Adderall shortage: What to do if you can’t fill your prescription

In this article:

• Is there still an Adderall shortage in 2026?
• Causes
• Shortages by strength
• Adderall alternatives
• How to save
• FAQS

In this article

• Is there still an Adderall shortage in 2026?
• Causes
• Shortages by strength
• Adderall alternatives
• How to save
• FAQS

If you take Adderall, you’ve probably had your pharmacy say they’re out and don’t know when more is coming. Almost four years on, the shortage is still affecting many people. Although the supply has improved since 2022, it hasn’t recovered, and what’s available at the pharmacy depends on factors like your dose and which manufacturer your pharmacy buys from. Here’s what’s currently in shortage, what might be causing it, and how to keep costs down whether you stay on Adderall or switch.

Is there still an Adderall shortage in 2026?

Yes, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) database for drug shortages lists the generic version of Adderall, also known as immediate-release amphetamine mixed salts. This listing was first posted in 2022 and is still active.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) publishes its own bulletins and has an active listing for extended-release amphetamine products, updated in August 2026, as well as one for the immediate-release tablets, updated in June 2026.

Although generic Adderall and Adderall XR are in shortage, the brand-name versions are listed as available in every strength. Therefore, the shortage is mainly affecting those who take the generics. A strength that’s out at one pharmacy may be available at another, since stores might buy from different manufacturers.

What’s causing the Adderall shortage?

The most common reasons for the Adderall shortage are supply chain issues (such as shortages of the active ingredient), shipping delays, and an increased demand. Some manufacturers have stopped making Adderall generics altogether, including Solco, Mylan, and Zydus, which has amplified the effects of the shortage.

Since amphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sets a production limit each year. In other words, there’s a cap on how much of the drug all manufacturers can make combined. Although the DEA set a higher quota for 2026, there may be a delay in manufacturers catching up, especially if they’re already having trouble getting the raw ingredient.

Which Adderall strengths are hardest to find?

The 20 mg and 30 mg tablets are the most commonly affected by shortages when it comes to immediate-release tablets. On the extended-release side, the mid- and high-dose capsules are currently the hardest to find, based on the ASHP bulletin list.

The availability of Adderall will vary, depending on which pharmacy you get it from. While one person might have no problems filling their prescription, another may be unable to get their medication for months. The generic your pharmacy buys may be a bigger factor than the strength you take.

Keep in mind that the shortage databases track what is shipping from manufacturers. What you experience locally may still be different from what’s happening on a national level.

What should you do if you can’t fill your prescription?

If you’re affected by the shortage, it’s important not to stop taking your medication on your own. You should also avoid skipping days or splitting tablets to stretch your supply. Doing so could lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Ask your pharmacist about a partial fill

It’s possible to request a partial fill of Schedule II prescriptions like Adderall. Although federal rules allow it, state laws and pharmacy rules might be stricter. In any case, it’s important that the request for a partial fill comes from your end, so the pharmacy can dispense the remainder up to 30 days from the date the prescription was written. Otherwise, the window to fill the rest may be shortened to 72 hours.

Call other pharmacies before switching medications

Not all pharmacies have the same stock. If your main pharmacy experiences a shortage, you can try a different store. It’s a good idea to try independent pharmacies, since they often source from different manufacturers. Many pharmacies might not disclose their stock over the phone, so you may have to drive to the actual location with your prescription.

Talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives

You can always talk to your healthcare provider about switching to a different strength, formulation, or medication. For example, if you normally take a 20 mg tablet, your healthcare provider might prescribe two 10 mg tablets instead. They might also recommend brand-name forms if they’re available, although cost may be a concern.

Don’t buy stimulants from anyone but a pharmacy

During a shortage, some people might turn to a friend’s leftover pills or an obscure telehealth platform they found on social media. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a health advisory on the potential risks. Counterfeit pills are common and can be dangerous, and many have been found to contain deadly doses of fentanyl.

What are the alternatives to Adderall?

If your prescription can’t be filled for a while, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative like another stimulant or a non-stimulant medication.

Other stimulant medications

Stimulants are often a first-line option for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They work by increasing important chemicals in the brain, namely dopamine and norepinephrine. Examples of other stimulant medications include:

• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
• Ritalin (methylphenidate)
• Concerta (methylphenidate)
• Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
• Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
• Mydayis (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine)
• Xelstrym (dextroamphetamine patch)
• Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine)

While these alternatives can be effective, some may also be in short supply, so check with your pharmacy. Switching to other stimulant prescriptions may also come with other requirements, such as prior authorization, when using insurance.

Non-stimulant medications

Non-stimulant options work in different ways to treat ADHD, and they’re not classified as controlled substances, which means they don’t have the same DEA quotas or limits that stimulants often get. Examples include:

• Strattera (atomoxetine)
• Qelbree (viloxazine)
• Intuniv (guanfacine ER)

Many people find that these non-stimulant medications take longer to work and reach their full effect. It’s important to discuss the potential trade-offs with your prescriber.

How can you save on Adderall or its alternatives?

What you pay for ADHD treatments comes down to whether you’re filling brand or generic, and whether you’re using insurance.

The average retail cost of brand-name Adderall is around $916 for 60 tablets of 20 mg without insurance. The generic version is typically less expensive at around $44 to $111 depending on the pharmacy. A SingleCare coupon may help bring that cost down to around $27. In comparison, generic Vyvanse has an average retail cost of around $554, although a SingleCare coupon could reduce that to $63 for 30, 30 mg capsules.

A SingleCare coupon works at most pharmacies whether or not you have insurance. Using a coupon can be helpful, especially when paying for brand-name versions that are more likely to be in stock at the moment.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Adderall shortage over in 2026?

While the supply of Adderall has improved, the FDA still states mixed amphetamine salts are in shortage. The availability depends on the strength you take and where you get it from.

Can I ask my pharmacist for a partial fill of Adderall?

Yes, you can request a partial fill of Adderall. You typically have 30 days from when the prescription was written to pick up the rest of the prescription.

What’s the best Adderall alternative if my pharmacy is out of stock?

There’s no universal best alternative to Adderall. However, your healthcare provider may recommend a similar medication like Vyvanse, Ritalin, Concerta, or a non-stimulant like Strattera.