{"id":54938,"date":"2022-10-28T13:46:39","date_gmt":"2022-10-28T17:46:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=54938"},"modified":"2026-09-21T22:53:06","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T02:53:06","slug":"adderall-shortage-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/news\/adderall-shortage-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"Adderall shortage: What to do if you can\u2019t fill your prescription"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you take Adderall<\/a>, you\u2019ve probably had your pharmacy say they\u2019re out and don\u2019t 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\u2019t recovered, and what\u2019s available at the pharmacy depends on factors like your dose and which manufacturer your pharmacy buys from. Here\u2019s what\u2019s currently in shortage, what might be causing it, and how to keep costs<\/a> down whether you stay on Adderall or switch.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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Save up to 80% on Adderall with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAdderall 20 mg (60 Tablets)\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$27.13\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$27.13\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tSee Adderall prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

Is there still an Adderall shortage in 2026?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Yes, the Food and Drug Administration<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n

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

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>. A strength that\u2019s out at one pharmacy may be available at another, since stores might buy from different manufacturers.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s causing the Adderall shortage?<\/b><\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Since amphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sets a production limit<\/a> each year. In other words, there\u2019s 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\u2019re already having trouble getting the raw ingredient.<\/p>\n

Which Adderall strengths are hardest to find?<\/b><\/h2>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n

Keep in mind that the shortage databases track what is shipping from manufacturers. What you experience locally may still be different from what\u2019s happening on a national level.<\/p>\n

What should you do if you can\u2019t fill your prescription?<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re affected by the shortage, it\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ask your pharmacist about a partial fill<\/b><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s possible to request a partial fill of Schedule II prescriptions like Adderall. Although federal rules<\/a> allow it, state laws and pharmacy rules might be stricter. In any case, it\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Call other pharmacies before switching medications<\/b><\/h3>\n

Not all pharmacies have the same stock. If your main pharmacy experiences a shortage, you can try a different store. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives<\/b><\/h3>\n

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<\/a> if they\u2019re available, although cost may be a concern.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t buy stimulants from anyone but a pharmacy<\/b><\/h3>\n

During a shortage, some people might turn to a friend\u2019s 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<\/a> on the potential risks. Counterfeit pills are common and can be dangerous, and many have been found to contain deadly doses of fentanyl.<\/p>\n

What are the alternatives to Adderall?<\/b><\/h2>\n

If your prescription can\u2019t be filled for a while, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative like another stimulant or a non-stimulant medication.<\/p>\n

Other stimulant medications<\/b><\/h3>\n

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