Your Pharmacy Is Out of Clomipramine — Now What?

You need your Clomipramine refill. You call your pharmacy and hear the words no patient wants to hear: "We're out of stock, and we don't know when we'll get more."

If you rely on Clomipramine (brand name: Anafranil) for OCD or another condition, a gap in your medication isn't just inconvenient — it can set your treatment back significantly. Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that should never be stopped suddenly, and finding it quickly matters.

The good news? There are tools and strategies that can help you find Clomipramine in stock — often the same day. Here's how.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Search Real-Time Pharmacy Inventory

The fastest way to find Clomipramine in stock near you is to use Medfinder. It's a free tool that checks pharmacy availability in real time, so you don't have to waste hours calling around.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for Clomipramine
3. Enter your zip code
4. See which pharmacies near you have it in stock right now

Medfinder searches across chain pharmacies, independent pharmacies, and specialty pharmacies, giving you a much wider view of availability than calling one or two locations. It's especially useful during shortages when stock can vary dramatically from store to store.

Tip 2: Try Independent and Specialty Pharmacies

When the big chains are out, independent pharmacies are often your best bet. Here's why:

• Different supply chains: Independent pharmacies often use different wholesalers than chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. This means they may have access to Clomipramine when the major chains don't.
• More flexibility: Independent pharmacists can sometimes order directly from secondary wholesalers or negotiate with different distributors to get medication that's scarce elsewhere.
• Compounding options: Some compounding pharmacies can prepare Clomipramine capsules from raw ingredients if the manufactured product isn't available. Ask your doctor if a compounded version is appropriate for you.

Don't overlook hospital outpatient pharmacies either. They sometimes have separate supply agreements and may carry medications that retail pharmacies can't get.

Tip 3: Time Your Refill Strategically

Pharmacy inventory patterns can work in your favor if you know when to call:

• Early in the week: Most pharmacies receive their largest deliveries on Monday through Wednesday. Calling or visiting during this window gives you the best chance of finding new stock.
• Early in the month: Demand for medications tends to spike at the beginning and end of each month when many patients refill simultaneously. Try to refill a day or two before the rush.
• Request advance ordering: If your pharmacy knows you'll need Clomipramine in a week, they can try to order it ahead of time from their wholesaler. Give them as much lead time as possible.

What If You Still Can't Find Clomipramine?

If you've tried these strategies and still can't locate your medication, here are additional steps:

Ask Your Doctor About a Different Strength

Clomipramine comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg capsules. If one strength is unavailable, another might be in stock. Your doctor can adjust your prescription so you can use whatever strength is available. For example, two 25 mg capsules can substitute for one 50 mg capsule.

Explore Mail-Order Pharmacies

Mail-order pharmacies serve a wider geographic area and may have better access to Clomipramine than your local pharmacy. If you have insurance, check whether your plan includes a mail-order option — many do, and they often offer 90-day supplies at a lower cost.

Consider Therapeutic Alternatives

If Clomipramine is truly unavailable for an extended period, talk to your prescriber about switching to an alternative medication. SSRIs like Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), and Paroxetine (Paxil) are all FDA-approved for OCD and are generally easier to find. Learn more in our guide to Clomipramine alternatives.

Contact the Manufacturer

If you know which manufacturer makes your Clomipramine (check your bottle), you can call them directly to ask about supply timelines and whether they can direct you to pharmacies that have stock.

Important: Don't Stop Clomipramine Abruptly

We can't stress this enough — do not stop taking Clomipramine suddenly. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms including dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, fever, and irritability. If you're running low and can't find a refill, call your doctor right away. They can help you taper safely or bridge you with another medication.

Final Thoughts

Finding Clomipramine during a shortage requires a combination of the right tools and a proactive approach. Medfinder can save you hours of phone calls by showing you which pharmacies have it in stock. Independent pharmacies and strategic timing can give you an edge. And your doctor can help with dose adjustments or alternatives if needed.

You shouldn't have to fight this hard to get a medication you need. But until supply catches up with demand, these tips can help you stay on track with your treatment.

For more on why this shortage is happening, read our post on why Clomipramine is so hard to find in 2026. And if cost is also a concern, check out our guide to saving money on Clomipramine.