Where to find Adderall during the 2024 shortage

Due to supply chain and labor issues, the FDA announced an Adderall shortage in October 2022. Managing work, school, and other responsibilities can be difficult when you’re navigating where to find Adderall to maintain your medication schedule.

If you’re forced to stop taking your medication, the ADHD symptoms that once impacted your mood, focus, and daily functioning can start interfering with your life again. Impulsive behaviors can become harder to control and you might start to make risky or rash decisions.

The Adderall shortage leaves people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a tough spot.

Some people choose to ration their existing Adderall and use it only when absolutely necessary. Others might search for Adderall alternatives. So, how can you find Adderall during the ongoing Adderall shortage in 2024? 

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In this post, Klarity offers tips for finding Adderall during the Adderall shortage. As it turns out, with some persistence and luck, you may be able to fill your Adderall prescription or find a safe and effective Adderall alternative.

Klarity makes getting ADHD treatment easy. Find an ADHD-trained medical provider on Klarity who can diagnose ADHD and prescribe ADHD treatment online — whether it’s Adderall or an Adderall alternative.

How to check if a pharmacy has Adderall in stock

Ensuring that your pharmacy has Adderall in stock before attempting to refill a prescription is a good start to managing ADHD symptoms efficiently. Start by contacting your local pharmacies directly via phone or email, as many now offer online systems or apps to check current stock levels. Utilize these digital tools to save time and avoid unnecessary trips. 

For a broader search, consider using pharmacy chain websites like CVS, Drugs.com, and GoodRx, which often feature medicine availability checks for locations nationwide. Remember, during times of shortage, pharmacy stock can fluctuate rapidly; hence, frequent checks might be necessary. 

Additionally, exploring services like Klarity can streamline the process. You can choose your own provider on Klarity who’s experienced in ADHD treatment and can help you manage symptoms. If determined to be appropriate, providers on Klarity can prescribe ADHD medication online so you get the necessary treatment without delay.

Finding ADHD medication during the Adderall shortage

Refilling your Adderall prescription when there’s an Adderall shortage can be tricky, so it’s important to plan ahead when possible. Let’s explore your options for how to find Adderall or effective Adderall alternatives during this Adderall shortage.

Check other pharmacies around town

If your regular pharmacy can’t fill your prescription for Adderall, you can check to see if other pharmacies in your area have an available supply. Additionally, you can ask your pharmacist to fill only part of your prescription so that you have some medication to hold you over until you can get your full refill.

On Klarity, your provider can send your prescription to any pharmacy you choose, making it easier for you to fill your prescription and get relief from your ADHD symptoms. 

Adderall alternatives to consider during the Adderall shortage

There are alternative attention deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment options available like Ritalin, modafinil, guanfacine, and natural supplements like Vyvamind that can help manage your ADHD symptoms.

These alternative ADHD medications are considered safe and effective treatments for ADHD patients. Some of the following are stimulant medications, while others have different modes of action for treating ADHD.

Ritalin

Like Adderall, Ritalin is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that alleviates ADHD symptoms like inattention and impulsive behavior. It works faster than Adderall and doesn’t last as long, but it can be a solid option to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Modafinil

Modafinil, sold under the brand name Provigil, is another CNS stimulant that promotes alertness and reduces drowsiness caused by narcolepsy or sleep work disorder. While it’s not FDA-approved to treat ADHD symptoms, it can be prescribed off-label as an alternative treatment.

Intuniv

Guanfacine, or Intuniv, is a nonstimulant in the central alpha agonist class of medications that increases attention span and reduces impulsivity. It can take longer to work than Adderall and is also prescribed to treat low blood pressure. 

Vyvvamind

Vyvvamind is an over-the-counter natural supplement with active ingredients like B6, B12, L-tyrosine, choline, L-theanine, and Caffeine anhydrous. Because these vitamins promote focus and motivation without the risk of dependency, Vyvamind can be a good option for you while you’re waiting to fill your Adderall prescription.

While these alternatives have similar results, they can have different side effects and interactions. Always talk to your healthcare provider before changing your medication.

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Warnings for ADHD medications

Controlled substances include opioids, stimulants, depressants, and anabolic steroids, and have a significantly increased risk of addiction if misused. Adderall is classified as a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States, which means it has a high potential for abuse and dependence but also has recognized medical uses.

Adderall contains amphetamine salts, which stimulate the central nervous system and are used to manage ADHD and narcolepsy.

Other ADHD medications that are also considered controlled substances (Schedule II) include:

• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta): These are stimulant medications with similar effects as amphetamines but chemically different.
• Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine): This is an amphetamine medication used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
• Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse): This is a prodrug, which means it’s inactive until metabolized by the body. It’s used for ADHD and binge eating disorder.
• Methamphetamine (Desoxyn): This is a potent central nervous system stimulant rarely used in the treatment of ADHD and obesity. 

Controlled substances are strictly intended for use with a healthcare provider’s prescription and careful supervision. Misuse — such as taking higher doses than prescribed, using the medication more frequently than recommended, or using someone else’s medication — can lead to severe health problems. 

Problems can include physical dependence, heart-related issues, psychological disorders, and in extreme cases, death. The key to effective and safe treatment is to use these medications exactly as a healthcare professional prescribes and to communicate regularly about any side effects or concerns. 

Remember, your health isn’t something to gamble with; always take medication responsibly.

Can Adderall be bought over the counter?

Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance and can’t be purchased without a prescription over the counter. 

It’s illegal to sell controlled substances without proper authorization due to the risk of dependency. Without a prescription, there’s no way to regulate the quality of the medication, and it could be laced with harmful substances like fentanyl that could be fatal. You should only get your medication filled by a trusted pharmacy to ensure your medication is safe.

Luckily, Klarity makes receiving online ADHD medication hassle-free. All you need to do is take a free brief ADHD assessment, and speak with an ADHD-trained medical provider in 48 hours or less. 

If ADHD treatment is right for you, your provider will send your ADHD medication to a pharmacy of your choice.

Summary of finding Adderall during the Adderall shortage

If you’re finding it difficult to find Adderall and fill your Adderall prescription due to the Adderall shortage, you can:

• Use online platforms like Klarity to find a provider to help you with Adderall alternatives until the Adderall shortage is over.
• Contact multiple pharmacies in your area to see if you can fill your Adderall prescription there.
• Consider using a chain pharmacy or Amazon Pharmacy.
• Ask your pharmacist to give you a partial refill to tide you over until you can find a suitable ADHD medication.
• Consider finding natural supplements to help you cope with ADHD symptoms during

For more information, connect with a medical provider on Klarity to help you find the right treatment plan. 

Providers on Klarity can help find Adderall or an Adderall alternative

Navigating mental healthcare can be overwhelming — especially if you can’t fill your Adderall prescription and need to find Adderall alternatives for your ADHD treatment.

If you need to urgently speak with a medical provider about finding Adderall or an Adderall alternative to manage your ADHD symptoms, Klarity can connect you with one in as little as 48 hours. 

Find a provider who will help you find a suitable ADHD medication to use during the shortage. 

Sources

FDA. “FDA Announces Adderall Shortage.” U.S. Food & Drug Administration

https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-announces-shortage-adderall

Gina Shaw. “Nationwide Adderall Shortage May Last into 2023” Pharmacy Practice News 

https://www.pharmacypracticenews.com/Online-First/Article/10-22/Nationwide-Adderall-Shortage-May-Last-into-2023/68441

Claire Bugos. “Adderall Shortage: What to do if your ADHD Medications are Unavailable” Verywell Health

https://www.verywellhealth.com/adderall-shortage-6752616

FDA. “FDA and DEA Warn Online Pharmacies Illegally Selling Adderall to Consumers” U.S. Food & Drug Administration

https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-and-dea-warn-online-pharmacies-illegally-selling-adderall-consumers

Eric Patterson. “How to Recognize an Adderall Overdose.” GoodRx Health

https://www.goodrx.com/adderall/adderall-overdose

Alan Carter. “Adderall vs. Ritalin: What’s the Difference?” Healthline

https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adderall-vs-ritalin

Cerner Multum. “Modafinil.” Drugs.com

https://www.drugs.com/mtm/modafinil.html

Editorial staff. “Adderall vs. Modafinil: How do they compare?” American Addiction Centers

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/adderall/vs-modafinil

Alan Carter. “Guanfacine vs. Adderall: What is the Difference?” MedicalNewsToday

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325481

“Vyvamind.” Vyvamind

https://vyvamind.com/

*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage.  

If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.

How we reviewed this article

This article went through rigorous fact-checking by a team of medical reviewers. Reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the author. Learn more about the editorial and medical review process and standards for the HelloKlarity site.