Anafranil shortage update: What patients need to know in 2026

The Anafranil Shortage Is Still Going — Here Is Where Things Stand in 2026

If you rely on Anafranil (Clomipramine) for OCD, you have probably been dealing with supply problems for longer than you would like. The shortage that started around 2020 has continued into 2026, with periods of improvement followed by new disruptions. Here is the most current information we have on the situation and what it means for you.

Current Status: What We Know

As of early 2026, Clomipramine remains subject to intermittent supply disruptions. Here are the key facts:

• Generic Clomipramine is still being manufactured by multiple companies, but not all strengths are consistently available at all pharmacies.
• Brand-name Anafranil is largely discontinued in the US market. If you find it, it will likely be at a very high price point.
• There is no firm end date for the shortage. The FDA has not published a specific resolution timeline.
• Supply varies by region. Some areas of the country have better availability than others, and it can change week to week.

What Is Causing the Ongoing Shortage?

The Clomipramine shortage is the result of several overlapping issues. For a detailed breakdown, see our post on why Anafranil is so hard to find. In short:

• Few manufacturers: Only a handful of companies produce generic Clomipramine in the US. When even one has a production problem, it has an outsized impact on the total supply.
• Raw material constraints: The active ingredients for Clomipramine are sourced from a limited number of suppliers, mostly overseas. Any disruption in this supply chain ripples through to patients.
• Low production priority: Clomipramine is a niche medication compared to blockbuster drugs. Manufacturers may not prioritize it when resources are limited.
• Growing demand: As mental health treatment has expanded — partly thanks to telehealth — more patients are being treated for OCD, putting additional pressure on a limited supply.

Which Strengths Are Affected?

Clomipramine comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg capsules. Shortages do not always affect every strength equally. In recent months:

• The 50 mg and 75 mg strengths have been the most commonly affected
• The 25 mg strength has generally been more available, though not always consistently
• Availability can change quickly — a strength that was unavailable last week may be back this week

If your usual strength is out of stock, ask your doctor if your prescription can be adjusted to use a different combination of available strengths.

What the FDA and ASHP Are Saying

The FDA maintains a drug shortage database that tracks medications with supply problems. Clomipramine has appeared on shortage lists in the past and the situation remains fluid. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) also tracks drug shortages and provides updates for healthcare professionals.

Neither organization has announced a specific resolution date for the Clomipramine shortage. This is typical for niche medications — shortages can persist for months or years before supply fully normalizes.

What You Can Do Right Now

While waiting for the shortage to end is frustrating, there are concrete steps you can take to protect yourself.

Search for Current Inventory

Use Medfinder to find pharmacies near you that currently have Clomipramine in stock. Real-time inventory data can save you from wasted trips and phone calls. For a detailed walkthrough, see our guide on how to find Anafranil in stock near you.

Refill Early and Plan Ahead

Do not wait until you run out to start looking for your next refill. Most insurance plans allow refills 7 to 10 days early. Start the process with plenty of time to spare.

Build a Relationship With Your Pharmacy

A pharmacist who knows you and your medication can be a powerful ally. They can:

• Order Clomipramine proactively when they expect to receive a shipment
• Alert you when stock arrives
• Help transfer prescriptions to locations that have it

Talk to Your Doctor

Keep your doctor informed about any difficulty filling your prescription. They can:

• Adjust your prescription to use available strengths
• Write for a 90-day supply to reduce refill frequency
• Discuss backup alternatives if the shortage worsens
• Provide documentation for insurance appeals if needed

Consider Alternatives

If you have been unable to find Clomipramine for an extended period, it may be time to discuss alternatives. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved for OCD and are much more widely available. Learn more in our post on alternatives to Anafranil.

Insurance and Cost During the Shortage

The shortage can complicate insurance coverage in several ways:

• If your pharmacy does not have your medication, your insurance may not let you fill it at a different pharmacy without a transfer
• If you need to switch to a different strength or combination, it may require a new prior authorization
• Out-of-pocket costs for Clomipramine can be high without insurance — over $600 per month at retail — but discount cards can bring this down to $15 to $40

For tips on reducing your costs, read our post on how to save money on Anafranil.

A Note on Mental Health During a Shortage

Dealing with a medication shortage is stressful, especially for a condition like OCD. The anxiety of not knowing if you will be able to get your medication can itself trigger or worsen symptoms. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• You are not alone. Thousands of patients across the country are dealing with the same problem.
• Reach out for support. If the stress is becoming overwhelming, talk to your doctor or therapist. The International OCD Foundation (iocdf.org) also offers resources and community support.
• Therapy helps. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a proven treatment for OCD that can provide stability, especially during medication disruptions.
• Have a plan. Knowing what you will do if your medication is unavailable — even if you never need the plan — can reduce anxiety significantly.

Looking Ahead

We wish we could tell you exactly when the Anafranil shortage will end. The truth is, nobody knows for certain. What we do know is that generic Clomipramine is still being manufactured, and supply is available in many areas if you know where to look.

Stay proactive. Use tools like Medfinder. Keep your doctor and pharmacist in the loop. And know that even if the shortage continues, you have options to keep your treatment on track.

We will continue to update this post as new information becomes available. Check back for the latest on the Anafranil shortage in 2026.