The Dextroamphetamine Shortage in 2026: Where Things Stand

The Dextroamphetamine shortage has been going on for more than three years now, and patients are understandably frustrated. What started as a supply disruption in late 2022 has become a long-running crisis affecting millions of people who rely on this medication for ADHD and narcolepsy.

Here's what you need to know about the shortage heading into 2026 — including whether things are getting better, what's driving the problem, and what you can do right now.

Is Dextroamphetamine Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, Dextroamphetamine remains on the FDA Drug Shortage list. Multiple amphetamine products — including immediate-release tablets and extended-release capsules — continue to be intermittently unavailable at pharmacies across the country.

Some strengths and formulations are easier to find than others, and availability varies significantly by region. But for many patients, finding their specific dose at their local pharmacy is still a challenge.

Why Is Dextroamphetamine Still Hard to Find?

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

DEA Production Quotas

The DEA controls how much amphetamine can be manufactured each year through Aggregate Production Quotas (APQs). In October 2025, the DEA increased the d-amphetamine quota from 21.2 million grams to 26.5 million grams — a 25% increase. However, experts and patient advocates say this still doesn't match actual demand, especially as ADHD diagnosis rates continue to rise.

Ongoing Manufacturing Challenges

Teva Pharmaceuticals, which historically produced a large share of generic amphetamine products, has faced ongoing supply issues since 2022. Other manufacturers have ramped up production, but the combined output still falls short during peak demand periods.

Growing Demand

ADHD diagnoses in adults have increased significantly over the past five years, driven in part by greater awareness and expanded telehealth access. The FDA estimated a 6% growth in amphetamine prescriptions from 2023 to 2024 alone. More patients means more demand for a supply that's still catching up.

How Much Does Dextroamphetamine Cost in 2026?

Cost is another challenge patients face, especially those without insurance or with high-deductible plans.

• Generic Dextroamphetamine IR tablets: $30-$80 for a 30-day supply with a discount coupon (e.g., GoodRx prices start around $37-$45)
• Generic Dextroamphetamine ER capsules: $50-$120 for a 30-day supply
• Brand-name Zenzedi: $200-$400+ without insurance
• ProCentra (oral solution): Typically more expensive than tablets

Using a prescription discount card like GoodRx or SingleCare can cut costs significantly. For more ways to save, see our full guide: How to save money on Dextroamphetamine.

Are There New Options or Developments?

A few things have changed that may help patients:

• DEA quota increases: While not enough to eliminate the shortage, the October 2025 quota increase should bring more supply to market over the coming months.
• Generic Vyvanse: Generic Lisdexamfetamine (the active ingredient in Vyvanse) became available in 2023, giving patients another amphetamine-based option that may be easier to find.
• Telehealth prescribing: Many telehealth providers can now prescribe stimulant medications with proper evaluation, making it easier to get a prescription — though finding the medication itself remains the bigger challenge.

For alternative medications, read: Alternatives to Dextroamphetamine.

How to Find Dextroamphetamine in Stock Right Now

Here are the most effective strategies patients are using in 2026:

1. Use Medfinder to search real-time pharmacy inventory near your zip code.
2. Call independent pharmacies — they often have different supply chains than large chains.
3. Ask your pharmacist when they expect their next shipment and if they can hold your prescription.
4. Try different strengths — your doctor may be able to adjust your prescription to a dose that's more available (e.g., two 10 mg tablets instead of one 20 mg).
5. Expand your search radius — a pharmacy in the next town over may have stock.

For a detailed walkthrough, see: How to find Dextroamphetamine in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Dextroamphetamine shortage isn't over, but there are signs of slow improvement. DEA quota increases and additional generic options are gradually helping, though they haven't caught up with demand yet. In the meantime, being proactive — using tools like Medfinder, working closely with your doctor, and staying flexible on formulations — gives you the best chance of keeping your treatment on track.

If you're a healthcare provider looking for the clinical picture, read our companion piece: Dextroamphetamine shortage: What providers need to know.