Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

The Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine Shortage: Where Things Stand in 2026

The Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine shortage has been going on for over three years now. What started in October 2022 with manufacturing delays at Teva Pharmaceuticals has turned into one of the longest medication shortages in recent U.S. history — and millions of ADHD patients are still feeling the effects.

If you take Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine (generic Adderall) and you've been struggling to get your prescription filled, here's everything you need to know about the current state of the shortage, why it's happening, what it costs in 2026, and what you can do about it.

Is Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine remains on the FDA's official drug shortage list. While the situation has improved compared to the worst months of 2023 and 2024, certain formulations and strengths are still intermittently unavailable at pharmacies across the country.

The shortage affects both immediate-release (IR) tablets and extended-release (XR) capsules, though IR formulations have generally been harder to find. Some specific strengths — particularly 20mg and 30mg — have been the most consistently affected.

Why Is Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine Still Hard to Find?

Several factors continue to drive the shortage:

DEA Production Quotas

As a Schedule II controlled substance, the amount of Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine that can be manufactured each year is capped by the DEA. In October 2025, the DEA raised the aggregate production quota for d-amphetamine by about 25% — from 21.2 million grams to 26.5 million grams. This was a significant step, but manufacturers need time to ramp up production and distribute the additional supply.

Ongoing Demand Growth

ADHD diagnoses have continued to rise, particularly among adults. The expansion of telehealth during and after the COVID-19 pandemic made it easier for people to get evaluated and prescribed ADHD medication, increasing overall demand for stimulants.

Multiple Manufacturers Affected

While Teva's initial manufacturing delays triggered the shortage, other generic manufacturers — including Sandoz, Mallinckrodt, Lannett, and Sun Pharma — have also experienced supply constraints at various points. No single manufacturer has been able to fully compensate for the overall shortfall.

How Much Does Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine Cost in 2026?

Costs vary significantly depending on whether you have insurance, which formulation you take, and whether you use a discount card:

• Brand-name Adderall IR (20mg, 60 tablets): approximately $350–$815/month without insurance
• Brand-name Adderall XR (30mg, 30 capsules): approximately $300–$450/month without insurance
• Generic IR (30 tablets): approximately $25–$80/month with a coupon from GoodRx or SingleCare
• Generic XR (30 capsules): approximately $40–$100/month with a coupon

With insurance, most patients pay between $5 and $50 for a 30-day supply of the generic formulation. For tips on reducing your costs, see: How to Save Money on Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine in 2026.

Are There Any New Options in 2026?

While no major new Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine products have launched recently, there are some developments worth noting:

• Increased generic competition: More generic manufacturers have entered or expanded production, which should help stabilize supply over time.
• DEA quota increases: The 2025 and 2026 production quotas are meaningfully higher than previous years, which should allow more medication to reach the market.
• Generic Vyvanse: Generic Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) became available in 2023, giving patients and doctors another amphetamine-class option with improving availability and lower cost.

How to Find Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine in Stock

Here are the most effective strategies for finding your medication:

1. Use Medfinder: Medfinder shows you real-time pharmacy availability near your zip code. It's the fastest way to find which pharmacies currently have Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine in stock.
2. Try independent pharmacies: They often have different supply chains and may have stock when chain pharmacies don't.
3. Be flexible on strength and formulation: Ask your doctor if a different dosage or switching between IR and XR could work for you.
4. Fill early in the week: Pharmacy deliveries typically arrive Monday through Wednesday.
5. Consider alternatives: If you consistently can't find your medication, talk to your prescriber about alternatives like Vyvanse, Methylphenidate, or Atomoxetine.

For a more detailed guide, read: How to Find Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine in Stock Near You.

Final Thoughts

The Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine shortage is slowly improving, but it's not over yet. If you depend on this medication, the best thing you can do is stay proactive: use tools like Medfinder, build a relationship with a reliable pharmacy, and keep your prescriber updated on your access challenges.

You shouldn't have to go without your medication. With the right strategies, you can improve your chances of getting it filled — even in the middle of a shortage.