Get the latest on the Amphetamine shortage in 2026. Learn about current availability, costs, DEA quota updates, and how to find your medication in stock.
The Amphetamine shortage — one of the longest-running medication shortages in recent U.S. history — continues into 2026. If you take Adderall, Adderall XR, or any generic Amphetamine product for ADHD or narcolepsy, you've likely felt the impact firsthand.
In this article, we'll give you the latest update on the shortage, explain what's changed (and what hasn't), and share practical steps you can take to find your medication.
Yes. As of February 2026, the FDA and ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) both list Amphetamine mixed salts — including both immediate-release and extended-release formulations — as currently in shortage.
Multiple manufacturers continue to report backorders on specific strengths. According to ASHP, certain extended-release capsule strengths (particularly 10mg and 20mg XR) have been especially hard to find, with manufacturers estimating resupply dates that frequently slip.
The shortage is not limited to one brand or one generic manufacturer. It affects:
The shortage has been driven by the same core factors since it began in October 2022:
The DEA sets annual limits on how much Amphetamine can be manufactured in the U.S. In October 2025, the DEA increased the aggregate production quota (APQ) for d-amphetamine by 25% — from 21.2 million grams to 26.5 million grams. This was the first significant increase in years and a direct response to the ongoing shortage.
However, raising quotas doesn't immediately translate to more pills on pharmacy shelves. Manufacturers need time to source raw materials, schedule production runs, and distribute finished products. The effects of the 2025 quota increase are gradually being felt, but supply has not yet fully caught up with demand.
ADHD diagnoses among both children and adults have risen sharply over the past five years. Greater public awareness, reduced stigma, and expanded telehealth access have all contributed to more people seeking treatment. With more prescriptions being written than ever before, the existing supply simply isn't enough.
Key manufacturers — including Teva Pharmaceuticals, the largest producer of generic Adderall — have experienced intermittent production delays due to quality control issues, raw material shortages, and facility capacity limitations. When a single large manufacturer falls behind, the ripple effect is felt nationwide.
The cost of Amphetamine varies widely depending on your formulation, pharmacy, and whether you use insurance or a coupon:
Using a prescription discount coupon can save you 50-90% off the cash price. See our full guide on how to save money on Amphetamine for more details.
Most commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D cover generic Amphetamine mixed salts, typically on Tier 2. However, many plans require prior authorization for adults, and some may require step therapy (trying Methylphenidate first).
While no brand-new Amphetamine products have launched recently, there are a few developments worth noting:
Here are the most effective strategies for locating Amphetamine:
Medfinder lets you search for pharmacies near you that currently have Amphetamine in stock. It's the fastest way to check availability without calling every pharmacy in town.
Independent pharmacies often have different supply sources than chains and may have stock when CVS or Walgreens doesn't. Don't overlook them.
Controlled substance shipments tend to arrive at pharmacies early in the month. Plan your refill accordingly.
If your specific strength is unavailable, your doctor may be able to prescribe a different strength or switch you to a liquid formulation like Dyanavel XR.
If your regular pharmacy can't consistently stock your medication, be willing to use different pharmacies. Your doctor can send prescriptions electronically to whichever pharmacy has stock.
For a complete guide, read our article on how to find Amphetamine in stock near you.
The Amphetamine shortage has now lasted over three years, and while progress is being made — DEA quotas are up, new manufacturers are entering the market, and generic Vyvanse provides an alternative supply — the reality is that finding Amphetamine still requires effort and planning in 2026.
Stay proactive: use tools like Medfinder, work closely with your doctor and pharmacist, and explore alternatives if needed. Your ADHD treatment shouldn't be disrupted any longer than necessary.
For more information, check out our guides on what Amphetamine is, Amphetamine side effects, and drug interactions to watch for.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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