Struggling to find amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR (generic Adderall)? Learn why the shortage persists in 2026 and what you can do to fill your prescription.
You have a valid prescription for amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR — the medication millions of Americans rely on to manage ADHD and narcolepsy — and yet pharmacy after pharmacy keeps turning you away. You're not imagining it. The shortage is real, and it's been dragging on since late 2022.
In this article, we'll explain exactly what amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR is, why it's so hard to find in 2026, and what steps you can take right now to locate it.
Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR is the generic form of Adderall, one of the most widely prescribed medications for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It's also FDA-approved for narcolepsy.
The "IR" stands for immediate-release, meaning the medication starts working within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts about 4 to 6 hours per dose. Most patients take it two or three times a day.
It belongs to a class of drugs called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. It works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control.
Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR is a Schedule II controlled substance under the DEA, which means it has a high potential for abuse and is subject to strict prescribing and dispensing rules. This classification plays a big role in why it's hard to find — more on that below.
The shortage of generic Adderall IR isn't caused by one single issue. It's the result of several problems stacking on top of each other.
Because amphetamine/dextroamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sets annual limits — called aggregate production quotas (APQs) — on how much raw material manufacturers can use.
For years, these quotas didn't keep pace with rising demand. In October 2025, the DEA finally increased the production quota for d-amphetamine by about 25% (from 21.2 million grams to 26.5 million grams). While this was a welcome step, manufacturers still need time to ramp up production, and the increase may not fully close the gap.
ADHD diagnoses have climbed significantly in recent years. Telehealth made it easier for adults to get evaluated and treated, and prescriptions for stimulant medications jumped. More prescriptions means more demand for a drug that was already supply-constrained.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, the largest manufacturer of generic Adderall, reported manufacturing delays starting in 2022. Other generic manufacturers have also experienced intermittent production issues. When one large producer slows down, the entire supply chain feels the impact.
Even when a manufacturer has stock, pharmacies may not be able to order as much as they need. Distributors often place allocation limits on controlled substances, restricting how many units a pharmacy can purchase in a given period. This means even pharmacies that want to stock amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR may not be able to get enough.
The shortage is frustrating, but you're not powerless. Here are some practical steps:
Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies near you that have amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR in stock. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability online in minutes.
Big chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) often run out first because they serve more patients and face tighter allocation limits. Independent pharmacies may have more flexibility in ordering from different distributors and may have stock when chains don't.
If you simply can't find amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR, your prescriber may be able to switch you to a medication that's more available. Options include methylphenidate (Ritalin), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), or dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine/Zenzedi). Read our full guide: Alternatives to amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR.
Pharmacies often receive shipments on specific days. Call ahead to ask when their next delivery is expected. Going early in the week (Tuesday or Wednesday) can sometimes increase your chances.
Try to request refills 5 to 7 days before you run out. For Schedule II medications, your doctor can send the prescription electronically to the pharmacy in advance (in most states). Planning ahead gives you more time to find a pharmacy that has it.
The amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR shortage has been one of the longest and most disruptive drug shortages in recent memory. It's affected millions of patients who depend on this medication to function at work, school, and in daily life.
The good news is that supply is slowly improving. The DEA has increased production quotas, and manufacturers are working to catch up. But "improving" doesn't mean "solved" — and you may still need to put in extra effort to fill your prescription in 2026.
Tools like Medfinder can take some of the guesswork out of finding your medication. And if you're interested in learning more about costs, check out our guide on how to save money on amphetamine/dextroamphetamine IR.
You deserve access to the medication your doctor prescribed. Don't give up.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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