Focalin XR has been difficult to find since 2022. Learn why this ADHD medication is in short supply and what you can do to fill your prescription in 2026.
You've called five pharmacies. You've driven across town. You've even asked your doctor to try a different strength — and still, no one seems to have Focalin XR in stock. If this sounds familiar, you're far from alone.
Since late 2022, patients across the United States have struggled to fill prescriptions for Focalin XR (generic name: Dexmethylphenidate ER), one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. The shortage has left millions of people scrambling for answers — and for their medication.
In this article, we'll explain exactly why Focalin XR is so hard to find in 2026, what's causing the ongoing shortage, and what steps you can take right now to locate your medication.
Focalin XR is a prescription central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 and older. It contains Dexmethylphenidate, which is the more active form of Methylphenidate — the same ingredient found in Ritalin and Concerta.
Focalin XR works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve focus, attention, and impulse control. As an extended-release capsule, it's designed to last throughout the day with a single morning dose.
It's available in strengths ranging from 5 mg to 40 mg, and a generic version (Dexmethylphenidate ER) has been available for several years. Focalin XR is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA, which means its production is tightly regulated.
There isn't a single reason Focalin XR is hard to find — it's a combination of factors that have created a perfect storm of limited supply and high demand. Here are the main reasons:
The FDA first reported stimulant shortages in October 2022, starting with Adderall. By 2023, the shortage had expanded to include Focalin, Focalin XR, Ritalin, Vyvanse, and other ADHD medications. A joint statement from the DEA and FDA in August 2023 revealed that manufacturers were producing only about 70% of their allowed production quota — nearly one billion fewer doses than they were permitted to make.
While the situation has improved in some areas, many strengths and formulations of Dexmethylphenidate ER remain listed on the ASHP drug shortage list as of early 2026.
Because Focalin XR is a Schedule II controlled substance, the DEA sets annual limits on how much Dexmethylphenidate manufacturers can produce. These quotas are meant to prevent diversion and abuse, but they also create a ceiling on supply. When demand spikes — as it has in recent years due to increased ADHD diagnoses and telehealth prescribing — manufacturers can't simply ramp up production overnight.
ADHD diagnoses have increased significantly in recent years, particularly among adults. The expansion of telehealth services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic made it easier for people to seek evaluation and treatment. More prescriptions being written means more demand for medications like Focalin XR, putting additional strain on an already limited supply.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing is complex, and producing controlled substances involves additional regulatory hurdles. Some manufacturers have experienced production delays, quality control issues, or raw material shortages that have limited their output. When one manufacturer falls behind, the entire supply chain feels the impact.
The shortage is frustrating, but there are practical steps you can take to improve your chances of finding your medication:
Medfinder is a free tool that helps you search for medication availability at pharmacies near you. Instead of calling dozens of pharmacies one by one, you can check stock levels in one place. This is especially useful for controlled substances like Focalin XR, where pharmacies may not share inventory information over the phone.
Large chain pharmacies often run out of popular medications first. Independent pharmacies may have different supply chains and ordering relationships that give them access to stock that the big chains don't have. It's worth calling or visiting smaller pharmacies in your area.
If you've been unable to find Focalin XR for an extended period, talk to your prescriber about alternatives to Focalin XR. Other ADHD medications like Concerta (Methylphenidate ER), Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine), or Adderall XR (Mixed Amphetamine Salts) may be more readily available in your area.
Focalin (immediate-release Dexmethylphenidate) may be easier to find than the extended-release version. While it requires multiple doses per day instead of one, it contains the same active ingredient and may be a workable short-term solution.
Don't wait until you're completely out of medication to fill your prescription. Most pharmacies and insurance plans allow you to fill a controlled substance prescription a few days before it's due. Planning ahead gives you a buffer if your usual pharmacy is temporarily out of stock.
The shortage has also affected pricing. Brand-name Focalin XR can cost $250 to $580 for a 30-day supply without insurance. The good news is that generic Dexmethylphenidate ER is significantly cheaper — often $40 to $100 with a discount coupon, and as low as $29.92 with services like GoodRx. For more ways to save, check out our guide on how to save money on Focalin XR.
The Focalin XR shortage is a real and ongoing challenge for millions of ADHD patients in 2026. It's caused by a combination of DEA production limits, rising demand, and manufacturing difficulties — none of which have easy or quick fixes.
But you do have options. Tools like Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with stock near you. Your doctor can help you explore alternative medications if needed. And staying informed about the latest shortage updates can help you plan ahead.
You deserve consistent access to the medication that helps you function at your best. Don't give up — and don't hesitate to advocate for yourself with your pharmacy and your healthcare provider.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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