Dextroamphetamine XR is hard to find in 2026 due to ongoing shortages. Learn why this ADHD medication is scarce and what you can do to fill your prescription.
You've called five pharmacies, driven across town, and still come up empty. If you're struggling to find dextroamphetamine XR (also known as Dexedrine Spansule or generic dextroamphetamine extended-release), you're not imagining things — and you're definitely not alone.
Since late 2022, patients across the United States have faced an ongoing shortage of amphetamine-based ADHD medications, including dextroamphetamine XR. In 2026, the problem persists, with certain strengths — particularly 10 mg and 20 mg capsules — remaining on back order from multiple manufacturers.
This article breaks down exactly why dextroamphetamine XR is so hard to find and what steps you can take right now to get your prescription filled.
Dextroamphetamine XR is an extended-release form of dextroamphetamine sulfate, a Schedule II controlled substance used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It was originally sold under the brand name Dexedrine Spansule, though the brand has been discontinued and only generic versions remain available.
The medication works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping improve focus, attention, and impulse control. The extended-release capsule is designed to be taken once daily in the morning, providing symptom relief throughout the day.
Dextroamphetamine XR is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg capsules. For more details about how this medication works, see our guide on how dextroamphetamine XR works.
There isn't a single reason behind the shortage. Instead, it's a combination of factors that have created a perfect storm for patients who depend on this medication.
Because dextroamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sets annual production quotas for how much can be manufactured in the United States. These quotas are meant to prevent diversion and abuse, but they also cap how much medication manufacturers can produce — even when demand is surging.
While the DEA has increased quotas in recent years, the adjustments have not kept pace with the rapid growth in ADHD diagnoses and prescriptions.
The COVID-19 pandemic changed how people access healthcare, and one of the lasting effects has been a significant increase in ADHD diagnoses. Telehealth made it easier for adults to seek evaluation, and awareness of ADHD — particularly in women and adults — has grown dramatically.
More diagnoses mean more prescriptions, and the supply chain simply hasn't scaled to meet the demand. This affects all amphetamine-based medications, not just dextroamphetamine XR.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing is complex, and stimulant medications face additional regulatory hurdles. Some manufacturers have experienced production delays, quality control issues, or raw material shortages. When one manufacturer falls behind, others can't easily pick up the slack due to their own quota limitations.
According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), multiple strengths of amphetamine extended-release capsules remain on back order from several manufacturers as of early 2026.
Even when supply exists at the wholesale level, individual pharmacies may not stock dextroamphetamine XR. Some pharmacies limit their inventory of controlled substances due to regulatory scrutiny, theft concerns, or low local demand. Large chain pharmacies may allocate stock based on algorithms that don't account for sudden increases in prescriptions at a particular location.
The shortage is frustrating, but there are practical steps you can take to improve your chances of getting your prescription filled.
Medfinder helps you search for pharmacies that currently have your medication in stock. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can check availability in your area in seconds. This is especially useful for controlled substances like dextroamphetamine XR, where pharmacies are often reluctant to share stock information over the phone.
Independent pharmacies often have more flexibility in ordering controlled substances and may use different wholesalers than the big chains. If your local CVS or Walgreens is out of stock, an independent pharmacy nearby might have what you need. For more tips, read our guide on how to find dextroamphetamine XR in stock near you.
If you've been unable to fill your prescription for weeks, talk to your prescriber about switching to a different medication temporarily. Alternatives like Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), Adderall XR (mixed amphetamine salts), or Concerta (methylphenidate ER) may be more readily available. Learn more in our post about alternatives to dextroamphetamine XR.
Most states allow you to fill a Schedule II prescription a few days before your current supply runs out. Planning ahead and requesting refills as early as allowed can give you extra time to locate the medication if your usual pharmacy is out of stock.
The dextroamphetamine XR shortage is a real and ongoing problem in 2026. It's driven by a combination of federal production limits, surging demand, and manufacturing constraints that show no signs of resolving overnight.
But you do have options. Tools like Medfinder can save you hours of phone calls, independent pharmacies may have stock when chains don't, and your prescriber can help you explore alternatives if needed.
For the latest information on the shortage, check out our dextroamphetamine XR shortage update for 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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