The shortage that won't end — where things stand in 2026

If you take amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR (generic Adderall) for ADHD or narcolepsy, the past three-plus years have been exhausting. What started as a supply disruption in late 2022 has turned into one of the longest-running prescription drug shortages in the United States.

In this update, we'll cover where things stand in early 2026, why the shortage continues, what it's costing patients, and what you can do about it.

Is amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR still in shortage?

Yes — but it's complicated.

The FDA first listed amphetamine mixed salts as in shortage in October 2022, after Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (the largest generic manufacturer) reported manufacturing delays. The shortage peaked in 2023, when patients across the country reported going weeks or even months without their medication.

Since then, supply has gradually improved. The DEA increased the aggregate production quota (APQ) for d-amphetamine by 25% in October 2025, raising it from 21.2 million grams to 26.5 million grams. The DEA also set 2026 quotas in January 2026 that account for higher demand.

However, intermittent regional shortages continue. Some pharmacies have consistent stock while others — sometimes in the same city — can't get any. The situation varies by:

• Your specific dose and strength
• Your geographic region
• Your pharmacy's distributor relationships
• Time of month (beginning and end of month tend to be tightest)

Why is amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR still hard to find?

The shortage is driven by a combination of factors that haven't fully resolved:

Rising demand

ADHD diagnoses and stimulant prescriptions have increased significantly, driven in part by expanded telehealth access during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. More patients need the medication than ever before.

Production constraints

Even with increased DEA quotas, manufacturers need time to scale up. Building additional production capacity for a Schedule II controlled substance involves regulatory approvals, raw material sourcing, and quality control processes that can take months.

Distribution bottlenecks

Drug distributors place allocation limits on controlled substances, restricting how much any single pharmacy can order. Even when national supply is adequate, local distribution can create gaps. For more on why this medication is so hard to find, see our detailed explainer.

What does amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR cost in 2026?

Cost varies significantly depending on whether you have insurance, which pharmacy you use, and whether you use discount coupons:

• Generic with a coupon (GoodRx, SingleCare): As low as $14 to $17 for a 30-day supply of common doses
• Generic retail price (no coupon, no insurance): Approximately $30 to $55 for a 30-day supply
• Brand-name Adderall IR (if available): $300 to $815 for a 30-day supply without insurance

The generic version is significantly cheaper and therapeutically equivalent. If you're paying more than $50 out of pocket, you may be able to save with a discount card. See our full guide: How to save money on amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR.

Are there new options available in 2026?

While no entirely new amphetamine IR products have launched recently, the market for ADHD medications has expanded:

• Generic lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) became available in 2023 and has been gradually increasing in supply. It's a once-daily option that many patients have successfully switched to.
• Azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate) is a newer stimulant option with a unique delivery mechanism.
• Multiple generic manufacturers now produce amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR, which should help diversify the supply chain over time.

Talk to your doctor about whether any of these options might work for you. Our alternatives guide compares the most common options.

How to find amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR in stock

Here's what's working for patients right now:

1. Use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have your medication in stock before making calls or driving around.
2. Try independent pharmacies. They often have more flexible ordering from multiple distributors and may have stock when chains don't.
3. Ask about different strengths. Your 20 mg dose may be out, but 10 mg tablets might be available. Your doctor can adjust the prescription.
4. Refill early. Start looking 5 to 7 days before you run out to give yourself time.
5. Call pharmacies on delivery days. Ask your pharmacy when they receive shipments and try to fill right after a delivery.

For a deeper dive into finding strategies, read our full guide: How to find amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR in stock near you.

Final thoughts

The amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR shortage is improving — but slowly. If you depend on this medication, you'll likely still need to plan ahead and be resourceful in 2026.

The most important things you can do: use tools like Medfinder to check availability, work closely with your doctor, and don't wait until you're completely out to start looking for a refill.

This shortage has affected real people in real ways — missed work, struggling grades, disrupted daily life. You deserve better, and the supply situation is getting better. Hang in there.