking extra doses.
Don’t hoard pills. Only get refills when you are close to running out.
Don’t offer to share or sell your medication with others.
Speak to your doctor before discontinuing in order to make your prescription last longer.
Ask your pharmacy if you can get partial refills distributed over time if completely out.
Look into prescription savings plans and coupons if you are having trouble affording your medication.

The Future of Adderall Shortages

It’s unclear when Adderall shortages may improve. Manufacturing disruptions and supply chain issues continue to impact production and distribution. However, the FDA is working with manufacturers to try to increase market supply.

In the meantime, be proactive about checking pharmacy availability in your area. Consider alternate medications if your doctor recommends it. And use tips to conserve your existing prescription so it lasts as long as possible.

With smart strategies, patience, and open communication with your doctor and pharmacist, you can better navigate getting your ADHD medication amidst the Adderall shortage.

FAQs

Why is there an Adderall shortage?

The main reasons for the Adderall shortage include high demand, manufacturing issues, discontinued medications, and delays in production and shipping from factories.

How can I find Adderall in stock at pharmacies?

Strategies to find Adderall include using pharmacy locator tools, calling around to pharmacies, asking if they can order from suppliers, trying major retail chains, and contacting your insurance company.

Are online pharmacies a good option during the shortage?

Online pharmacies can sometimes carry hard-to-find medications, but make sure they are legitimate, require a prescription, and are recommended by your doctor before using.

What medications can I use instead of Adderall?

Alternate prescription stimulants include methylphenidate, dexmethylphenidate, amphetamine-dextroamphetamine, and methamphetamine, but discuss options with your doctor.

How can I make my Adderall prescription last longer?

Tips to conserve your Adderall supply include taking it exactly as prescribed, not hoarding pills, avoiding sharing medication, and asking about partial refills if completely out.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.