Anafranil (Clomipramine) has been hard to find since 2020 due to ongoing shortages. Learn why supply is limited and what you can do right now.
You call your pharmacy. They don't have it. You try another one. Same answer. You start to panic because you know what happens when you miss even a few days of Anafranil (Clomipramine) — your OCD symptoms come roaring back.
You are not alone. Thousands of patients across the country have been dealing with Anafranil shortages on and off since 2020. In this article, we will explain why Anafranil is so hard to find, what is causing the supply problems, and what steps you can take to keep your treatment on track.
Anafranil is the brand name for Clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It is FDA-approved for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in patients aged 10 and older. Clomipramine works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, which helps reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
While several SSRIs like Fluoxetine (Prozac) and Sertraline (Zoloft) are also approved for OCD, Clomipramine is often considered one of the most effective medications for this condition. Many patients turn to it after SSRIs have not worked well enough. This makes it a critical medication for a specific group of people who may have limited alternatives.
For more details on how this medication works, check out our post on how Anafranil works.
There is no single reason for the Anafranil shortage. It is a combination of factors that have made the supply unreliable for years.
Brand-name Anafranil is largely discontinued in the United States. The generic version, Clomipramine, is produced by only a handful of manufacturers, including Mallinckrodt and Taro. When one of these companies has a manufacturing delay or quality issue, there are not many other sources to fill the gap.
The active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used to make Clomipramine often come from overseas manufacturers. Global supply chain disruptions — from shipping delays to regulatory issues at ingredient facilities — can slow down or halt production without much warning.
Compared to blockbuster drugs like Sertraline or Fluoxetine, Clomipramine has a relatively small patient population. Drug companies tend to prioritize manufacturing medications that generate higher sales volumes. When resources are tight, niche medications like Clomipramine are more likely to experience supply interruptions.
Mental health treatment has expanded significantly in recent years, partly due to the growth of telehealth services. More patients are being diagnosed with OCD and treated with medication. This increase in prescriptions can outpace the available supply of a niche drug like Clomipramine.
One of the most frustrating parts of this shortage is that there is no clear timeline for when supply will fully stabilize. The FDA tracks drug shortages, but Clomipramine availability has been unpredictable since 2020.
Running out of Clomipramine is not just inconvenient — it can be dangerous. Abruptly stopping a tricyclic antidepressant can cause withdrawal symptoms including:
Patients who go without their medication may also experience a relapse of their OCD, which can significantly impact their daily life, work, and relationships.
If you are having trouble finding Anafranil, here are some practical steps you can take today.
Tools like Medfinder let you search for pharmacies that currently have Clomipramine in stock near you. This can save you hours of calling around. Read our detailed guide on how to find Anafranil in stock near you.
Clomipramine comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg capsules. One strength may be out of stock while another is available. Your doctor may be able to adjust your prescription to use a different combination of strengths to reach your usual dose.
Most insurance plans allow you to refill a prescription a few days before it runs out. Do not wait until you are completely out to request a refill. Aim to start looking 7 to 10 days before you need it.
If you cannot find Clomipramine at all, your doctor may recommend switching to an alternative medication. Several SSRIs are FDA-approved for OCD and may be more widely available. We cover this in depth in our post on alternatives to Anafranil.
Do not rely on just one pharmacy. Independent pharmacies sometimes have different supply chains than major chains like CVS or Walgreens. A compounding pharmacy may also be able to prepare Clomipramine for you.
Some manufacturers have customer service lines that can help you locate their product. Your pharmacist can look up the NDC number and contact the distributor directly.
There is no official end date for the Clomipramine shortage. Supply has improved at times since 2020, but disruptions continue. The best strategy is to plan ahead, stay in close contact with your pharmacy and doctor, and have a backup plan in place.
For the latest information on the current shortage status, read our Anafranil shortage update for 2026.
Medfinder tracks real-time pharmacy inventory to help you find medications that are in short supply. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can search once and see which locations near you currently have Clomipramine available. It is free to use and works for patients across the United States.
Anafranil is hard to find because of a combination of limited manufacturers, supply chain issues, and the challenges of producing a niche medication. While there is no quick fix for the shortage, being proactive about refills, using tools like Medfinder, and staying in touch with your healthcare team can help you avoid gaps in your treatment.
You should not have to fight this hard for a medication you depend on. But until supply stabilizes, preparation is your best protection.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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