Updated: January 4, 2026

Phenelzine Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Author

Peter Daggett

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Current Status of the Phenelzine Shortage in 2026
A Brief History of the Phenelzine Shortage
Why Is Phenelzine Prone to Shortages?
What Should You Do Right Now?
What NOT to Do

The phenelzine (Nardil) shortage has impacted patients across the US and globally. Here's the latest update and what patients should do right now.

If you've been affected by the phenelzine (Nardil) shortage, you're far from alone. This MAOI antidepressant has experienced repeated availability problems in the United States and globally — creating real hardship for patients who depend on it. Here's the current situation and what you need to know in 2026.

Current Status of the Phenelzine Shortage in 2026

In the United States, the most acute shortage phase has eased. Lupin's generic phenelzine sulfate 15 mg tablets are listed as available by ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists), and Pfizer's branded Nardil shortage from 2021 was eventually resolved. However, this doesn't mean phenelzine is easy to find at any given pharmacy. Availability remains inconsistent, and many pharmacies simply don't stock it due to low demand.

In Canada, the situation remains more serious. Health Canada has classified phenelzine as a Tier 3 shortage — the highest severity category. The resupply date for the global active pharmaceutical ingredient is unknown, and Canadian health authorities have stated that future supply cannot be guaranteed.

A Brief History of the Phenelzine Shortage

Phenelzine has had supply problems for years:

2020: In Australia and other countries, critically low stocks (about one month's supply) prompted emergency Section 29 regulatory approvals to allow alternative products.

January 2021: ASHP created a drug shortage bulletin for phenelzine sulfate tablets in the US, noting Pfizer's Nardil was on shortage due to a manufacturing delay.

2021–present: A global shortage of phenelzine's active pharmaceutical ingredient has created ongoing supply disruptions in Canada, the UK, and other countries.

July 2021: ASHP updated the US bulletin noting Lupin's generic was available, and Pfizer's shortage had resolved.

2025–2026: Intermittent stocking gaps continue at individual US pharmacies. The Alberta College of Pharmacy reported intermittent Canadian availability through at least late 2025, with future supply still uncertain.

Why Is Phenelzine Prone to Shortages?

Several structural factors make phenelzine uniquely vulnerable to supply disruptions:

A global shortage of phenelzine sulfate API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) affects all manufacturers simultaneously

Very few manufacturers produce phenelzine worldwide, creating a fragile supply chain

Low commercial demand means manufacturers have little financial incentive to build safety stock

Pharmacies don't routinely stock it, so any disruption immediately translates to patient-level unavailability

What Should You Do Right Now?

If you take phenelzine and are worried about the shortage, take these proactive steps:

Fill your prescription early. Don't wait until you're out. Most plans allow refills when you have 7–10 days of supply remaining.

Ask about a 90-day supply. A 90-day supply reduces how often you have to find a pharmacy with it in stock.

Find a pharmacy that reliably stocks it. Once you find a pharmacy with phenelzine, build a relationship with that pharmacist and ask them to keep stock on hand for you.

Use medfinder when you can't find it. medfinder calls pharmacies near you and texts you which ones have your medication — faster than calling yourself.

What NOT to Do

The most dangerous response to a phenelzine shortage is stopping the medication abruptly. Phenelzine withdrawal can be severe and even life-threatening. If you're running low, contact your prescriber immediately and explore every option to maintain your supply before stopping.

For step-by-step tips on locating phenelzine, see our guide on how to find phenelzine in stock, or visit medfinder.com to let us do the calling for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

In the US, the most acute shortage has eased — Lupin's generic is listed as available and Pfizer's Nardil shortage resolved in July 2021. However, many pharmacies don't routinely stock phenelzine, creating localized gaps. In Canada, a Tier 3 shortage with an unknown resupply date remains active as of early 2026.

The shortage stems from a global scarcity of phenelzine sulfate's active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), compounding a manufacturing delay at Pfizer. With only a handful of manufacturers globally and low commercial demand, phenelzine's supply chain is unusually fragile. Even small disruptions at one manufacturer can affect access for all patients.

In some cases, your prescriber may be able to provide bridge samples or contact a compounding pharmacy. Contact your prescriber as soon as possible if you are running low — they may have access to resources or know of specific pharmacies that maintain reliable stock.

No — stopping phenelzine abruptly is dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms including agitation, nightmares, psychosis, and seizures can begin within 24–72 hours of stopping. If you cannot find phenelzine, contact your prescriber immediately for guidance on managing your supply safely.

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