How to Check if a Pharmacy Has Adderall In Stock During Shortages

How to Check if a Pharmacy Has Adderall In Stock

Adderall is a common prescription medication used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy. It helps increase focus and concentration in people with ADHD and promotes wakefulness for those with narcolepsy.

Due to ongoing shortages, many pharmacies face difficulties keeping Adderall consistently in stock. This can make it challenging to fill your prescription. But there are ways to determine Adderall availability at pharmacies so you can locate it when needed.

Call Around to Multiple Pharmacies

The easiest way to check if a pharmacy has Adderall is to call and speak to the pharmacy staff. Explain that you have a prescription for Adderall that needs filling. Ask if they have it in stock or when they expect the next shipment.

Don’t rely on just one pharmacy. Call several in your area to compare inventory. Independent pharmacies may have more flexibility with ordering than large chains. Visit pharmacies in person if needed to get clear answers on availability.

Keep a running list of which pharmacies have confirmed Adderall supplies. Check in periodically to stay updated on inventory changes.

Use Pharmacy Inventory Search Tools

Many pharmacy chains offer online search tools to check if a specific drug is in stock at particular locations. Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid and Walmart allow you to enter your zip code and medication to view real-time inventory results.

Search for Adderall availability by strength, capsule or tablet form. Call your selected pharmacy to verify results if a location appears to have supplies. Online data may not always be up-to-the-minute accurate.

Check Independent Pharmacy Networks

Contact networks like the National Community Pharmacists Association to find independent pharmacies with Adderall availability. Explain your difficulty obtaining the medication and they can tap their provider database to locate it.

Independent pharmacies have more flexibility in ordering drugs than chains. Network access increases your chances of identifying an independent pharmacy currently stocking Adderall.

Ask Your Prescriber for Recommendations

Your doctor or other prescriber may know of pharmacies recently able to fill Adderall scripts. Explain the trouble you’re having locating the medication in stock.

Doctors often have relationships with certain pharmacies that give them insight into current inventory. You can call recommended pharmacies to confirm they have Adderall supplies before transferring your prescription.

Use Compound Pharmacies

Compound pharmacies offer an alternative when usual pharmacies face shortage issues. They can formulate customized medications like Adderall capsules in-house.

The compounds may not be exactly the same as standard commercially available Adderall. But the personalized formulations can closely match your prescribed dose and release properties.

Ask your doctor if a compound pharmacy is an option during shortages. Compounding enables access to medication that's otherwise hard to find.

Order Through a Mail Order Service

When local pharmacies struggle with shortages, mail order services can provide another option. Large mail order companies may have more success getting Adderall from manufacturers.

You’ll need to transfer your prescription to the mail service and allow extra time for shipping. But this enables you to get medication from an outlet with supplies when others don’t have availability.

Use Coupons and Savings Programs

Look into discounts and coupons like GoodRx to reduce the cost of Adderall. This makes the medication more affordable if you need to pay out-of-pocket when insurance won’t cover it.

You may also qualify for savings cards and patient assistance programs based on your income and insurance coverage. These can offset the cost of Adderall to make obtaining it easier during shortages.

Ask About Generic Availability

The generic versions of Adderall — mixed amphetamine salts — may be in better supply than brand name. Ask your prescriber if switching to generic is an option for managing cost and availability issues.

The active ingredients in the generic version work the same as brand name Adderall. For many people the effects are identical. Checking for generic availability provides another option for getting the medication you need.

Consider an Extended Supply

Ask your doctor about prescribing an extended day supply of Adderall, like 60 or 90 days worth when you locate it in stock. This reserves a larger supply that can be rationed out during periods of shortage.

Keep in mind that insurance may limit how much they’ll cover per month. You may need to pay out-of-pocket for any excess beyond 30 days. But the extra supply helps bridge gaps when access is a challenge.

Evaluate Alternative Medications

If Adderall remains impossible to find, talk to your doctor about alternative prescription medications for managing your ADHD or narcolepsy symptoms.

Options like Ritalin, Concerta, Evekeo and Zenzedi work similarly to Adderall. Your doctor can recommend substitutes and appropriate dosing if switching becomes necessary.

Having an emergency backup plan helps avoid interruptions in treatment. Shortages of one drug don’t necessarily impact supply of alternatives.

Coping With Adderall Shortages

When access to your Adderall prescription is disrupted by shortages, here are some tips for coping until you can get it filled:

Use Non-Drug Strategies

Implement lifestyle changes and non-drug therapies to help manage ADHD or narcolepsy symptoms without medication. Options include:

• Counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy
• Mindfulness and meditation
• Regular exercise
• Healthy sleep habits
• ADHD coaching and organization strategies
• Stress management and relaxation techniques

Making dietary improvements can also help. Limit sugar and refined carbs. Eat more protein, fiber, complex carbs and healthy fats.

Ask About Short-Term Rx

Request a short-term prescription for an immediate release amphetamine stimulant like dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate from your doctor. These provide 4-6 hours of symptom relief.

Taking short-acting agents multiple times a day can temporarily mimic extended release Adderall. It's not ideal, but offers some coverage until Adderall is available.

Adjust Your Schedule

Without medication, adjust your daily schedule to maximize productivity during peak energy times. Take advantage of mornings when symptoms may be milder.

Build in more breaks to rest and recharge. Let others know you may need additional time or support completing tasks without medication.

Track Symptoms

Note symptoms and function daily without Adderall to share with your doctor and assess non-drug coping strategies. Track effectiveness of lifestyle changes, therapy techniques and diet adjustments.

Detailed records help your prescriber make medication recommendations tailored to your unique needs when supply is restored.

Preparing for Future Adderall Shortages

Because drug shortages can happen again, prepare for potential future periods of reduced Adderall availability:

• Maintain open communication with your doctor and pharmacist.
• Create emergency prescription backup plans.
• Learn non-drug symptom management techniques.
• Identify multiple pharmacies that can fill your prescription.
• Use pharmacy inventory tracking tools.
• Apply for prescription savings and assistance programs.
• Set up mail order delivery in advance if needed.

Staying flexible and having contingency plans helps you successfully navigate times when your medication is hard to access. With preparation, persistence and teamwork with your prescribing provider, you can get the Adderall you need.

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.