Your Patients Can't Find Their Klonopin — Here's How You Can Help

Patients taking Klonopin (Clonazepam) have been dealing with supply disruptions since 2023. Many are calling your office frustrated, anxious, and worried about running out of a medication they depend on for seizure control or panic disorder management. As a prescriber, you're in a unique position to help — and there are practical steps you can take beyond simply writing a new prescription.

This guide outlines the current availability situation, explains why patients are struggling, and provides a concrete five-step action plan you can implement today.

Current Availability

As of early 2026, the Clonazepam shortage remains active but has improved from its worst point. Key details:

• The shortage was first listed by ASHP in March 2023 and affects multiple generic manufacturers
• Teva continues to have 0.5 mg and 2 mg tablets on intermittent back order
• Accord and Solco Healthcare have reverified certain strengths as available
• The 1 mg strength generally has better availability than 0.5 mg and 2 mg
• ODT (orally disintegrating tablet) formulations are less affected by the shortage

Supply is not uniformly distributed — some regions and pharmacy types fare better than others.

Why Patients Can't Find Klonopin

Understanding the root causes helps you counsel patients effectively and set realistic expectations:

1. Controlled Substance Ordering Restrictions

As a Schedule IV controlled substance, Clonazepam is subject to DEA production quotas and pharmacy-level ordering limits. Large chain pharmacies often have corporate caps on controlled substance inventory that are more restrictive than what the DEA requires.

2. Manufacturer Consolidation

A small number of generic manufacturers produce the majority of Clonazepam tablets. When even one major producer (like Teva) experiences disruptions, the ripple effect is significant.

3. Chain Pharmacy Allocation Systems

Chain pharmacies use automated allocation systems that distribute controlled substances based on historical dispensing patterns. A pharmacy that hasn't historically dispensed much Clonazepam may not be able to order more, even when patients need it.

4. Patient Reluctance to Switch Pharmacies

Many patients don't realize they can transfer their prescription to a different pharmacy. They may assume they're locked into one location, especially with controlled substances.

What Providers Can Do: 5 Steps

Step 1: Write Flexible Prescriptions

Small changes to how you write prescriptions can dramatically improve fill rates:

• Allow generic substitution from any manufacturer — avoid "brand only" or "DAW" unless clinically necessary
• Consider alternative strengths. If 1 mg tablets are unavailable, writing for two 0.5 mg tablets achieves the same dose and may be fillable
• Include ODT as an acceptable alternative in your notes to the pharmacist
• Avoid 90-day supplies during peak shortage periods — 30-day fills may be easier for pharmacies to source

Step 2: Direct Patients to Availability Tools

The single most impactful thing you can do is point patients toward real-time pharmacy availability searches. Medfinder for Providers allows you (or your staff) to check which pharmacies near the patient currently have Clonazepam in stock.

Consider having your front desk or nurse include a Medfinder link when patients call about availability issues. This saves everyone time and empowers patients to take action.

Step 3: Recommend Independent Pharmacies

When chain pharmacies are out of stock, independent pharmacies are often the solution. They typically have:

• Multiple wholesaler relationships (not locked into a single distributor)
• Greater autonomy in ordering controlled substances
• More willingness to special-order medications for established patients

If you have relationships with local independent pharmacies, a direct call from your office can sometimes expedite the process.

Step 4: Plan Ahead With Patients

Proactive communication prevents crises:

• At each visit, discuss the patient's current supply and refill timeline
• Encourage patients to start seeking refills 5 to 7 days before they run out
• Set up refill reminders if your EHR supports them
• Identify a backup plan (alternative pharmacy or medication) before it's needed

Step 5: Document Shortage-Related Changes

When you make prescribing changes due to shortage (different strength, different formulation, therapeutic substitution), document the clinical rationale clearly. This protects you, helps the pharmacist, and ensures continuity if the patient sees another provider.

Therapeutic Alternatives

When Clonazepam is completely unavailable, consider these alternatives based on indication:

For Panic Disorder:

• Lorazepam (Ativan): 0.5-2 mg BID-TID. Shorter-acting but widely available.
• Alprazolam (Xanax): 0.25-0.5 mg TID. Fast onset, higher dependence risk.
• Non-benzodiazepine options: SSRIs (Sertraline, Paroxetine) as long-term management; Buspirone for adjunctive anxiety control.

For Seizure Disorders:

• Clobazam (Onfi): 5-20 mg daily. FDA-approved for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
• Diazepam (Valium): Longer-acting, available in multiple formulations.
• Non-benzodiazepine anticonvulsants: Levetiracetam (Keppra), Lamotrigine (Lamictal) as adjunctive therapy.

For detailed conversion guidance, see our provider briefing on the Klonopin shortage for prescribers.

Workflow Tips for Your Practice

Integrating shortage management into your practice workflow reduces the burden on everyone:

• Create a shortage protocol. Have a written plan for staff on what to say when patients call about Klonopin availability, including Medfinder links and backup pharmacy suggestions.
• Use a controlled substance tracking spreadsheet. Track which patients are on Clonazepam and proactively contact them before refill dates.
• Partner with a pharmacy. Identify 2-3 pharmacies (at least one independent) that reliably stock Clonazepam, and build a referral relationship.
• Educate patients at every visit. Briefly discuss the shortage and what they can do, even when things are going smoothly with their current pharmacy. Preparation prevents emergencies.
• Share resources. Point patients to Medfinder and relevant articles like the patient guide to finding Klonopin.

Final Thoughts

The Klonopin shortage requires providers to be more proactive than usual. By writing flexible prescriptions, directing patients to availability tools like Medfinder, building pharmacy relationships, and planning ahead, you can significantly reduce the likelihood that your patients face dangerous gaps in therapy.

For cost-related guidance to share with patients, see our article on saving money on Klonopin. For the provider-focused cost and access guide, see how to help patients save money on Klonopin.