Find out why Adderall IR is so hard to find in 2026. Learn about the ongoing shortage, DEA quotas, supply chain issues, and what you can do to fill your prescription.
You call your pharmacy. They don't have it. You call another. Same story. You drive across town, wait in line, and hear the same three words: "We're out of stock."
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Millions of Americans who depend on Adderall IR for ADHD or narcolepsy have faced exactly this situation since late 2022 — and in 2026, the problem still hasn't gone away completely.
In this post, we'll explain what Adderall IR is, why it's been so difficult to find, and what steps you can take right now to get your prescription filled.
Adderall IR (immediate-release) is a prescription medication that contains a combination of Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine salts. It's classified as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and is FDA-approved to treat:
The "IR" stands for immediate-release, meaning the medication starts working within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts about 4 to 6 hours. It's typically taken 2 to 3 times daily. Adderall IR comes in tablet form in strengths ranging from 5 mg to 30 mg.
Because it contains amphetamine, Adderall IR is a Schedule II controlled substance — the same category as OxyContin and Fentanyl. This classification means it has a high potential for misuse and is subject to strict manufacturing and prescribing rules.
For a deeper look at how the medication works in your brain, see our post on how Adderall IR works.
The Adderall shortage has been one of the longest-running prescription drug shortages in recent U.S. history. Here are the main reasons it's been so difficult to find:
Because Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sets annual production quotas — called Aggregate Production Quotas (APQs) — that limit how much amphetamine manufacturers can produce each year.
For years, these quotas didn't keep pace with rising demand. In October 2025, the DEA finally raised the quota for d-amphetamine from 21.2 million grams to 26.5 million grams — a 25% increase. And in January 2026, the DEA finalized further increases for 2026. But even with these adjustments, it takes time for new supply to reach pharmacy shelves.
ADHD diagnoses have increased significantly over the past decade, especially among adults. The COVID-19 pandemic made this trend even more noticeable, as more people sought evaluations through telehealth. The result: far more prescriptions being written than the existing supply could handle.
In 2022, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries — the primary manufacturer of brand-name Adderall — reported manufacturing delays that triggered the initial FDA shortage declaration. Other generic manufacturers couldn't ramp up production fast enough due to the DEA quota limits and their own supply chain constraints.
Even when supply exists at the wholesale level, individual pharmacies may not receive adequate shipments. Large chain pharmacies sometimes face corporate ordering caps on controlled substances. Independent pharmacies may have more flexibility, but they also have smaller inventories.
The situation is improving, but spot shortages continue. Here are practical steps to help you find Adderall IR:
Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies near you that currently have Adderall IR in stock. Instead of calling 10 pharmacies, you can check availability from your phone or computer.
Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility in ordering controlled substances compared to large chains. If your usual chain pharmacy is out of stock, an independent pharmacy nearby may have what you need.
If you've been unable to fill your prescription for weeks, your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative medication such as Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine), Ritalin (Methylphenidate), or Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine). These aren't identical to Adderall IR, but they treat the same conditions.
Many pharmacies can place a special order for your specific dose and strength. This may take a few days, but it's worth asking — especially at independent pharmacies with good wholesaler relationships.
Don't wait until your last pill to request a refill. Most states allow Schedule II refills up to a few days before you run out. Starting early gives your pharmacy more time to source the medication.
For more detailed strategies, check out our guide on how to find Adderall IR in stock near you.
There are signs of improvement. The DEA's quota increases in late 2025 and early 2026 should help more supply reach the market. Several generic manufacturers have ramped up production. However, the shortage has been active since October 2022, and complete resolution takes time.
For the latest information, read our Adderall IR shortage update for 2026.
The Adderall IR shortage has been frustrating, stressful, and — for many patients — genuinely harmful to their health and daily functioning. While the situation is slowly improving thanks to increased DEA quotas and expanded manufacturing, finding your medication can still require extra effort.
The most important thing you can do is plan ahead, stay in contact with your prescriber, and use tools like Medfinder to check availability before making the trip to the pharmacy.
You shouldn't have to fight this hard to get a medication you need. But until supply fully catches up with demand, these strategies can help you stay on track with your treatment.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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