The 2026 ADHD Stimulant Shortage: A Clinical Guide to Equivalents and Alternatives
Although there seems to be an end insight, shortages of stimulant medications remain a problem in 2026. If you are having trouble finding your ADHD medication, this guide offers ideas for alternative medications that may be more readily available.
When we look for a replacement stimulant, we focus on finding something that is within the same stimulant class (methylphenidate vs. amphetamine), and something that has a similar pharmacokinetic profile (how long it takes to work, how long it lasts, etc).
The closest thing to an “exact” replacement here would be using Adzenys XR-ODT as a replacement for Adderall XR, and indeed it is the substitution I make most often.
Many of these medications have manufacturer discounts and coupons available, since they are newer and still branded. I can help you work with specialty or local ‘mom and pop’ pharmacies who are typically more willing to be creative when it comes to stocking these medications than the bigger chains like CVS or Walgreens.
How to Use This Table During a Shortage
Check the "Family": If you are on an amphetamine (Adderall/Vyvanse), look at the first three rows. If you are on a methylphenidate (Concerta/Ritalin), look at the bottom three.
Ask About Liquids/Chewables: Pharmacies often have Vyvanse Chewables or Quillivant Liquid in stock even when the "standard" pills are backordered for weeks because fewer adults think to ask for them.
Consider the Patch:Xelstrym (Amphetamine) and Daytrana (Methylphenidate) bypass the GI tract and are rarely affected by the same manufacturing delays as generic tablets.
Tip: If viewing on mobile, swipe left/right to see all columns.
| Primary Medication | Key Brand Alternatives | Other Formulations | Clinical Shortage Pearl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adderall XR (Amphetamine ER) |
Adzenys XR-ODT, Mydayis | Xelstrym (Patch) | Adzenys is a direct molecular match (3:1 salt ratio) to Adderall XR but in an ODT form. |
| Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) |
Generic Lisdexamfetamine | Vyvanse Chewables, Xelstrym (Patch) | Chewable tablets are often overlooked and stay in stock longer than capsules. |
| Concerta (Methylphenidate ER) |
Focalin XR, Azstarys | Daytrana (Patch), Quillivant (Liquid) | Focalin XR contains only the active d-isomer, often allowing for a lower, smoother dose than Concerta. |
| Focalin XR (Dexmethylphenidate ER) |
Azstarys, Ritalin LA | Quillivant XR (Liquid), Daytrana (Patch) | If Focalin XR is out, Azstarys is a strong alternative as it also utilizes the dexmethylphenidate molecule. |
| Adderall IR (Amphetamine IR) |
Evekeo, Zenzedi | ProCentra (Liquid) | ProCentra liquid allows for highly precise titration if tablets are unavailable. |
| Ritalin IR (Methylphenidate IR) |
Focalin IR (Dexmethyl) | Methylin (Liquid) | Focalin IR is twice as potent as Ritalin IR; 5mg of Focalin is roughly equivalent to 10mg of Ritalin. |
Stock levels change daily. This guide is for clinical education; always confirm availability with your local pharmacist before requesting a script change.
Dr. Scary does not have any financial relationship with the manufacturers of any of these medications. This chart is purely for educational purposes.