Is Vyvanse still hard to find in 2026? Get the latest update on Vyvanse and generic lisdexamfetamine availability, the DEA production increase, and how to find Vyvanse in stock near you.
If you take Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) for ADHD or binge eating disorder, you've probably experienced the frustration of showing up at the pharmacy only to be told it's out of stock. The stimulant medication shortage that began in late 2022 has been one of the longest and most disruptive drug shortages in recent memory — and while things have improved, many patients are still struggling to fill their prescriptions in 2026.
In this guide, we'll break down the current status of Vyvanse availability, what's changed with generic lisdexamfetamine, the DEA's production quota increases, and how to find Vyvanse in stock near you today.
It depends on whether you're taking brand-name Vyvanse or the generic. As of early 2026, brand-name Vyvanse is not reported as in shortage by the FDA. Takeda, the manufacturer of Vyvanse, has maintained consistent supply of the brand-name product.
However, generic lisdexamfetamine remains in shortage. Multiple generic manufacturers — including Sun Pharma, Mallinckrodt, and others — have reported limited availability or supply disruptions. Sun Pharma has specifically cited issues with the active ingredient as a reason for their shortage. While not all suppliers are affected, the inconsistency means patients may find their usual pharmacy out of stock on any given day.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) continues to track lisdexamfetamine as a medication with ongoing supply issues, even when the FDA's own database may not always reflect the full extent of the problem.
Several factors continue to drive availability challenges for Vyvanse and its generic equivalents.
As a Schedule II controlled substance, the total amount of lisdexamfetamine that can be manufactured in the United States each year is set by the DEA. These quotas are meant to prevent diversion and misuse, but they also limit how quickly manufacturers can ramp up production when demand increases. In late 2024, the DEA approved a 24% increase in production quotas for lisdexamfetamine — a significant boost, but one that takes time to work through the supply chain.
ADHD diagnoses have increased dramatically in recent years, particularly among adults. More diagnoses mean more prescriptions, and the supply of stimulant medications has struggled to keep pace. Vyvanse remains one of the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications due to its smooth, long-acting profile and lower potential for misuse compared to other stimulants.
When Takeda's patent on Vyvanse expired, the FDA approved generic versions from 11 different manufacturers. In theory, this should have eased supply constraints. In practice, several generic makers have experienced production issues — including problems sourcing the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). When one or two generic suppliers go offline, the remaining manufacturers can't always absorb the additional demand.
Even when Vyvanse or its generic is available from wholesalers, individual pharmacies may limit how much they keep on hand. Controlled substances require additional security and record-keeping, and pharmacies in areas with high stimulant demand may face scrutiny from the DEA that makes them cautious about ordering large quantities.
The introduction of generic lisdexamfetamine has been a mixed blessing. On the positive side, generics have brought the price down significantly — from roughly $400–$558 per month for brand-name Vyvanse to as low as $68 per month with a coupon for the generic. Eleven manufacturers now have FDA approval to produce generic lisdexamfetamine.
On the other hand, the generic supply has been less reliable than the brand name. Multiple generic manufacturers have experienced intermittent production issues, and the DEA's quota system applies to the total amount of lisdexamfetamine produced — meaning brand and generic manufacturers are competing for the same production allocation.
If you've been taking brand-name Vyvanse and it's available at your pharmacy, you may have fewer availability issues than patients on generics — though the cost difference is substantial without insurance.
Cost remains a significant factor for many patients, especially those without insurance or with high-deductible plans.
Brand-name Vyvanse without insurance: Approximately $400–$558 for a 30-day supply, depending on dose and pharmacy.
Generic lisdexamfetamine without insurance: Approximately $300–$440 for a 30-day supply at retail price, but as low as $68–$100 with discount coupons from GoodRx or SingleCare.
With insurance: Coverage varies widely. Most insurance plans cover generic lisdexamfetamine with a copay, though some may require prior authorization or step therapy (trying other medications first). Brand-name Vyvanse may require a higher-tier copay or prior authorization.
Takeda savings program: Takeda offers a savings card for eligible commercially insured patients that can reduce the cost of brand-name Vyvanse. Check with your pharmacist or visit the Vyvanse website for details.
If your pharmacy is out of Vyvanse or generic lisdexamfetamine, here are the most effective steps to find it:
The fastest way to find Vyvanse in stock is to use Medfinder. Enter your medication and location, and Medfinder will check pharmacies in your area to find one that can fill your prescription today. No more calling pharmacy after pharmacy.
Big chain pharmacies tend to run out of stimulant medications faster. Independent pharmacies often use different wholesalers and may have more flexibility in ordering. They may also be more willing to special-order your specific dose and strength.
Contact your pharmacy approximately one week before you need your refill. This gives them time to order your specific dose if it's not currently in stock. Patients who wait until they're completely out of medication have far fewer options.
If your pharmacy is out of generic lisdexamfetamine, ask whether they have brand-name Vyvanse in stock (or vice versa). The brand name has been more consistently available, though it costs more. Your doctor may need to specify or authorize the substitution depending on your state's laws.
Make sure your healthcare provider is ready to send your prescription to a new pharmacy as soon as you locate one with stock. For controlled substances like Vyvanse, transfers between pharmacies can be more complicated, so having your prescriber re-send the prescription is often the fastest route.
The Vyvanse and stimulant medication shortage has been a prolonged challenge for millions of patients with ADHD. Here's the bottom line for 2026:
Don't waste time calling every pharmacy in your area. Use Medfinder to find a pharmacy with Vyvanse in stock near you today.
For our full guide on how to find Vyvanse in stock, click here.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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