The Desoxyn Shortage: Where Things Stand in 2026

If you take Desoxyn (Methamphetamine Hydrochloride) for ADHD, the past few years have been rough. Since the broader ADHD stimulant shortage began in late 2022, Desoxyn has been one of the hardest-hit medications — and one of the slowest to recover.

In this update, we'll cover the current state of Desoxyn availability in 2026, explain why it remains so difficult to find, break down the costs you can expect, and share practical steps to help you get your prescription filled.

Is Desoxyn Still in Shortage?

The short answer: effectively, yes.

While Desoxyn may not always appear on the FDA's official drug shortage list, the practical reality for patients is that finding it remains extremely difficult. The medication has chronic availability problems driven by:

• A very small number of manufacturers
• Low DEA production quotas
• Minimal pharmacy stocking
• Inconsistent generic supply

The brand-name version is now distributed by Ajenat Pharmaceuticals, which took over from Key Therapeutics in 2024. Generic Methamphetamine HCl is produced by Mayne Pharma, but supply has been unreliable. The discontinuation of Dr. Reddy's generic version further reduced the already-thin supply pipeline.

For a deeper look at the root causes, see our article on why Desoxyn is so hard to find.

Why Is Desoxyn So Hard to Find?

Desoxyn's availability problems are structural, not temporary. Here's a quick summary:

Limited Manufacturing

Unlike Adderall, which has dozens of generic manufacturers, Desoxyn has only a handful. When one manufacturer exits the market (as Dr. Reddy's did), it has an outsized impact on supply.

DEA Quotas

The DEA sets annual production limits for all Schedule II controlled substances. Because Desoxyn is rarely prescribed relative to other stimulants, its production quota is very small. Even if demand spikes, manufacturers can't simply produce more without DEA approval.

Pharmacy Hesitancy

Most pharmacies don't stock Desoxyn because they see very few prescriptions for it. The stigma around Methamphetamine — even in its prescription form — adds another layer of reluctance. Many pharmacists have never dispensed it and may not know how to order it.

The Broader Stimulant Shortage

The nationwide shortage of ADHD stimulants that began in October 2022 put pressure on the entire supply chain. While medications like Adderall have seen some improvement, niche drugs like Desoxyn have been left behind. In the fall of 2025, the DEA increased production quotas for some ADHD medications, but Desoxyn's small market means it benefits less from these broader quota increases.

How Much Does Desoxyn Cost in 2026?

Cost is another significant barrier. Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Brand-name Desoxyn: $590 to $1,135 retail for 30 tablets (5 mg)
• Generic Methamphetamine HCl with a discount coupon: $119 to $150 for 30 tablets
• With insurance: Coverage varies widely. Most plans require prior authorization and step therapy. Some plans don't cover it at all.

The brand-name manufacturer (Ajenat Pharmaceuticals) offers a co-pay savings card that may reduce your out-of-pocket cost to as little as $0 for eligible patients with commercial insurance.

For more ways to lower your costs, see our guide to saving money on Desoxyn.

Are There New Options for Desoxyn Patients?

While there haven't been any new Methamphetamine-based medications approved, a few developments are worth noting:

• Ajenat Pharmaceuticals' co-pay card: A relatively new program that can significantly reduce brand-name costs
• Generic Vyvanse: Since generic Lisdexamfetamine became available in 2023, this long-acting stimulant alternative is now much more affordable ($30 to $60 per month with a coupon)
• Medfinder: Real-time pharmacy availability tools like Medfinder make it easier to locate Desoxyn without calling dozens of pharmacies

If you're considering alternatives, check out our guide to Desoxyn alternatives.

How to Find Desoxyn in Stock Right Now

Here are the most effective strategies for locating Desoxyn today:

1. Search on Medfinder — check real-time pharmacy availability in your area
2. Call independent pharmacies — they're more likely to special-order niche controlled substances
3. Ask about both brand and generic — sometimes one is available when the other isn't
4. Contact the manufacturer — Ajenat Pharmaceuticals may be able to direct you to a pharmacy that has stock
5. Plan ahead — don't wait until your last pill to start looking for a refill

For detailed step-by-step tips, read our complete guide to finding Desoxyn in stock.

Final Thoughts

The Desoxyn shortage in 2026 isn't a single event — it's an ongoing structural problem driven by limited supply, regulatory constraints, and low market interest. For patients who depend on this medication, that's deeply frustrating.

But you're not powerless. Tools like Medfinder, manufacturer savings programs, independent pharmacies, and open communication with your prescriber can all help you navigate this difficult landscape. Stay proactive, start your search early, and know that there are people and resources working to make this easier.