The Clomipramine Shortage in 2026: What's Going On?

If you take Clomipramine for OCD and have struggled to find it at your pharmacy, you're dealing with one of the most frustrating realities of the current drug shortage crisis. Clomipramine — the tricyclic antidepressant sold as Anafranil — has been intermittently hard to find since 2020, and patients heading into 2026 are still feeling the effects.

In this update, we'll cover the current state of the Clomipramine shortage, why it's happening, what it costs in 2026, and most importantly, how to find it.

Is Clomipramine Still in Shortage in 2026?

Yes, Clomipramine continues to experience intermittent supply disruptions as of early 2026. While it's not completely unavailable, certain strengths (particularly the 50 mg and 75 mg capsules) have been harder to find than the 25 mg capsule. Availability varies significantly by region, pharmacy, and manufacturer.

The FDA drug shortage database has listed Clomipramine capsules on and off over the past several years. The situation has improved somewhat compared to the worst periods in 2022–2023, but many patients still report difficulty getting their prescriptions filled on time.

Why Is Clomipramine Hard to Find?

The Clomipramine shortage is driven by several overlapping factors:

Limited Manufacturers

Only a handful of generic companies produce Clomipramine in the United States. When even one manufacturer has a production issue, the supply for the entire country is affected. Unlike widely-used medications with a dozen or more makers, Clomipramine has very little production redundancy.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for Clomipramine comes from a small number of global suppliers. Disruptions at any point in this chain — from raw material sourcing to manufacturing to shipping — can create weeks or months of delays.

Rising Demand

More patients are being diagnosed with and treated for OCD, and Clomipramine prescriptions have increased alongside growing awareness of mental health conditions. Clomipramine's off-label uses for depression, chronic pain, panic disorder, and other conditions also contribute to demand.

Low Profitability

As an older generic drug, Clomipramine has thin profit margins. Manufacturers have little incentive to invest in expanding production capacity, and some have exited the market entirely, further concentrating supply among fewer makers.

For a deeper dive, see our article on why Clomipramine is so hard to find.

How Much Does Clomipramine Cost in 2026?

Cost is another concern for patients dealing with the shortage. Here's what you can expect:

• Cash price (without insurance): $30 to $150 for a 30-day supply, depending on dose and pharmacy
• With a discount coupon: Approximately $15 to $60 for a 30-day supply of generic Clomipramine
• With insurance: Typically a Tier 1 or Tier 2 copay ($5 to $30) since generic Clomipramine is covered by most plans

Prices can be higher during shortages because some pharmacies charge more when supply is limited. Using a discount tool like GoodRx, SingleCare, or RxSaver can help bring the cost down. For a full breakdown, read our guide to saving money on Clomipramine in 2026.

Are There New Options for Clomipramine Patients?

While no new formulations of Clomipramine have been released recently, patients have a few options that may help:

• Compounding pharmacies: If manufactured capsules aren't available, some compounding pharmacies can prepare Clomipramine from raw ingredients. Talk to your doctor about whether this is appropriate for you.
• Alternative strengths: If your usual strength is out of stock, your doctor may adjust your prescription to use a different capsule strength. For example, using three 25 mg capsules instead of one 75 mg capsule.
• SSRI alternatives: If the shortage forces a medication change, SSRIs like Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Fluoxetine (Prozac), and Sertraline (Zoloft) are FDA-approved for OCD and much easier to find. See our alternatives guide for details.

How to Find Clomipramine in Stock

Here are the most effective strategies for locating Clomipramine during the shortage:

1. Use Medfinder

Medfinder is a free tool that shows you which pharmacies near you currently have Clomipramine in stock. It saves you the hassle of calling multiple pharmacies and gives you real-time availability information.

2. Check Independent Pharmacies

Independent and specialty pharmacies often source from different wholesalers than the big chains. When CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid are out, an independent pharmacy nearby might still have stock.

3. Try Mail-Order Pharmacies

Mail-order pharmacies serve a broader area and may have better access to Clomipramine. Many insurance plans offer mail-order options with 90-day supplies at a reduced cost.

4. Ask About Ordering Ahead

If your pharmacy is temporarily out, ask them to place a special order with their wholesaler. Some wholesalers can fill backorders within a few days.

5. Don't Wait Until You Run Out

The most important thing you can do is plan ahead. Try to refill your prescription 7 to 10 days before you run out. This gives you and your pharmacy a buffer to find stock if there's a delay.

For more tips, read our detailed post on how to find Clomipramine in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Clomipramine shortage in 2026 is an ongoing challenge, but it's manageable with the right approach. Stay proactive about refilling early, use tools like Medfinder to check availability, and keep an open line of communication with your prescriber about backup plans.

Clomipramine remains one of the most effective treatments for OCD, and you deserve access to it. We'll continue updating this page as the supply situation evolves.