Struggling to find Dexedrine at your pharmacy? Learn why Dexedrine is so hard to find in 2026, what's causing the shortage, and what you can do about it.
You hand your prescription to the pharmacist, and the answer is the same one you've been hearing for months: "We don't have it in stock." If you take Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine) for ADHD or narcolepsy, you already know how frustrating the search for this medication has become. The good news is that you have options — and understanding why Dexedrine is so hard to find can help you figure out what to do next.
Dexedrine is the brand name for Dextroamphetamine sulfate, a Schedule II controlled substance in the CNS stimulant (amphetamine) class. It's FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children and adults and narcolepsy. Dexedrine has been around since 1937, making it one of the oldest ADHD medications on the market.
It's available in several forms:
For a deeper dive into the medication itself, check out our guide on what Dexedrine is and how it works.
There's no single reason — it's a combination of factors that have been building since late 2022. Here are the main ones:
Because Dextroamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sets annual limits on how much can be manufactured in the United States. These limits — called Aggregate Production Quotas (APQs) — are meant to prevent diversion and abuse, but they also cap how much medication is available for patients who need it.
In 2024, the DEA transitioned to a semi-annual quota system. During the changeover, some manufacturers didn't receive their full quotas on time, which caused further delays. While things have improved slightly heading into 2026, production is still catching up to demand.
ADHD diagnoses have increased significantly over the past several years, partly due to greater awareness and partly because telehealth made it easier to get evaluated and treated. More prescriptions mean more demand for a limited supply of stimulant medications — including Dexedrine and its generics.
The pharmaceutical supply chain for controlled substances is complex. Only a handful of companies manufacture generic Dextroamphetamine (including Teva, Mallinckrodt/SpecGx, and Aurobindo). When one manufacturer has a production issue, the ripple effect hits pharmacies nationwide. Raw material shortages and quality control requirements add further delays.
Pharmacies themselves face limits on how much of a Schedule II drug they can order at one time. Many pharmacies — especially large chains — use automated ordering systems that may not stock enough to meet local demand. This means that even when the drug is available from distributors, your local pharmacy might not have ordered enough.
Finding Dexedrine in 2026 takes more effort than it should, but these steps can help:
Medfinder lets you search for pharmacies that have Dexedrine and Dextroamphetamine in stock near you. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability online in seconds.
Independent and local pharmacies often have more flexibility with their ordering than large chain pharmacies. They may be able to special-order Dextroamphetamine for you or check with their distributor directly. Read our full guide on how to find Dexedrine in stock near you.
If you've been unable to fill your prescription for weeks, your prescriber may be able to switch you to an equivalent medication that's more available. Options include Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts), Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine), or Methylphenidate-based options like Concerta or Focalin. Learn more in our post on alternatives to Dexedrine.
If the extended-release Spansule capsule is unavailable, the immediate-release tablet (or vice versa) might be in stock. Your doctor can adjust the prescription accordingly. The newer Xelstrym transdermal patch is another Dextroamphetamine option, though it tends to be more expensive.
The Dexedrine shortage is real, and it has affected hundreds of thousands of patients. The causes — DEA quotas, rising demand, manufacturing constraints, and pharmacy ordering limits — aren't going away overnight. But you're not powerless. Tools like Medfinder, independent pharmacies, and open conversations with your prescriber can make all the difference.
For the latest on supply issues, see our Dexedrine shortage update for 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
