Quillivant XR is hard to find in 2026 due to ongoing shortages, manufacturing issues, and high demand. Learn why and what you can do to get your prescription filled.
You've been to the pharmacy — maybe two or three — and heard the same thing: "We don't have Quillivant XR in stock." If this sounds familiar, you're far from alone. Thousands of patients and caregivers across the country have been struggling to fill their Quillivant XR prescriptions since 2023, and the problem hasn't gone away in 2026.
Quillivant XR is one of the only long-acting liquid ADHD medications on the market. For children who can't swallow pills and adults who prefer a liquid formulation, it's not just a preference — it's a necessity. So when it's hard to find, the impact is real.
In this post, we'll break down exactly why Quillivant XR is so hard to find, what's behind the shortage, and what steps you can take right now to get your medication.
Quillivant XR is a brand-name prescription medication that contains methylphenidate hydrochloride, the same active ingredient found in Ritalin and Concerta. It's FDA-approved to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients aged 6 and older.
What makes Quillivant XR unique is its formulation: it's an extended-release oral suspension — a liquid you take once a day in the morning. It's made by Tris Pharma using their LiquiXR technology, which allows the medication to release gradually over about 12 hours.
Because it's a liquid, doses can be precisely measured and adjusted in small increments using the calibrated dosing dispenser that comes with each bottle. This is especially helpful for children who need fine-tuned dosing or who can't swallow tablets or capsules.
Quillivant XR is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it's tightly regulated by the DEA — and that regulation plays a role in why it's hard to find.
There's no single reason Quillivant XR is hard to find. It's a combination of factors that have created a perfect storm of limited supply.
Quillivant XR is manufactured by Tris Pharma in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey. As a specialty liquid formulation, it requires a more complex manufacturing process than standard tablets. Production issues at Tris Pharma contributed to the drug being listed as "currently in shortage" on the FDA's drug shortage database starting in 2023.
Unlike common generic methylphenidate tablets that are made by dozens of manufacturers, Quillivant XR has a single manufacturer. When that one production line has problems, the entire national supply is affected.
The ADHD medication shortage that began in late 2022 has had a cascading effect across the entire stimulant market. When Adderall became hard to find, many patients switched to methylphenidate-based medications. This increased demand for products like Ritalin, Concerta, and Quillivant XR — putting even more pressure on already strained supply chains.
The CDC even issued a health advisory about disrupted access to prescription stimulant medications, highlighting the seriousness of the problem.
Because methylphenidate is a Schedule II controlled substance, the DEA sets annual production quotas that limit how much of the raw ingredient manufacturers can produce. These quotas are meant to prevent diversion and abuse, but during a shortage they can restrict a manufacturer's ability to ramp up production quickly.
As of 2026, there is no generic version of Quillivant XR available in pharmacies. While the FDA has approved a generic, it hasn't reached the market yet. This means patients can't simply switch to a cheaper, more widely available generic equivalent — they're dependent on Tris Pharma's brand-name product.
The shortage is frustrating, but there are concrete steps you can take to improve your chances of finding Quillivant XR.
Medfinder tracks pharmacy inventory in real time, so you can see which pharmacies near you actually have Quillivant XR in stock before you waste time driving around or making phone calls.
Big chain pharmacies often run out first because they serve higher patient volumes. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies sometimes have better luck sourcing specialty medications like Quillivant XR. Don't overlook them.
If Quillivant XR remains unavailable, talk to your prescriber about temporary alternatives. Options may include Concerta, Ritalin LA, Focalin XR, or Dyanavel XR. Your doctor can help determine which alternative might work for you or your child while Quillivant XR supply recovers.
Some pharmacies can place a special order for Quillivant XR from their wholesaler. Ask the pharmacist if they can order it for you — and whether they can give you an estimated arrival date.
Some pharmacy chains and tools like Medfinder allow you to set alerts for when a medication comes back in stock. This way, you'll know as soon as it's available rather than calling repeatedly.
Quillivant XR is hard to find in 2026 because of a combination of manufacturing challenges, the broader ADHD stimulant shortage, DEA production limits, and the lack of a generic alternative. It's a frustrating situation — especially when this medication is the only liquid long-acting methylphenidate option available.
But you have options. Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies with Quillivant XR in stock, and your prescriber can guide you through alternatives if needed. For more information, check out our guide on how to find Quillivant XR in stock near you or our 2026 shortage update.
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)
