Wondering why Adderall XR is so hard to find in 2026? Learn the real reasons behind the ongoing shortage and what you can do to fill your prescription.
If you have a prescription for Adderall XR and you've been told by your pharmacy that it's out of stock, you're not alone. Millions of Americans who depend on this medication for ADHD have been dealing with the same frustrating problem since late 2022. And in 2026, the shortage is still going on.
In this article, we'll explain what Adderall XR is, why it's so hard to find right now, and — most importantly — what you can do about it.
Adderall XR is an extended-release prescription medication used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine — two central nervous system stimulants that help improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
The "XR" stands for extended-release, meaning one capsule taken in the morning provides symptom relief throughout the day (typically 10 to 12 hours). It's available in doses ranging from 5 mg to 30 mg and is approved for patients aged 6 and older.
Because it contains amphetamine, Adderall XR is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA. This classification means there are strict rules around how much can be manufactured, prescribed, and dispensed — which plays a big role in the current shortage.
The Adderall XR shortage didn't happen overnight. It's the result of several factors that came together at once. Here are the main reasons:
During the pandemic, telehealth made it much easier to get an ADHD diagnosis and prescription. Between 2020 and 2022, ADHD prescriptions increased dramatically. More prescriptions meant more demand for a drug that was already produced in limited quantities.
Because Adderall XR is a Schedule II controlled substance, the DEA sets a cap on how much active ingredient (d-amphetamine) manufacturers can produce each year. These quotas are meant to prevent diversion and abuse, but they also limit how quickly manufacturers can ramp up production when demand spikes.
In October 2025, the DEA finally increased the aggregate production quota for d-amphetamine from 21.2 million grams to 26.5 million grams — a 25% increase. While that's a step in the right direction, it takes time for the extra supply to reach pharmacy shelves.
Several generic manufacturers, including Teva Pharmaceutical Industries (one of the largest producers of generic Adderall XR), have faced production delays and back orders. As of early 2026, the 15 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg extended-release capsules remain particularly hard to find, with some manufacturers estimating availability by late February 2026.
Pharmacies themselves face restrictions on how much of a Schedule II drug they can order at a time. When a pharmacy runs out, it may take days or weeks to get a new supply — and there's no guarantee the next shipment will include your specific dose.
Dealing with a medication shortage is stressful, but there are steps you can take to improve your chances of getting your prescription filled.
Medfinder helps you check which pharmacies near you have Adderall XR in stock right now. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can search once and see real-time availability in your area.
Big chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart) often run out of high-demand controlled substances first. Independent pharmacies sometimes have more flexibility with their wholesaler relationships and may have stock when chains don't. Learn more tips for finding Adderall XR in stock.
If you can't find Adderall XR anywhere, talk to your prescriber about switching — even temporarily — to a different medication. Alternatives like Vyvanse, Concerta, or Mydayis may be more available in your area.
Contact your pharmacy several days before your current supply runs out. Ask them to check stock and, if needed, order your medication in advance. Calling early in the morning on weekdays tends to get better results.
Some insurance plans will allow you to fill your prescription at an out-of-network pharmacy during a shortage. Contact your plan's member services to ask about exceptions or overrides. You may also want to look into coupons and patient assistance programs to reduce costs if you need to pay out of pocket.
The Adderall XR shortage has been going on for over three years, and while there are signs of improvement — like the DEA's decision to raise production quotas — the reality is that many patients are still struggling to find their medication in 2026.
The best thing you can do is stay proactive: use tools like Medfinder to check availability, build relationships with your pharmacy, and keep your prescriber informed so they can adjust your treatment plan if needed.
You shouldn't have to fight to get a medication you need. But until supply fully catches up with demand, having a plan makes all the difference.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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