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    ADHD medication shortage and telehealth tracker (to 11 Oct 2026)

    As of 9 October 2026, FDA still listed shortages of immediate-release amphetamine salts (since October 2022), lisdexamfetamine and extended-release methylphenidate (since July 2023).[1][2][3] DEA raised 2025 quotas for these drugs and set 2026 quotas in January.[4][5][6] Temporary rules allowing stimulants to be prescribed by video without an in-person visit expire on 31 December 2026, and Done Global's founder was sentenced to six years in prison in July 2026.[7][8]

    Editor reviewedStrict sourcingUpdated DevelopingMental health, Health and medicine, Tech policy

    What we know

    • FDA has listed immediate-release amphetamine mixed salts (Adderall and generics) in shortage since 12 October 2022; still current on 9 October 2026[1]
    • Of 73 amphetamine-salts products in FDA's shortage records, 19 were unavailable and 9 limited as of 9 October 2026[9]
    • Lisdexamfetamine and extended-release methylphenidate shortages, listed since July 2023, were still current[3]
    • 71.5% of US adults taking ADHD stimulants reported trouble filling a prescription in the past year (2023 survey)[11]
    • DEA's 2026 quotas: d-amphetamine (for sale) 26,450,000 g, lisdexamfetamine 51,290,743 g, methylphenidate (for sale) 58,283,000 g[6]
    • Telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing Schedule II-V drugs run from 1 January to 31 December 2026[7]
    • Done Global founder Ruthia He was sentenced to six years and clinical president David Brody to two years on 7 July 2026[8]
    • The September 2025 MAHA strategy committed HHS to a working group on prescribing patterns, including stimulants, for children[30]

    What we don't know yet

    • Whether DEA and HHS will finalise the January 2025 special registration rule, issue a fifth temporary extension, or let the flexibilities lapse after 31 December 2026
    • When FDA will declare the amphetamine salts, lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate shortages resolved
    • What DEA will propose for 2027 production quotas
    • What the HHS prescribing working group announced in the MAHA strategy will recommend, and when
    • Whether the Done Global defendants will appeal
    Story status

    Story status

    State
    developing
    Started
    2022-10-12
    Timeline entries
    18
    Last entry

    Timeline data (JSON)

    This tracker follows the US shortage of ADHD stimulants, the federal rules that decide how much can be made and how it can be prescribed online, enforcement against telehealth companies, and federal statements on stimulant use. It is updated as new data and rules appear; the main shortages have been listed since 2022 and 2023.[1][2] It is not medical advice: if you cannot fill a prescription, talk to your prescriber or pharmacist rather than changing medicines on your own.

    The shortage

    FDA first listed immediate-release amphetamine mixed salts, sold as Adderall and generics, in shortage on 12 October 2022.[1] Lisdexamfetamine followed on 14 July 2023 and extended-release methylphenidate on 26 July 2023.[2][3] In FDA data updated on 9 October 2026, all three were still listed as current. Of 73 amphetamine-salts products, 19 were unavailable and 9 had limited availability.[9] Manufacturers cited reasons including a shortage of active ingredient and increased demand.[10]

    The shortage reaches patients. In a 2023 CDC survey, 71.5% of US adults taking ADHD stimulants said they had trouble filling a prescription in the past year because it was unavailable.[11]

    Production quotas

    DEA sets annual aggregate production quotas for Schedule II controlled substances, including d-amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate.[5][4] When a drug is on FDA’s shortage list, the law gives DEA 30 days to review a manufacturer’s request for more quota.[12] In September 2025 DEA raised the 2025 lisdexamfetamine quota from 32,736,000 g to 39,907,536 g. It cited rising global demand and manufacturer stocks below the permitted inventory allowance.[4][13] In October 2025 it raised the d-amphetamine and methylphenidate quotas.[5] The 2026 quotas, set in January, keep d-amphetamine and methylphenidate at those raised levels and put lisdexamfetamine at 51,290,743 g.[6] DEA received 5,044 comments on the proposal, including from people with ADHD who reported trouble filling prescriptions. It says shortages can also come from factors outside its control.[14][15]

    Telehealth prescribing rules

    The Ryan Haight Act generally requires at least one in-person evaluation before a controlled substance can be prescribed remotely.[16] Pandemic-era “telemedicine flexibilities” waived that for Schedule II-V medicines prescribed by audio-video visit, which includes ADHD stimulants.[17] DEA and HHS have extended them repeatedly: the third extension ran to 31 December 2025, and the fourth runs from 1 January to 31 December 2026.[18][7] A permanent “special registration” system was proposed in January 2025.[19] About 30.5% of US adults with ADHD had used telehealth to get an ADHD prescription since March 2020.[20]

    Enforcement

    Done Global. In November 2025 a federal jury convicted founder Ruthia He and former clinical president David Brody of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution and health care fraud conspiracy. He was also convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice.[21] On 7 July 2026 He was sentenced to six years in prison and Brody to two years, each with a $1 million fine.[8] The Justice Department said the scheme distributed over 37 million Adderall pills and relied on more than $40 million of social media advertising.[22] Prosecutors said an “auto-refill” feature minimised follow-up appointments.[23]

    Cerebral. In November 2024 the telehealth company signed a non-prosecution agreement in New York, forfeiting $3.65 million.[24] Prosecutors said it gave providers financial incentives to prescribe stimulants and lacked adequate controls against diversion.[25]

    Federal statements on stimulants

    The May 2025 MAHA Commission report said stimulants cause long-term height loss averaging an inch and that long-term benefits were not found. It also said psychiatric drugs including stimulants often cause disabling withdrawal when stopped.[26][27] Reporters found that two studies it cited on ADHD drug advertising did not exist; the White House called these formatting errors and the references were removed.[28][29] The September 2025 strategy committed HHS to a working group on children’s prescribing patterns, including stimulants.[30] For how the scientific evidence compares with these statements, see the analysis of rising adult diagnoses and the medication guide. Broader US coverage changes are tracked in US health care changes 2026-27.

    Timeline

    18 confirmed

    1. confirmed

      Stimulant shortages still listed as current by FDA[9][2][3]

    2. confirmed

      Done Global founder sentenced to six years[8][21][22]

      A jury had convicted founder Ruthia He and clinical president David Brody in November 2025; Brody was sentenced to two years.

    3. confirmed

      DEA sets 2026 production quotas after 5,044 comments[6][14]

    4. confirmed

      Fourth extension of telemedicine flexibilities, through 2026[7]

    5. confirmed

      DEA raises 2025 d-amphetamine and methylphenidate quotas[5]

    6. confirmed

      DEA raises 2025 lisdexamfetamine quota by about 22%[4][13]

    7. confirmed

      MAHA strategy announces HHS working group on children's prescriptions[30]

    8. confirmed

      BMJ register study links ADHD medicine to fewer harmful outcomes[34]

      Observational target-trial emulation in 148,581 people in Sweden.

    9. confirmed

      Reporters find non-existent ADHD studies cited in MAHA report[28][29]

      The White House called the errors formatting issues; the references were later removed.

    10. confirmed

      MAHA Commission report questions stimulant use in children[26][27]

    11. confirmed

      DEA proposes special registration for telemedicine[19]

    12. confirmed

      Third extension of telemedicine flexibilities, to end of 2025[18]

    13. confirmed

      Cerebral signs non-prosecution agreement over ADHD stimulant prescribing[24][25]

      The telehealth company agreed to forfeit $3.65 million, with a $2.92 million fine deferred.

    14. confirmed

      CDC publishes first national data on adult ADHD diagnosis and telehealth[33][11][20]

      15.5 million adults had a current diagnosis in 2023; 71.5% of those taking stimulants had trouble filling prescriptions.

    15. confirmed

      Extended-release methylphenidate shortage posted[3]

    16. confirmed

      Lisdexamfetamine shortage posted[2]

    17. confirmed

      CDC reports a rise in stimulant prescription fills, especially among adults[31][32]

      The share of commercially insured people filling a stimulant prescription rose from 3.6% in 2016 to 4.1% in 2021.

    18. confirmed

      FDA lists immediate-release Adderall and generics in shortage[1]

    Next in the crash course

    Questions readers ask

    Is the Adderall shortage over?

    Not according to FDA's records. Immediate-release amphetamine mixed salts have been listed since 12 October 2022 and were still current in data updated on 9 October 2026, with 19 of 73 products unavailable.[1][9]

    Why are ADHD medicines in short supply?

    Manufacturers have cited shortages of active ingredients and increased demand. DEA sets annual production quotas for these controlled substances and raised several in 2025; it says shortages can also stem from manufacturing problems, delays and discontinuations.[10][4][15]

    Can I still get ADHD stimulants through telehealth?

    Under a temporary DEA and HHS rule, DEA-registered practitioners can prescribe Schedule II-V medicines, including stimulants, by audio-video telemedicine without an in-person visit until 31 December 2026.[7][17]

    What happened to Done Global?

    Its founder and its clinical president were convicted in November 2025 of drug distribution and health care fraud conspiracy counts. In July 2026 the founder was sentenced to six years and the clinical president to two years in prison.[21][8]

    What did the MAHA report say about ADHD drugs?

    The May 2025 report said stimulants cause long-term height loss averaging an inch and that long-term benefits were not found. Its cited studies on ADHD drug advertising could not be found and were removed after reporting by NOTUS.[26][28][29]

    Sources

    · 34 claims from 13 publishers

    Each numbered claim is a statement we checked against the sources listed with it. Tap a number in the text to see its sources in place.

    1. [1]

      FDA's drug shortage list has carried immediate-release amphetamine mixed salts tablets (Adderall and generics) since 12 October 2022, and the shortage was still listed as current in data updated on 9 October 2026. confirmedas of 2026-10-09

    2. [2]

      FDA has listed a shortage of lisdexamfetamine capsules and chewable tablets since 14 July 2023; as of 9 October 2026 it remained current, with 33 of 108 product records showing limited availability and 1 unavailable. confirmedas of 2026-10-09

    3. [3]

      FDA has listed a shortage of extended-release methylphenidate tablets since 26 July 2023 and of a methylphenidate extended-release film since 28 February 2025; as of 9 October 2026 both remained current, with 6 tablet products unavailable and 9 limited. confirmedas of 2026-10-09

    4. [4]

      In September 2025 DEA raised the 2025 aggregate production quota for lisdexamfetamine from 32,736,000 g to 39,907,536 g, after finding multiple manufacturers reporting a lisdexamfetamine shortage. confirmedas of 2025-09-19

    5. [5]

      In October 2025 DEA raised the 2025 aggregate production quota for the Schedule II substances d-amphetamine (for sale) from 21,200,000 g to 26,450,000 g and methylphenidate (for sale) from 53,283,000 g to 58,283,000 g. confirmedas of 2025-10-02

    6. [6]

      DEA's established 2026 aggregate production quotas, published on 5 January 2026, are 26,450,000 g for d-amphetamine (for sale), 51,290,743 g for lisdexamfetamine and 58,283,000 g for methylphenidate (for sale). confirmedas of 2026-01-05

    7. [7]

      On 31 December 2025 DEA and HHS published a fourth extension of the telemedicine flexibilities, effective 1 January 2026 through 31 December 2026. confirmedas of 2025-12-31

    8. [8]

      On 7 July 2026 He was sentenced to six years in prison and a $1 million fine, and Brody to two years in prison and a $1 million fine. confirmedas of 2026-07-07

    9. [9]

      As of 9 October 2026, FDA's shortage records for immediate-release amphetamine mixed salts covered 73 products from 11 companies, of which 19 were listed as unavailable and 9 as having limited availability. confirmedas of 2026-10-09

    10. [10]

      Reasons manufacturers gave FDA for the stimulant shortages include a shortage of an active ingredient and increased demand for the drug. confirmedas of 2026-10-09

    11. [11]

      About one third of US adults with ADHD took stimulant medication in 2023, and 71.5% of those reported difficulty getting their prescription filled in the previous 12 months because the medication was not available. confirmedas of 2024-10-10

    12. [12]

      Under 21 U.S.C. 826(h), when a manufacturer asks for more quota for a Schedule II substance in a drug on FDA's shortage list, DEA must complete its review within 30 days. confirmedas of 2025-10-02

    13. [13]

      DEA said it expected global lisdexamfetamine consumption to rise 15.16% in 2025, partly because Vyvanse had been approved for ADHD in 29 countries besides the US, and that bulk manufacturers started 2025 below their permitted 40% inventory allowance. confirmedas of 2025-09-19

    14. [14]

      DEA received 5,044 comments on its proposed 2026 quotas, including from people with ADHD, raising concerns such as difficulty filling stimulant prescriptions. confirmedas of 2026-01-05

    15. [15]

      DEA says drug shortages can occur because of factors outside its control, such as manufacturing and quality problems, processing delays, supply chain disruptions or discontinuations. confirmedas of 2026-01-05

    16. [16]

      Under the Ryan Haight Act of 2008, a practitioner may generally prescribe controlled substances remotely only after at least one in-person medical evaluation of the patient, subject to certain exceptions. confirmedas of 2025-12-31

    17. [17]

      The COVID-19 telemedicine flexibilities let DEA-registered practitioners prescribe Schedule II-V controlled medications, which include ADHD stimulants, via audio-video telemedicine without a prior in-person evaluation. confirmedas of 2025-12-31

    18. [18]

      In November 2024 DEA and HHS issued a third extension of the telemedicine flexibilities through 31 December 2025. confirmedas of 2024-11-19

    19. [19]

      On 17 January 2025 DEA proposed a Special Registration for Telemedicine that would let registered practitioners prescribe controlled substances by telemedicine without an in-person evaluation, with heightened prescription, recordkeeping and reporting requirements. confirmedas of 2025-01-17

    20. [20]

      Almost half of US adults with ADHD (46.0%) reported ever receiving telehealth services for the condition, and since March 2020 about 30.5% used telehealth to obtain an ADHD medication prescription. confirmedas of 2024-10-10

    21. [21]

      In November 2025 a federal jury convicted Done Global founder Ruthia He and former clinical president David Brody of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances and conspiracy to commit health care fraud; He was also convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice. confirmedas of 2026-07-07

    22. [22]

      According to the Justice Department, the Done Global scheme unlawfully distributed over 37 million Adderall pills, defrauded insurers of over $12 million, and spent over $40 million on social media advertising. confirmedas of 2026-07-07

    23. [23]

      Prosecutors said Done used a subscription model with automatic refills, through which prescribers signed Adderall refills based on automatically generated messages, minimising follow-up appointments. confirmedas of 2026-07-07

    24. [24]

      On 4 November 2024 telehealth company Cerebral signed a non-prosecution agreement with the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, agreeing to forfeit $3.65 million, with a further $2.92 million fine deferred and waived if it complies. confirmedas of 2024-11-06

    25. [25]

      The US Attorney's Office said Cerebral gave providers financial incentives for prescribing stimulant medication to ADHD patients and did not keep adequate controls against diversion, and Cerebral admitted to the facts in a statement attached to the agreement. confirmedas of 2024-11-06

    26. [26]

      The May 2025 MAHA Commission assessment stated that stimulants cause long-term height loss averaging an inch and that the only long-term trial found behaviour benefits at 14 months that were not found at 3 years. confirmedas of 2025-05-22

      • Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment (MAHA Report) · The White House, Make America Healthy Again Commission · 2025-05-22 · Section 4, The Overmedicalization of Our Kids; continues: the only long-term trial found exclusively short-term (14-month) behavior benefits, which were not found at 3 years (retrieved 2026-10-11)
    27. [27]

      The MAHA assessment stated that antidepressants, stimulants, antipsychotics and other psychiatric drugs, when stopped, often lead to disabling and prolonged physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. confirmedas of 2025-05-22

    28. [28]

      NOTUS reported that two studies the MAHA report cited on direct-to-consumer advertising and ADHD medication use in children could not be found in the scientific literature; CIDRAP and other outlets also reported the errors. confirmedas of 2025-05-29

    29. [29]

      The White House press secretary called the citation errors "formatting issues" and said the report would be updated, and the references to non-existent studies were later removed. confirmedas of 2025-05-30

    30. [30]

      The September 2025 MAHA strategy said HHS would form a mental health diagnosis and prescription working group to evaluate prescribing patterns for children of drugs including SSRIs, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers and stimulants. confirmedas of 2025-09-09

    31. [31]

      Among commercially insured Americans, the share with at least one stimulant prescription fill rose from 3.6% in 2016 to 4.1% in 2021, with the largest single-year increases in 2020-2021. confirmedas of 2023-03-31

    32. [32]

      Stimulant fills rose by more than 10% during 2020-2021 among females aged 15 to 44 and males aged 25 to 44. confirmedas of 2023-03-31

    33. [33]

      CDC estimated that 15.5 million US adults (6.0%) had a current ADHD diagnosis in 2023, based on self-report. confirmedas of 2024-10-10

    34. [34]

      A 2025 Swedish register study emulating target trials in 148,581 people with ADHD found that starting ADHD medication was associated with lower rates of substance misuse, transport accidents and criminality over two years, but not of first accidental injuries. confirmedas of 2025-08-13

    Revision history (1)
    1. Page created with timeline through 11 October 2026.

    Created Oct 11, 2026. Last reviewed by an editor on Oct 11, 2026. Next scheduled review: Dec 1, 2026.

    Cite this page

    "ADHD medication shortage and telehealth tracker (to 11 Oct 2026)." ContentLora, updated Oct 11, 2026. https://contentlora.com/events/adhd-medication-shortage-and-telehealth-tracker

    Spotted an error? Suggest a correction or emailcorrections@contentlora.com.

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