As of October 14, 2026, FDA's drug shortage database still lists several ADHD stimulants as "Currently in Shortage." These include amphetamine mixed salts tablets (Adderall and generics), lisdexamfetamine capsules and chewable tablets (Vyvanse and generics), and two extended-release methylphenidate products. The first listing dates to October 12, 2022. Supply is uneven, not absent. Many manufacturers list products as available, while others are limited.

Key takeaways

  • FDA first posted the amphetamine mixed salts tablet shortage on October 12, 2022. As of October 14, 2026, that entry is still open.
  • FDA also lists lisdexamfetamine capsules and chewable tablets (posted July 14, 2023) and two extended-release methylphenidate products as in shortage.
  • DEA raised several 2025 production quotas and set higher 2026 quotas for some of these ingredients. DEA says quotas do not limit what pharmacies can order from distributors.
  • A national "shortage" listing is not the same as "empty shelves." Each manufacturer's status and strength is listed separately.
  • The live source of truth is FDA's Drug Shortages database. Ask your pharmacist and prescriber about your exact product.

What does FDA's shortage list show for ADHD stimulants?

On October 14, 2026, these stimulant entries were listed as "Currently in Shortage" in FDA's database:

  • Amphetamine mixed salts tablets (brand Adderall and generics). First posted October 12, 2022. Of 11 manufacturers listed, seven show at least some strengths as available. Four show their products as limited or unavailable. Some of those list an estimated recovery as far out as April 2027.
  • Lisdexamfetamine capsules (brand Vyvanse and generics). First posted July 14, 2023. Many manufacturers show all strengths as available. Several show limited availability, and some are on allocation.
  • Lisdexamfetamine chewable tablets. First posted July 14, 2023. The three listed manufacturers show all strengths as available, although the overall status still reads "Currently in Shortage."
  • Methylphenidate extended-release tablets (including brand Concerta and generics). First posted July 26, 2023. Strength by strength, some are available, some are limited, and one maker lists its tablets as discontinued.
  • Methylphenidate extended-release film. First posted February 28, 2025. The single manufacturer lists all four strengths as available.

We did not see an FDA shortage entry for dexmethylphenidate on that date. Because the list changes often, check the database for any medicine you take.

How did we get here? A short timeline

  • October 12, 2022. FDA posts the shortage of amphetamine mixed salts tablets.
  • July 2023. FDA posts shortages of lisdexamfetamine capsules and chewable tablets (July 14) and methylphenidate extended-release tablets (July 26).
  • August 2023. FDA announces the approval of multiple first generics of Vyvanse, in capsule and chewable forms.
  • February 28, 2025. FDA posts a shortage of methylphenidate extended-release film.
  • September 19, 2025. DEA raises the 2025 quota for lisdexamfetamine from 32,736,000 grams to 39,907,536 grams, and for d-amphetamine (for conversion) from 23,688,235 to 27,906,786 grams.
  • October 2, 2025. DEA raises the 2025 quota for d-amphetamine (for sale) from 21,200,000 to 26,450,000 grams, and for methylphenidate (for sale) from 53,283,000 to 58,283,000 grams.
  • January 5, 2026. DEA's final 2026 quotas take effect. DEA set the quotas for d,l-amphetamine, d-amphetamine (for conversion), and lisdexamfetamine higher than it had proposed.

Why has the shortage lasted so long?

There is no single cause. FDA's database gives the reasons manufacturers report. For the amphetamine mixed salts tablet entry, those include a shortage of an active ingredient and increased demand for the drug. For many lisdexamfetamine products, the stated reason is also a shortage of an active ingredient.

DEA's own notices point in the same direction. In its proposed 2026 quotas, DEA said domestic medical use of Schedule II stimulants rose by an average of 6.74 percent in 2024 compared with 2023. It also said manufacturers reported shortages of specific ADHD medicines to FDA, citing demand increases, supply chain issues, manufacturing and quality problems, lack of active ingredients, and business decisions. In its September 2025 order, DEA also pointed to rising global demand.

DEA has said shortages can happen for reasons outside its control, such as manufacturing and quality problems, processing delays, supply chain disruptions, or discontinuations. In its 2026 order, DEA also said the quotas cap total manufacturing, and that DEA does not set ordering thresholds or limits for pharmacies buying from distributors. Some manufacturers do limit supply. FDA's entries show products "on allocation" and "allocation to current contracted customers."

What does "in shortage" mean for me at the pharmacy?

It means FDA has a record that supply for the product is not meeting demand for at least some manufacturers or strengths. It does not mean no pharmacy has it. FDA's shortage page notes that a drug that is out of stock at a pharmacy is often a temporary, local issue. A pharmacy's stock depends on its wholesaler, on which manufacturers it buys from, and on timing.

Stimulants are Schedule II controlled substances. That adds friction. They cannot be refilled, so each fill needs a prescription. Some pharmacies will not confirm stock to callers they do not know. A transfer between pharmacies is limited to one time for an electronic prescription.

What can I do?

How do I check the live status myself?

Search FDA's Drug Shortages database by generic name or active ingredient. Each entry shows the status, the date first posted, and each manufacturer's availability by strength, with a "reverified" or "revised" date. If a medicine you cannot find is not listed, FDA's shortage page explains how patients can send a report through its public portal.

If you would rather not call pharmacies yourself, you can start a search at app.findneedle.co. Needle phones pharmacies on your behalf and reports which ones said they have your exact drug, strength, and form.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Adderall shortage over?

Not according to FDA's database. As of October 14, 2026, amphetamine mixed salts tablets are still listed as "Currently in Shortage," first posted October 12, 2022. Several manufacturers list supply as available, while others list limited or unavailable products.

Did DEA increase ADHD medication production quotas?

Yes, for some ingredients. DEA raised the 2025 quotas for lisdexamfetamine, d-amphetamine, and methylphenidate in the fall of 2025. Its final 2026 quotas set d,l-amphetamine, d-amphetamine (for conversion), and lisdexamfetamine higher than DEA had proposed. A larger quota allows more to be made, but it does not guarantee that a given pharmacy will have a given strength on a given day.

Which ADHD medicines are in shortage right now?

On October 14, 2026, FDA's database listed amphetamine mixed salts tablets, lisdexamfetamine capsules and chewable tablets, and two extended-release methylphenidate products. Check the database for any other medicine you take, since entries are added and resolved over time.

Why does one pharmacy have my medicine when another does not?

Pharmacies buy from different wholesalers and often from different manufacturers. A manufacturer can have a product available in one strength and limited in another. That is why calling more than one pharmacy, and asking about the next delivery, is worth the time.

Sources