The ADHD medication stimulant shortage has been very challenging for patients. Many do not realize that there are several medications in patch form, that are much more readily available than their pill counter-parts. This is true in Philadelphia, where our main office is located, and throughout the country. If you do well taking Ritalin (methylphenidate), Dexedrine (D-amphetamine) or Adderall (D and L-amphetamine) you may want to consider one of the below options.

Daytrana is an extended release Ritalin patch (Methylphenidate LA). It has been out for decades, and is available in generic form. If you do well with your ADHD symptoms and have minimal side effects, taking Ritalin LA, you'll likely do well with a Daytrana patch. Typically major chain pharmacies can get this medication in stock very easily, and because many providers do not think to prescribe it, it tends to not be as affected by the shortage.

Xelstrym has the same active ingredient as Dexedrine (D-amphetamine). D-amphetamine is also the main component in Adderall and Adderall XR (which are 75% D-amphetamine and 25% L-amphetamine). Thus, if you do well with Dexedrine or Adderall, with minimal side effects, you'll likely do well and have minimal side effects with the Xelstrym patch. This patch is still only available as a brand medication, but it is readily available at a great deal of specialty pharmacies in Philadelphia and throughout the country. Providers simply need to stay up-to-date with the manufacturer's list (which frankly, is not difficult to do, as they publish it online, along with their coupons making it very affordable).

When you have ADHD, being consistent with your treatment is incredibly important. If a medication works well for you, but if you can only fill it half the time, your symptoms will not be well-managed.

Providers should take the extra step, to understand the pharmacodynamics of these medications, the active ingredients, the options within these classes, the specialty pharmacies that stock them, and the promotions that are available to patients. This will result in better patient care.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private practice in Philadelphia, Manhattan, Pittsburgh, Wilmington and Southern New Jersey, with 25 psychiatrists Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners and Psychologists, who treat ADHD, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, adult autism and various other mental health difficulties.

Visit www.RittenhousePA.com for more information.