Current Status of the MyDayis Shortage
While brand-name MyDayis is not listed in the same critical status as some other mixed amphetamine salts on FDA shortage trackers, the medication is consistently reported as being challenging to obtain at many pharmacies. This ongoing scarcity is part of the broader, persistent stimulant medication shortage that began in late 2022 and has continued to cause significant disruption for patients. As of late 2025, the problem has not been fully resolved, with many patients reporting difficulty in filling their prescriptions for both MyDayis and its generic equivalent.
What is Causing the Persistent Scarcity?
The reasons behind the continued difficulty in finding MyDayis are multi-faceted, involving a complex interplay of regulatory, manufacturing, and demand-related issues.
- DEA Production Limits: The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sets annual production quotas for controlled substances like amphetamine salts, the active ingredient in MyDayis. Despite a significant increase in ADHD diagnoses and medication demand in recent years, DEA production caps have not risen commensurately. This creates a systemic supply ceiling that manufacturers cannot exceed, regardless of market demand.
- Manufacturing Delays: The production of stimulants is a complex process. Intermittent delays at manufacturing facilities, as seen with major producers like Teva Pharmaceuticals in the past, have exacerbated supply issues across the stimulant market.
- Increased Patient Demand: ADHD diagnoses have been steadily increasing, with a notable surge in recent years, particularly during and after the pandemic. This expanded patient population, combined with static DEA quotas, has put immense strain on the supply chain.
- Pharmacy-Specific Issues: Local pharmacy inventory for controlled substances is tightly regulated and often limited. Furthermore, reports indicate that some pharmacies are hesitant to stock under-reimbursed medications, meaning the profit margins for dispensing certain prescriptions are very low. This can create artificial scarcity at the pharmacy level, compounding the broader national issue.
Comparison of MyDayis and Other ADHD Medications
Navigating the current medication landscape requires understanding the different treatment options available. Here is a comparison of MyDayis with some common alternatives:
| Feature | MyDayis (Amphetamine mixed salts ER) | Adderall XR (Amphetamine mixed salts ER) | Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) | Concerta (Methylphenidate ER) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Stimulant, increases release and blocks reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine | Stimulant, increases release and blocks reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine | Stimulant (prodrug), converted to dextroamphetamine | Stimulant, blocks reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine |
| Release Profile | Triple-bead extended release (up to 16 hours) | Two-phase extended release (up to 12 hours) | Single, steady release after conversion | Osmotic pump extended release |
| Duration of Effect | Up to 16 hours | Up to 12 hours | Approximately 12-14 hours | Approximately 12 hours |
| Abuse Potential | High (Schedule II) | High (Schedule II) | High (Schedule II) | High (Schedule II) |
| Availability | Inconsistent, ongoing supply issues | Shortages, but status varies | Shortages have occurred, but may be more available than others | Varies by manufacturer and formulation |
What to Do During a MyDayis Shortage
If you are struggling to fill your MyDayis prescription, several steps can be taken to mitigate the impact of the shortage.
- Contact Your Healthcare Provider: This is the most crucial step. Your doctor can discuss alternative medications, dosage adjustments, or other strategies to manage your symptoms. They can also provide a paper prescription that you can take to different pharmacies.
- Explore Alternative Pharmacies: Availability can vary significantly from one pharmacy to the next, even within the same chain. It may be beneficial to call local independent pharmacies, as they might have different suppliers or inventory levels than larger chains. Tools like Medfinder can assist in locating available stock without making numerous phone calls.
- Consider Non-Stimulant Options: If stimulants are consistently unavailable, discussing non-stimulant alternatives with your doctor is a viable option. These medications, such as Strattera (atomoxetine) or Qelbree (viloxazine), work differently and are not subject to the same DEA quotas.
- Request an Alternative Stimulant: Not all stimulant medications are affected equally by the shortages. Ask your doctor about other stimulant formulations, such as Adderall XR or Vyvanse, which might be more readily available at a particular time.
- Utilize Behavioral Therapies: Medication is often just one part of a comprehensive ADHD treatment plan. During a shortage, incorporating or increasing focus on behavioral therapies, organizational strategies, and lifestyle adjustments can be particularly helpful for managing symptoms.
- Stay Informed: Monitor the situation through official sources, such as the FDA's drug shortage website, and discuss any updates with your healthcare provider.
The Broader Impact on ADHD Treatment
The ongoing shortage of stimulant medications like MyDayis has a profound impact on the ADHD community. Patients experience significant stress and anxiety over securing their prescriptions, and treatment disruptions can lead to a return of debilitating symptoms. The situation also highlights a systemic issue within the healthcare and regulatory sectors, where demand and supply are not effectively aligned. While manufacturers point to DEA quotas, and the DEA emphasizes concerns about abuse, patients are caught in the middle. Addressing this crisis will likely require a multi-pronged approach, including regulatory reform, increased manufacturing capacity, and improved communication throughout the supply chain.
Conclusion
The persistent challenge of acquiring MyDayis is a reality for many ADHD patients, stemming from a combination of DEA production quotas, increased demand, and manufacturing issues. While the scarcity is part of a wider stimulant shortage, patients have options for navigating the situation. Open and frequent communication with healthcare providers, exploring alternative pharmacies, and considering other medication types or behavioral therapies are all critical steps. The situation underscores the need for a more robust and responsive supply chain for essential mental health medications to ensure patients receive the consistent care they need.
