Zenzedi Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Updated:

February 17, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Is Zenzedi still in shortage in 2026? Get the latest on availability, pricing, DEA quota changes, and how to find Zenzedi near you right now.

Zenzedi Shortage Update for 2026

If you take Zenzedi (dextroamphetamine sulfate) for ADHD or narcolepsy, here's what you need to know about availability in 2026. The short answer: Zenzedi is still difficult to find at many pharmacies, though the overall supply situation has shown some improvement from the worst periods of 2023–2024.

Is Zenzedi Still in Shortage in 2026?

Yes — as of early 2026, Zenzedi remains one of the harder ADHD medications to find. While the FDA's drug shortage database has shown fluctuating status for amphetamine products, the practical reality for Zenzedi patients hasn't changed much: most pharmacies don't stock it, and those that do frequently run out.

The broader ADHD stimulant shortage that began in 2022 continues to affect the entire amphetamine supply chain. Although the situation has improved somewhat for high-volume medications like generic Adderall, niche brand-name products like Zenzedi have been slower to recover.

Zenzedi's findability score is 35 out of 100 — meaning it falls in the "frequent shortages, limited distribution" category. This reflects its status as a less commonly prescribed brand with ongoing supply constraints.

Why Is Zenzedi Still Hard to Find at Some Pharmacies?

Several factors are keeping Zenzedi hard to locate in 2026:

Wholesaler Allocation Limits

Pharmaceutical wholesalers like McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen use allocation systems to distribute controlled substances. When supply is tight, each pharmacy receives a limited amount based on their historical ordering patterns. Since Zenzedi is a lower-volume product, many pharmacies have zero allocation for it — meaning they literally cannot order it through their primary wholesaler.

Demand Still Exceeding Local Supply

ADHD diagnosis rates continue to rise, and more patients are seeking stimulant medications than ever before. Even with the DEA's 25% quota increase in October 2025, manufacturing capacity hasn't fully caught up. The production ramp-up takes months, and raw material sourcing adds further delays.

Pharmacy Stocking Decisions

Pharmacies stock medications based on patient demand and profitability. Because Zenzedi has a smaller patient base than Adderall or Vyvanse, many pharmacies — especially large chains — simply don't carry it. This is a business decision, not a shortage per se, but the effect on patients is the same: you can't find it.

Aftereffects of the 2024 Recall

Azurity Pharmaceuticals' 2024 voluntary recall of certain Zenzedi lots disrupted the supply chain. While the recalled lots have been replaced, the incident caused some wholesalers and pharmacies to reduce their Zenzedi inventory, and restocking has been slow.

How Much Does Zenzedi Cost in 2026?

Without Insurance

Brand-name Zenzedi is expensive without insurance coverage:

  • Retail cash price: $550–$650 for 60 tablets (varies by dose and pharmacy)
  • With manufacturer savings card: As low as $75 per prescription for cash-paying patients; $30 per refill for eligible insured patients (first Rx may be free)
  • Generic dextroamphetamine with coupons: $30–$80 for 60 tablets via GoodRx or SingleCare

With Insurance

  • Generic dextroamphetamine: Typically Tier 2, $10–$50 copay
  • Brand Zenzedi: Often requires prior authorization. Many plans require step therapy (trying generic first). Some plans don't cover the brand at all.
  • Medicare Part D: Covers generic dextroamphetamine. Brand coverage varies by plan.

Savings Programs

The Azurity/Arbor Zenzedi Savings Card offers savings up to $185 per prescription per month, with a maximum of 360 tablets per year. Cash-paying patients pay no more than $75 per Rx. The program works through the Arbor E-Z Rx network of 4,000+ independent pharmacies.

For more savings strategies, see: How to Save Money on Zenzedi in 2026.

New Options in 2026

While there is no new generic Zenzedi-specific product entering the market in 2026, a few developments may help Zenzedi patients:

  • Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine transdermal patch): A newer delivery system for the same active ingredient, approved in 2023. It provides steady drug levels throughout the day via a skin patch. Worth discussing with your prescriber if you can't find oral dextroamphetamine.
  • Generic Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine): More widely available in 2026 than in previous years. Since Vyvanse converts to dextroamphetamine in the body, it may be a suitable long-acting alternative.
  • DEA quota increases: The 25% increase from October 2025 is gradually increasing overall amphetamine supply, though the effects are still uneven across products and regions.

How to Find Zenzedi in Stock Near You in 2026

Here are actionable steps to find Zenzedi right now:

  1. Use Medfinder: The fastest way to check pharmacy availability without calling around. Medfinder's support team contacts pharmacies on your behalf.
  2. Try independent pharmacies: They often have access to different wholesalers and can source medications that chains can't.
  3. Plan ahead: Contact your pharmacy at least one week before your refill is due. This gives them time to order Zenzedi if they don't have it on hand.
  4. Ask about specific doses: Some doses of Zenzedi are easier to find than others. Your prescriber might be able to adjust your dosing to use a more available tablet strength.

Final Thoughts

Here's what Zenzedi patients need to know in 2026:

  1. Zenzedi is still in limited supply, with a findability score of 35/100
  2. The DEA's 25% quota increase is helping, but manufacturing ramp-up takes time
  3. Brand Zenzedi costs $550–$650 cash, but savings cards can bring it to $75/Rx
  4. Generic dextroamphetamine is the most affordable alternative at $30–$80 with coupons
  5. Medfinder is the fastest way to find Zenzedi in stock near you

For more information:

Is Zenzedi still in shortage in 2026?

Yes. While supply has improved slightly since the worst periods of 2023–2024, Zenzedi remains difficult to find in 2026. It has a findability score of 35 out of 100, reflecting frequent shortages and limited pharmacy stocking. The DEA raised amphetamine production quotas by 25% in October 2025, but manufacturing ramp-up takes time.

Why can't I find Zenzedi at my pharmacy?

Zenzedi is a niche brand-name medication that many pharmacies don't routinely stock. Factors include wholesaler allocation limits, pharmacy business decisions to stock higher-volume stimulants instead, the aftereffects of a 2024 recall by Azurity Pharmaceuticals, and ongoing DEA production quota constraints on amphetamine manufacturing.

Is there a generic version of Zenzedi?

Yes. Generic dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets contain the same active ingredient as Zenzedi and are available in similar dose strengths. Generic versions cost $30–$80 with discount coupons (compared to $550–$650 for brand Zenzedi) and are more widely stocked, though they are also affected by the stimulant shortage.

How much does Zenzedi cost without insurance in 2026?

Brand Zenzedi costs approximately $550–$650 for 60 tablets at retail price. The Azurity/Arbor savings card can reduce this to $75 per prescription for cash-paying patients. Generic dextroamphetamine costs $30–$80 for 60 tablets with coupons from GoodRx or SingleCare.

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