Dexedrine XR Shortage Status: February 2026 Update

If you've been struggling to find Dexedrine XR (dextroamphetamine extended-release), you're dealing with one of the most severe medication availability crises in recent memory. As we move through 2026, the shortage that began affecting ADHD medications in 2022 continues to impact millions of patients across the United States.

This comprehensive update covers everything you need to know about the current state of the Dexedrine XR shortage, what's changed recently, and most importantly – what you can do about it right now.

Is Dexedrine XR Still in Shortage?

Yes, Dexedrine XR remains in critical shortage as of February 2026. The medication currently has a findability score of just 35 out of 100, placing it firmly in the "red zone" for availability. This means that on any given day, the vast majority of pharmacies don't have it in stock.

The shortage affects all strengths of Dexedrine XR (Dexedrine Spansule), including:

• 5mg extended-release capsules
• 10mg extended-release capsules
• 15mg extended-release capsules

While some pharmacies occasionally receive small shipments, these supplies are typically depleted within hours or days of arrival. The problem isn't getting better – if anything, demand continues to outpace the limited supply that manufacturers can produce.

What's Changed Since the Shortage Began?

The Dexedrine XR shortage is part of the broader ADHD medication crisis that started in late 2022. Here's what has evolved:

DEA Production Quotas

The Drug Enforcement Administration has made some adjustments to annual production quotas for dextroamphetamine, but these increases haven't been sufficient to meet actual patient demand. The DEA's cautious approach to raising limits continues to be the primary bottleneck in resolving this shortage.

Manufacturing Challenges

Dexedrine XR is primarily manufactured by Catalent Pharma Solutions for Amneal Pharmaceuticals' Specialty Products division. This concentrated manufacturing means there are fewer backup options when production issues arise, unlike medications made by multiple companies.

Increased ADHD Diagnoses

The demand side of the equation has also changed significantly. More adults are being diagnosed with ADHD than ever before, and telehealth services have made it easier to access care. This increased demand adds pressure to an already constrained supply chain.

Why Is Dexedrine XR Particularly Hard to Find?

Several factors make Dexedrine XR especially difficult to locate compared to other ADHD medications:

Limited manufacturing sources: Unlike Adderall or generic methylphenidate products that are made by multiple companies, Dexedrine XR has fewer manufacturing sources.

DEA quota constraints: All dextroamphetamine production is subject to strict DEA limits, and these quotas haven't kept pace with medical need.

Spillover demand: When other ADHD medications like Adderall XR become scarce, patients and doctors often turn to Dexedrine XR as an alternative, further straining the limited supply.

Insurance preferences: Some insurance plans prefer single-ingredient medications like Dexedrine XR over combination products, creating additional demand pressure.

Current Cost Landscape in 2026

The shortage has significantly impacted Dexedrine XR pricing:

Cash prices without insurance: Range from $19.52 to $685.03 for a 30-day supply, depending on dose, pharmacy, and location. The wide variation reflects supply and demand dynamics in different markets.

With discount programs: Services like GoodRx, SingleCare, and others can bring costs down to approximately $32-50 for most patients, though availability remains the bigger challenge than cost.

Insurance coverage: Most insurance plans still cover Dexedrine XR, but many now require prior authorization or want you to try other ADHD medications first (step therapy). The shortage has led some plans to expedite these approvals when other options aren't available.

Price stability: Interestingly, Dexedrine XR prices haven't inflated as dramatically as you might expect during a shortage, largely because insurance coverage and pharmacy regulations limit price gouging for essential medications.

New Options and Developments in 2026

While the shortage continues, there have been some positive developments:

Generic Alternatives

Generic dextroamphetamine extended-release products remain available from some manufacturers, though they face the same supply constraints as the brand-name version. These generics are identical in effectiveness but may be easier to find at certain pharmacies.

Improved Shortage Tracking

Tools like Medfinder have become more sophisticated in tracking real-time pharmacy inventory, making it easier for patients to locate available supplies without calling dozens of pharmacies.

Telehealth Prescribing

More healthcare providers are comfortable prescribing ADHD medications via telehealth, making it easier to get prescriptions for alternative medications when Dexedrine XR isn't available.

Patient Assistance Programs

Amneal Pharmaceuticals and patient advocacy organizations have expanded assistance programs to help patients access medications during the shortage period.

How to Find Dexedrine XR in Stock Right Now

Despite the shortage, patients are still successfully finding Dexedrine XR. Here are the most effective strategies in 2026:

Use Technology to Your Advantage

• Medfinder alerts: Set up notifications for your specific dose and location
• Multiple pharmacy apps: Check CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and independent pharmacy websites
• Call at optimal times: Early morning (8-10 AM) and early afternoon (1-3 PM) when new shipments are most likely to be processed

Expand Your Pharmacy Network

• Independent pharmacies: Often have more flexibility and better distributor relationships
• Hospital pharmacies: Some allow community patients to fill prescriptions
• Specialty pharmacies: May have access to different supply channels
• Geographic expansion: Consider pharmacies 15-30 miles from your usual area

Build Strategic Relationships

• Become a regular customer: Fill other prescriptions at pharmacies where you want to build relationships
• Communicate your situation: Let pharmacists know about your ADHD and how important medication continuity is for your work/school
• Ask about special ordering: Many pharmacies will place orders for regular customers if they know there's guaranteed demand

For detailed step-by-step guidance, check out our comprehensive guide on how to find Dexedrine XR in stock near you.

What If You Still Can't Find It?

If you've exhausted all options for finding Dexedrine XR, don't go without treatment. Work with your healthcare provider on these alternatives:

• Therapeutic alternatives: Adderall XR, Vyvanse, or methylphenidate-based extended-release options
• Immediate-release bridge therapy: Regular Dexedrine taken twice daily while continuing to search for the XR version
• Compounding options: Custom extended-release formulations from specialty compounding pharmacies
• Clinical trials: Research studies that might provide access to similar medications

Looking Ahead: When Will This End?

While no one can predict exactly when the Dexedrine XR shortage will resolve, several factors could improve the situation:

Regulatory changes: Continued advocacy pressure may lead to more realistic DEA production quotas that match actual medical need.

Manufacturing expansion: Additional companies may begin producing dextroamphetamine extended-release products, increasing supply diversity.

Market stabilization: As the initial surge in ADHD diagnoses levels off, demand may stabilize relative to supply.

Alternative adoption: As patients successfully transition to other effective medications, pressure on Dexedrine XR specifically may decrease.

Most experts expect the shortage to continue through at least mid-2026, with gradual improvement possible in the second half of the year.

Advocacy and Policy Efforts

Patient advocacy groups continue pushing for solutions at the regulatory level:

• CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) regularly advocates with the DEA and FDA
• ADDA (Attention Deficit Disorder Association) provides resources and advocacy opportunities
• Congressional attention: Several members of Congress have called for DEA quota reforms
• Medical society pressure: Professional organizations representing psychiatrists and pediatricians continue advocating for patients

Consider adding your voice to these efforts by contacting your representatives and sharing your shortage experiences.

Key Takeaways for Patients in 2026

The Dexedrine XR shortage remains a significant challenge, but you have options:

1. The shortage is real and ongoing – it's not your pharmacy's fault or your imagination
2. Technology and strategy help – use tools like Medfinder and build pharmacy relationships
3. Alternatives exist – work with your doctor on backup plans rather than going without treatment
4. Cost remains manageable – discount programs keep prices reasonable when you do find it
5. Advocacy matters – your voice can help push for systemic solutions

Remember, managing ADHD is crucial for your daily functioning and quality of life. Don't let the shortage prevent you from getting effective treatment – whether that's Dexedrine XR when you can find it, or a suitable alternative when you can't.

Stay persistent, stay flexible, and keep working with your healthcare team to ensure you have the best possible treatment plan during this challenging time.