Wondering why Amphetamine is so hard to find in 2026? Learn about the ongoing shortage, DEA quotas, and what you can do to fill your prescription.
You've probably been there: your doctor writes a prescription for Amphetamine, and then you spend hours calling pharmacy after pharmacy, only to hear the same thing — "We're out of stock." If this sounds familiar, you're far from alone. Millions of patients across the United States have been dealing with this frustrating reality since 2022.
Amphetamine — sold under brand names like Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis, and others — is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It's also one of the hardest medications to find in stock right now.
In this article, we'll break down exactly why Amphetamine is so hard to find in 2026, what's causing the ongoing shortage, and what steps you can take to get your medication.
Amphetamine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play key roles in attention, focus, and impulse control.
Amphetamine is FDA-approved to treat:
It comes in several forms, including immediate-release (IR) tablets, extended-release (XR) capsules, oral suspensions, and orally disintegrating tablets. Common brand names include Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis, Dyanavel XR, Adzenys XR-ODT, and Evekeo.
As a Schedule II controlled substance, Amphetamine is tightly regulated by the DEA, which plays a major role in why it's been so hard to find.
There isn't one single reason for the Amphetamine shortage — it's a combination of factors that have been building for years. Here are the main causes:
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sets annual limits — called aggregate production quotas (APQs) — on how much Amphetamine manufacturers can produce each year. These quotas exist because Amphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for misuse.
The problem? For years, these quotas haven't kept up with demand. In October 2025, the DEA finally raised the APQ for d-amphetamine from 21.2 million grams to 26.5 million grams — a 25% increase. While this was a welcome step, it takes time for manufacturers to ramp up production, and the effects are still catching up to patient needs in 2026.
ADHD diagnoses have increased significantly in recent years, driven in part by greater awareness and expanded telehealth access during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. More diagnoses mean more prescriptions, and the supply simply hasn't been able to keep up with the sharp rise in demand.
Several major generic manufacturers — including Teva Pharmaceuticals, the largest producer of generic Adderall — have experienced manufacturing delays, raw material shortages, and production line issues. When one manufacturer falls behind, the entire supply chain feels the impact because pharmacies can't simply switch to another supplier overnight.
Even when Amphetamine is available from manufacturers, individual pharmacies face limits on how much they can order from their distributors each month. This is another layer of DEA regulation designed to prevent diversion, but it means that even willing pharmacies may not be able to stock enough to meet patient demand.
While the shortage is frustrating, there are practical steps you can take to improve your chances of filling your prescription:
Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies near you that currently have Amphetamine in stock. Instead of calling dozens of pharmacies yourself, you can check availability online in minutes.
Big chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, etc.) are often the first to run out because they serve the highest volume of patients. Independent pharmacies sometimes have better luck maintaining stock because they may work with different distributors or serve smaller patient populations. Don't overlook them.
Pharmacies often receive their monthly supply of controlled substances at the beginning of the month. Filling your prescription in the first week of the month — and early in the day — may increase your chances of finding Amphetamine in stock.
If you've been unable to find Amphetamine for an extended period, your prescriber may be able to switch you to a different medication. Options include Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), or non-stimulant alternatives like Atomoxetine (Strattera) or Viloxazine (Qelbree). Learn more in our guide to alternatives to Amphetamine.
If your pharmacy doesn't have Amphetamine in stock, ask the pharmacist to place a backorder with their distributor. This puts you in line to receive the medication as soon as it becomes available.
The Amphetamine shortage has been one of the most disruptive medication shortages in recent years, affecting millions of patients who depend on this medication for daily functioning. While the DEA's quota increases and manufacturer efforts are slowly helping, the reality is that finding Amphetamine in 2026 still requires patience and persistence.
The good news is that you have options. Tools like Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with stock, and your doctor can work with you on alternative treatments if needed. You can also check our Amphetamine shortage update for the latest information.
Don't give up — your health matters, and help is available.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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