Atomoxetine Shortage Update for 2026

If you take Atomoxetine (Strattera) for ADHD, you may have heard about medication shortages affecting ADHD drugs in recent years. The good news is that Atomoxetine has fared better than many stimulant medications — but that doesn't mean finding it is always easy.

Here's what you need to know about Atomoxetine availability in 2026, including whether there's still a shortage, what it costs, and how to make sure you can fill your prescription.

Is Atomoxetine Still in Shortage?

As of early 2026, Atomoxetine is not listed on the FDA or ASHP drug shortage lists. This is a significant difference from stimulant ADHD medications like mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin), which have experienced ongoing supply disruptions since October 2022.

The reason Atomoxetine has been less affected is straightforward: it's not a controlled substance. Stimulant ADHD medications are classified as Schedule II controlled substances by the DEA, which means their production is limited by annual manufacturing quotas. Atomoxetine has no such restrictions, allowing manufacturers to scale production more freely in response to demand.

That said, some patients still report difficulty finding Atomoxetine at their local pharmacy. This is usually due to:

• Increased demand as patients switch from unavailable stimulants
• Pharmacy-level inventory fluctuations
• Certain dose strengths being less commonly stocked

For a deeper look at why this happens, read our article: Why Is Atomoxetine So Hard to Find?

Why Has Atomoxetine Been Hard to Find?

Even without a formal shortage, several factors can make Atomoxetine difficult to locate:

The ADHD Medication Ripple Effect

The stimulant shortage has pushed millions of patients toward non-stimulant alternatives. Atomoxetine is the most established non-stimulant ADHD medication, so it has absorbed a significant share of that increased demand. This has created intermittent spot shortages at pharmacies that weren't accustomed to filling as many Atomoxetine prescriptions.

Rising ADHD Diagnoses

ADHD diagnoses have increased significantly, particularly among adults. More people being treated for ADHD means more prescriptions across all ADHD medication categories, including Atomoxetine.

Generic Manufacturer Variability

Multiple generic manufacturers produce Atomoxetine, but not every manufacturer stocks every dose strength consistently. If your pharmacy's preferred wholesaler runs low on a particular strength, you may experience a delay even when other pharmacies have stock.

How Much Does Atomoxetine Cost in 2026?

Cost is an important consideration, especially if you're paying out of pocket. Here's a breakdown of current pricing:

• Generic Atomoxetine with coupon: As low as $27 for a 30-day supply (prices vary by dose and pharmacy)
• Generic Atomoxetine without coupon: $150–$430 for a 30-day supply
• Brand Strattera: $400–$500+ for a 30-day supply without insurance

The price difference between using a coupon and paying full cash price is dramatic. Services like GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver offer free coupons that can significantly reduce your cost. For a complete guide to saving money, see: How to Save Money on Atomoxetine in 2026.

New Options and Developments

The ADHD treatment landscape continues to evolve. Here are some developments that may affect Atomoxetine patients in 2026:

Viloxazine (Qelbree) Gaining Traction

Viloxazine, sold as Qelbree, is a newer non-stimulant ADHD medication that was FDA-approved for children in 2021 and adults in 2022. As it becomes more widely prescribed, it provides another non-stimulant option for patients who can't access or tolerate Atomoxetine. However, no generic version is available yet, making it more expensive.

Telehealth Prescribing

Getting an Atomoxetine prescription through telehealth is now widely available. Because it's not a controlled substance, there are fewer regulatory hurdles for telehealth prescribing compared to stimulant medications. Platforms like Thriveworks, MEDvidi, and Blossom Health offer online psychiatry visits where Atomoxetine can be prescribed.

Continued Generic Availability

Multiple manufacturers continue to produce generic Atomoxetine, keeping prices competitive. The patent for brand Strattera expired years ago, and the generic market is well-established.

How to Find Atomoxetine in Stock

If your pharmacy is out of Atomoxetine, here's what to do:

1. Use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have it in stock
2. Try independent pharmacies — they often have better availability than large chains
3. Ask your pharmacy to order it — most can receive it within 1–2 business days
4. Consider mail-order pharmacies — they typically maintain larger inventories
5. Request a 90-day supply — fewer refills mean fewer chances for stockout issues

For more detailed tips, read our full guide: How to Find Atomoxetine in Stock Near You.

Final Thoughts

Atomoxetine remains one of the more accessible ADHD medications in 2026. While it's not in formal shortage, individual pharmacies may occasionally run low. Being proactive — using tools like Medfinder, trying independent pharmacies, and planning refills ahead — will help ensure you can keep your ADHD treatment on track.

If you're a healthcare provider looking for resources to help your patients, check out our provider-focused article: Atomoxetine Shortage: What Providers and Prescribers Need to Know in 2026.