Has Dexedrine Been Discontinued? What Patients Need to Know

Despite persistent online rumors and confusion, Dexedrine has not been discontinued. While the brand-name Dexedrine Spansule has seen some formulations discontinued by its manufacturer, the active ingredient, dextroamphetamine sulfate, remains widely available through generic versions and other brand-name formulations. The misconception often stems from periodic drug shortages that affect many ADHD stimulants, including dextroamphetamine.

Quick Summary

The brand-name Dexedrine Spansule has seen some formulations discontinued by manufacturers, but generic dextroamphetamine is still available. Patients are most likely to encounter availability issues due to widespread ADHD stimulant shortages rather than product discontinuation. Multiple generic and brand-name alternatives exist, requiring patients to work closely with their healthcare providers.

Key Points

• Dexedrine is Not Fully Discontinued: While specific brand-name formulations, such as certain doses of Dexedrine Spansule, have been discontinued by manufacturers, the active ingredient, dextroamphetamine sulfate, is still available via generic and other brand-name versions.

• Shortages are the Main Issue: The primary reason for limited availability is not a product discontinuation but rather the broader, ongoing shortages of ADHD stimulant medications caused by DEA quotas, manufacturing issues, and increased demand.

• Generic Dextroamphetamine is Available: Patients can often find generic dextroamphetamine in both immediate-release tablet and extended-release capsule forms from various manufacturers.

• Alternatives to Dextroamphetamine Exist: Other options include different stimulant medications (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse, methylphenidate) and non-stimulant medications (e.g., Strattera, Qelbree). Patients should discuss these with their doctor.

• Consult Your Doctor and Pharmacist: The best course of action is to work with your healthcare provider and pharmacist to navigate availability issues and determine the best treatment plan for your needs.

A significant percentage of ADHD patients rely on stimulant medications like dextroamphetamine to manage their symptoms, making the question of drug availability critical. When news of drug discontinuations or shortages arises, it can cause considerable anxiety. The story of Dexedrine and its availability is a prime example, with the situation often misunderstood due to manufacturer changes and broader supply chain issues impacting the market for controlled substances.

Brand-Name Dexedrine vs. Generic Dextroamphetamine

To understand the availability of this medication, it's crucial to distinguish between the original brand name, Dexedrine, and its generic equivalent, dextroamphetamine. While the brand name Dexedrine has existed since the 1930s, the current market is dominated by generic products and different brand formulations.

For example, while some brand-name Dexedrine Spansule extended-release capsules have been discontinued by their manufacturer, most doses of the generic extended-release capsules remain in production by other companies. The immediate-release version, dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets, is also available in generic form from multiple manufacturers. Another brand name, Zenzedi, also offers immediate-release dextroamphetamine tablets across various strengths.

Why Do Shortages Occur?

Shortages of ADHD stimulant medications, including dextroamphetamine, have been a recurring issue, leading many patients to question if a specific drug has been discontinued. These shortages are not due to safety concerns, but rather a complex set of factors affecting the entire market for controlled substances.

• DEA Quotas: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sets annual production quotas for controlled substances. Critics argue that these quotas can be restrictive and fail to keep up with increasing patient demand, leading to significant shortfalls in production. The DEA sets these caps almost two years in advance, making it difficult to adjust for real-time market shifts.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Issues with the manufacturing and supply chain, exacerbated by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, have created bottlenecks in the production and distribution of many medications.
• Increased Demand: The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD, particularly in adults, has increased significantly over recent years, putting additional pressure on the supply of available medications.

Available Dextroamphetamine Formulations

Patients prescribed dextroamphetamine have several options, though availability may vary based on manufacturer and pharmacy stock.

• Dextroamphetamine Extended-Release (ER) Capsules: Generic extended-release capsules are available in different strengths from various manufacturers like Mallinckrodt and Actavis Pharmaceuticals. It is these generic versions that patients often rely on when brand-name versions are unavailable.
• Dextroamphetamine Immediate-Release (IR) Tablets: Both generic and brand-name formulations are available. Brand name Zenzedi offers a range of doses, while multiple generic companies also produce the tablets.
• Dextroamphetamine Oral Solution: A liquid version, ProCentra, is also available, which can be a suitable alternative for patients who have difficulty swallowing pills.
• Dextroamphetamine Transdermal Patch: Xelstrym is a brand-name transdermal patch that delivers dextroamphetamine, offering a different delivery method for some patients.

Comparison of Dextroamphetamine Medications

Feature	Dexedrine Spansule (Brand)	Generic Dextroamphetamine ER	Zenzedi (Brand)	Xelstrym (Brand)
Active Ingredient	Dextroamphetamine Sulfate	Dextroamphetamine Sulfate	Dextroamphetamine Sulfate	Dextroamphetamine
Formulation	Extended-Release Capsules	Extended-Release Capsules	Immediate-Release Tablets	Transdermal Patch
Availability	Some strengths discontinued, others may be intermittently available	Generally available from multiple manufacturers, but subject to broader shortages	Available from Arbor Pharmaceuticals (Azurity)	Available from Noven Therapeutics
Onset/Duration	8-10 hours	Varies by manufacturer, generally similar to brand	Rapid onset, typically 4-6 hours	Smooth, steady release over 8-9 hours
Usage	ADHD and narcolepsy	ADHD and narcolepsy	ADHD and narcolepsy	ADHD

What to Do If You Can't Find Your Medication

If you encounter a shortage of your prescribed medication, it's important to take a proactive approach with your healthcare team.

1. Communicate with Your Pharmacy: Ask your pharmacist if they have your medication in stock or if they can order it. They can also tell you which specific manufacturers they use, as generic formulations can vary.
2. Contact Your Prescriber: If your pharmacy cannot fill your prescription, your doctor may be able to suggest an alternative. They might consider switching you to a different stimulant, a non-stimulant, or another formulation of dextroamphetamine.
3. Explore Different Formulations: As noted, dextroamphetamine comes in different forms (capsules, tablets, patches, liquids). If one is unavailable, another may be in stock.
4. Try Different Pharmacies: Availability can vary significantly from one pharmacy to another, even within the same chain.
5. Consider Alternative Medications: For patients who do not tolerate or cannot find dextroamphetamine, alternatives such as methylphenidate-based drugs (Ritalin, Concerta), combination amphetamine salts (Adderall), or non-stimulants (Strattera, Qelbree) may be considered.

Conclusion

In short, the claim that Dexedrine has been discontinued is a simplification of a more complex situation. While brand-name Dexedrine Spansules have been partially discontinued, the active ingredient, dextroamphetamine, remains very much available through a variety of generic and other brand-name formulations. The primary challenge for patients is not a full discontinuation but rather the widespread and ongoing shortages of ADHD stimulants, which are driven by manufacturing constraints, supply chain issues, and DEA regulations. Patients experiencing difficulty in filling their prescriptions should maintain open communication with their healthcare providers and pharmacists to explore all available options, including alternative formulations and medications.

Understanding the complexities of controlled substance availability is a key part of managing ADHD long-term.

References

• {Link: Federal Register https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2007/08/07/E7-15236/determination-that-dexedrine-dextroamphetamine-sulfate-oral-solution-5-milligrams-per-5-milliliters}.
• {Link: Federal Register https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2002/10/18/02-26473/determination-that-dextroamphetamine-sulfate-tables-15-milligrams-were-not-withdrawn-from-sale-for}
• {Link: Verywell Mind https://www.verywellmind.com/dexedrine-a-medication-for-adhd-4137373}.
• {Link: Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates https://rittenhousepa.com/resources/practice-resources/adhd-stimulant-shortage-guide-philadelphia/}.
• {Link: ASHP https://www.ashp.org/drug-shortages/current-shortages/drug-shortage-detail.aspx?id=1167}
• {Link: First Step Behavioral Health https://firststepbh.com/blog/what-is-the-difference-between-dexedrine-and-adderall/}.
• {Link: WebMD https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-11574/dexedrine-oral/details}.
• {Link: Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/szwgjg/generic_dextroamphetamine_dexedrine_manufacturers/}.
• {Link: SingleCare https://www.singlecare.com/blog/adderall-alternatives/}.
• {Link: MEDvidi https://medvidi.com/blog/adhd-medication-shortage}.
• {Link: Drugs.com https://www.drugs.com/availability/generic-dexedrine.html}.
• {Link: Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/ADHD/comments/1arvlpm/dexedrine_still_available_in_usa/}.
• {Link: Epocrates https://www.epocrates.com/online/article/adhd-rx-meds-filled-less-often-as-drug-shortage-continues-across-nation}.
• {Link: AJMC https://www.ajmc.com/view/us-adhd-stimulant-shortage-highlights-growing-challenges-in-adult-treatment}.

Understanding Dexedrine Availability

Specific doses of brand-name Dexedrine Spansule extended-release capsules have been discontinued by the manufacturer as of early 2024. Patients using discontinued doses will usually switch to a generic extended-release dextroamphetamine capsule. It's important to note this is a manufacturer decision, not a regulatory withdrawal by the FDA for safety issues. During shortages, your healthcare provider can help find alternative strategies, such as dose adjustments or considering a different class of medication. Always consult a medical professional before changing your medication plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the brand-name Dexedrine still available?

Some brand-name Dexedrine formulations, including specific doses of the extended-release Spansule, have been discontinued by their manufacturers. However, other formulations of dextroamphetamine, including generics, are still produced.

If Dexedrine is not discontinued, why can't I find it?

The difficulty in finding the medication is primarily due to widespread ADHD stimulant shortages, which are caused by factors like DEA quotas on controlled substance production and supply chain issues, rather than a full discontinuation of the drug itself.

Is generic dextroamphetamine still available?

Yes, generic dextroamphetamine sulfate is still produced and available in both immediate-release tablet and extended-release capsule forms from a number of manufacturers.

Are there any alternative medications if I can't find dextroamphetamine?

Yes, your doctor can discuss alternative options, which include other stimulant medications (like Adderall, Vyvanse, or methylphenidate-based drugs) or non-stimulant medications (such as Strattera or Qelbree).

Has the FDA withdrawn Dexedrine from the market?

No, the FDA has not withdrawn Dexedrine for safety or effectiveness reasons. Decisions regarding product discontinuation have been made by the manufacturer for business reasons.

Why is the DEA involved in Dexedrine availability?

The DEA sets annual production quotas for controlled substances like dextroamphetamine. Critics argue these quotas are restrictive and contribute to ongoing shortages, as manufacturers are unable to produce enough to meet demand.

What should I do if my pharmacy says they are out of stock?

If your pharmacy is out of stock, first ask if they can order it from a different supplier. If not, contact your doctor to see if an alternative formulation or medication can be prescribed. You may also check other pharmacies, as stock can vary.