Current Adderall Shortage Status
Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) has faced ongoing shortages in the US since late 2022, primarily due to manufacturing delays, increased demand from ADHD diagnoses, and DEA quotas on stimulant production.[1] As of mid-2025, the FDA lists Adderall as in shortage for multiple strengths and formulations from manufacturers like Teva, Sandoz, and Alvogen.[2]
Will the Shortage Persist into 2026?
No confirmed shortage is projected for 2026, but risks remain. The FDA reported in October 2024 that immediate-release Adderall supply stabilized after quota increases to 48,668 kg for 2025 (up from 38,500 kg in 2024).[3] DEA proposed a further 12% quota hike for 2026, pending final approval in late 2025.[4] If demand outpaces this—driven by rising ADHD prescriptions (up 20% from 2020-2023)—shortages could recur.[5]
Why Shortages Keep Happening
Supply chain issues include raw material shortages (e.g., from India/China), quality control halts at FDA-inspected plants, and strict DEA controls to curb diversion. Amphetamine base prices spiked 4x in 2023 but eased by 2024.[6] Patient reports on forums like Reddit highlight intermittent pharmacy stockouts, especially generics (90% of prescriptions).[7]
Alternatives if Adderall Runs Low
- Other stimulants: Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) faces its own shortage but has more generic options; generics launch October 2025.[8] Dexedrine and generic dextroamphetamine are available but less potent equivalents.
- Non-stimulants: Strattera (atomoxetine), Intuniv (guanfacine), or Qelbree (viloxazine) for ADHD; no shortages reported.
- Compounded versions: Allowed during shortages but FDA warns of inconsistent dosing.[9]
Switching requires doctor approval due to varying efficacy.
DEA Quota Changes and Timeline
| Year | Proposed Amphetamine Quota (kg) | Final Approved | Notes |
|------|--------------------------------|----------------|-------|
| 2024 | 42,000 | 38,500 | Shortfall contributed to shortages |
| 2025 | 50,245 | 48,668 | 26% increase; supply improved Q2 2025 |
| 2026 | 54,800 (proposed) | Pending | Public comment closed July 2025[4] |
Quotas reset annually; final 2026 numbers expected December 2025.
Patient and Pharmacy Workarounds
Pharmacies use the FDA shortage database to source from wholesalers; apps like GoodRx track local stock. Some patients split extended-release doses or use 10mg IR tabs. Long-term, generic competition (e.g., Mallinckrodt's supply ramp-up) could ease pressure by 2026.[10]
[1]: FDA Drug Shortages Database, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/drug-shortages
[2]: FDA Adderall Listings (updated Oct 2025), https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/
[3]: DEA Quota Report, Oct 2024, https://www.dea.gov/documents/2024/2024-10-08/2025-amphetamine-quota
[4]: Federal Register, 2026 Proposed Quotas, https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/05/15/2025-08234/national-amphetamine-production-quota
[5]: CDC ADHD Data, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
[6]: IQVIA Market Report, 2024
[7]: ASHP Patient Reports, https://www.ashp.org/drug-shortages
[8]: FDA Vyvanse Generic Approval, https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements
[9]: FDA Compounding Guidance, https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding
[10]: Teva Supply Update, Q3 2025 Earnings