Imipramine in 2026: Is There Still a Shortage?

If you've been told your pharmacy can't fill your Imipramine prescription, you're probably wondering: is there an actual shortage? The answer is complicated. As of early 2026, Imipramine is not listed on the FDA or ASHP official drug shortage databases. However, many patients continue to report difficulty finding it at their local pharmacies.

This article breaks down the current state of Imipramine availability, why the drug can be hard to find even without a formal shortage, what it costs in 2026, and what you can do to get your medication.

Is Imipramine Still in Shortage?

Technically, no. Imipramine is not on the FDA's or ASHP's current drug shortage list. That means the medication is being manufactured and distributed — but it doesn't mean every pharmacy has it on the shelf.

Here's the reality: Imipramine is an older generic medication with limited manufacturers and low profit margins. This means supply can be uneven. Some pharmacies in some regions may have plenty of stock, while others can't get it at all. The Imipramine Pamoate capsule (Tofranil-PM) is especially hard to find, with even fewer suppliers producing it.

While there hasn't been a formal, nationwide Imipramine shortage in recent years, patients have reported intermittent regional availability issues, particularly for certain strengths like the 50 mg tablet and the pamoate capsule formulations.

Why Is Imipramine Hard to Find?

Several factors contribute to the difficulty patients face when trying to fill their Imipramine prescriptions:

• Few manufacturers: As a low-cost generic, Imipramine attracts fewer manufacturers than newer, more profitable drugs.
• Supply chain fragility: With only a handful of companies making the drug, any disruption — a factory inspection, raw material shortage, or shipping delay — can create localized or regional shortages.
• Pharmacy stocking decisions: Pharmacies prioritize stocking medications they dispense frequently. If Imipramine isn't commonly prescribed in your area, your pharmacy may not keep it on hand.
• Wholesaler allocation limits: During tight supply periods, drug wholesalers may limit how much any single pharmacy can order.

For a deeper dive into these factors, read our article on why Imipramine is so hard to find in 2026.

How Much Does Imipramine Cost in 2026?

The cost of Imipramine depends on the formulation, strength, and where you fill your prescription:

• Generic Imipramine HCl tablets (25 mg, 30-day supply): Cash price around $25 to $38. With a discount coupon from GoodRx or SingleCare, you may pay as little as $8 to $16.
• Generic Imipramine Pamoate capsules (30-day supply): Cash price ranges from $90 to $460 depending on the strength. With a GoodRx coupon, prices start around $97.

If you have insurance, generic Imipramine HCl tablets are typically covered as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 generic with a low copay, often $0 to $15. Prior authorization is generally not required.

For detailed savings strategies, check out our guide on how to save money on Imipramine.

Are There New Options for Patients?

While no new formulations of Imipramine have been introduced recently, patients in 2026 have more tools available to help them locate and afford their medications:

• Medfinder: Medfinder allows you to check real-time pharmacy stock for Imipramine near you. It's the fastest way to find out which pharmacies have it available.
• Discount coupon platforms: Services like GoodRx, SingleCare, and RxSaver offer free coupons that can reduce your out-of-pocket cost significantly.
• Patient assistance programs: If you're uninsured or underinsured, organizations like NeedyMeds and RxAssist can help connect you with free or low-cost medication programs.
• Mail-order pharmacies: Consider switching to a mail-order pharmacy for a 90-day supply, which can improve both availability and cost.

How to Find Imipramine in Stock Right Now

Here's a quick action plan if you need Imipramine today:

1. Search Medfinder to see which pharmacies near you have Imipramine in stock.
2. Call independent pharmacies — they often have more flexibility in ordering from multiple wholesalers.
3. Ask your pharmacist to place a special order if the drug isn't on the shelf. It usually arrives in 1-3 business days.
4. Talk to your doctor about whether a different strength or formulation might be available. For example, if 50 mg tablets are out of stock, two 25 mg tablets might work.
5. Consider alternatives if Imipramine truly isn't available. Read about alternatives to Imipramine to discuss options with your doctor.

Final Thoughts

While Imipramine isn't in an official shortage, the reality on the ground can feel very different. Limited manufacturers, thin profit margins, and uneven distribution all contribute to the difficulty patients experience. But with the right tools and strategies, most patients can find their medication.

Start your search at Medfinder, and don't hesitate to involve your doctor and pharmacist — they're your best allies in navigating availability issues.