Procentra (dextroamphetamine oral solution) is hard to find in 2026 due to ongoing amphetamine shortages. Learn why and what you can do about it.
You called your pharmacy. They don't have it. You tried another one — same story. Maybe you've been driving across town, calling every pharmacy in your area, and still coming up empty-handed. If you're a parent trying to fill your child's Procentra prescription, this is more than inconvenient — it's stressful.
The truth is, Procentra (Dextroamphetamine Sulfate oral solution) has been difficult to find for over three years now. And in 2026, the situation hasn't fully resolved. Let's break down why this is happening and what you can actually do about it.
Procentra is a brand-name prescription medication containing Dextroamphetamine Sulfate in a liquid oral solution (5 mg per 5 mL). It's a Schedule II controlled substance used to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children aged 3 to 16 and narcolepsy.
The liquid form is especially important for younger children who can't swallow pills or tablets. It has a bubble gum flavor and is manufactured by Independence Pharmaceuticals. For patients who need a liquid stimulant, Procentra is often the only practical option — which makes shortages especially painful.
If you want to learn more about what this medication does and how it works, check out our guides on what Procentra is and how Procentra works.
There isn't a single reason Procentra is difficult to locate. Instead, it's a combination of factors that have been building since late 2022.
The biggest factor is an ongoing, nationwide shortage of amphetamine-based medications. This shortage started in October 2022 and has affected nearly every amphetamine product — from Adderall to generic Dextroamphetamine tablets to Procentra's oral solution.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) continues to list amphetamine products as being in active shortage as of early 2026. Multiple manufacturers have reported back orders across various strengths and formulations.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sets annual production quotas for Schedule II controlled substances like Dextroamphetamine. For years, these quotas limited how much raw material manufacturers could use. In October 2025, the DEA raised the aggregate production quota for d-amphetamine from 21.2 million grams to 26.5 million grams — a 25% increase. While this helps, it takes time for increased production to reach pharmacy shelves.
ADHD diagnosis rates have climbed steadily, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. More patients are being diagnosed and treated, which has pushed demand higher than manufacturers anticipated. The oral solution form is niche compared to tablets, so it receives a smaller share of overall production.
Procentra is made by Independence Pharmaceuticals, and there are only a handful of generic manufacturers producing Dextroamphetamine oral solution. When even one manufacturer has supply disruptions, the entire market feels it. Unlike tablets, which have many generic options, the oral solution has far fewer suppliers.
Shortages are frustrating, but there are real steps you can take to improve your chances of filling your prescription.
Instead of calling pharmacies one by one, use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have Procentra or generic Dextroamphetamine oral solution in stock. It saves hours of phone calls and guesswork.
Big chain pharmacies often face the most severe shortages because they serve the highest volume of patients. Independent and compounding pharmacies sometimes have better luck sourcing controlled substances through different distributors. Don't overlook them.
If the liquid form is unavailable, your child's doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative. Options include alternatives like Zenzedi tablets, Vyvanse, or methylphenidate oral solution. Some children who can't swallow pills may be able to take capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on food.
Even if your pharmacy doesn't have Procentra on the shelf, they may be able to place a special order from their distributor. Ask when the next delivery is expected and whether they can back-order it for you.
If cost is also a barrier, Independence Pharmaceuticals offers a manufacturer coupon that brings your copay down to as little as $10 per fill. Discount cards from GoodRx and SingleCare can also help with generic Dextroamphetamine oral solution. For more details, see our guide on how to save money on Procentra.
The Procentra shortage is real, and it's not something patients caused or can easily fix on their own. But understanding why it's happening puts you in a better position to take action.
The supply situation is slowly improving thanks to increased DEA production quotas and manufacturer efforts, but experts expect challenges to continue through at least mid-2026. In the meantime, tools like Medfinder can help you track down availability in your area so you can spend less time on the phone and more time taking care of your family.
For the latest updates, read our Procentra shortage update for 2026.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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