Struggling to find Clomipramine at your pharmacy? Learn why this OCD medication is hard to find in 2026 and what you can do to get your prescription filled.
You've got a valid prescription for Clomipramine, and yet pharmacy after pharmacy tells you the same thing: "We don't have it in stock." If this sounds familiar, you're not imagining things. Clomipramine — the tricyclic antidepressant sold under the brand name Anafranil — has become increasingly difficult to find over the past several years.
For people living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Clomipramine can be a lifeline. It's the only tricyclic antidepressant FDA-approved specifically for OCD, and for many patients, it works when SSRIs haven't. So when your pharmacy can't fill your prescription, it's more than an inconvenience — it can feel like a crisis.
In this article, we'll break down exactly why Clomipramine is so hard to find in 2026, and more importantly, what you can do about it.
Clomipramine (brand name: Anafranil) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that has been used since the 1960s. It works primarily by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, which helps reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
While SSRIs like Fluoxetine (Prozac) and Sertraline (Zoloft) are typically tried first for OCD, Clomipramine remains the gold standard for patients who don't respond to those medications. It's available as a generic in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg capsules.
Beyond OCD, doctors also prescribe Clomipramine off-label for conditions like panic disorder, chronic pain, depression, and body dysmorphic disorder. This broad use contributes to the demand for a drug with an already limited supply.
There's no single reason Clomipramine has become scarce. Instead, it's a combination of factors that have created a perfect storm of limited availability.
Unlike blockbuster medications with dozens of generic makers, Clomipramine is produced by only a handful of companies. When even one manufacturer experiences a production issue — whether it's equipment failure, a regulatory inspection, or a raw material delay — the entire supply chain feels the pinch. With fewer companies making the drug, there's very little buffer when something goes wrong.
The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) for Clomipramine is sourced from a limited number of global suppliers. Disruptions in the API supply chain — whether from geopolitical events, shipping delays, or quality control issues at the source — can halt production for weeks or even months. These supply chain issues have been a recurring problem since 2020.
Awareness of OCD and mental health conditions has grown significantly in recent years. More people are seeking treatment, and more providers are prescribing Clomipramine, especially for patients who haven't responded well to SSRIs. This increased demand, layered on top of constrained supply, has made shortages worse.
As an older, off-patent generic, Clomipramine doesn't generate the kind of revenue that incentivizes manufacturers to ramp up production. The margins are thin, which means pharmaceutical companies have little financial motivation to invest in expanding their Clomipramine manufacturing capacity. This economic reality is one of the most persistent reasons behind shortages of older generic drugs.
While the shortage is frustrating, there are several practical steps you can take to get your medication.
Medfinder is a free tool that helps you locate pharmacies near you that currently have Clomipramine in stock. Instead of calling pharmacy after pharmacy, you can search once and see which locations have your medication available right now.
Big chain pharmacies all use the same wholesalers, which means they often run out at the same time. Independent pharmacies sometimes source their medications from different distributors and may have stock when the chains don't. Compounding pharmacies may also be able to prepare Clomipramine for you if capsules are unavailable.
If your usual strength (say, 75 mg) is out of stock, your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative strength. For example, three 25 mg capsules can replace one 75 mg capsule. This kind of flexibility can help you stay on your medication without interruption.
If Clomipramine simply isn't available, your doctor may recommend switching to an SSRI such as Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Fluoxetine (Prozac), or Sertraline (Zoloft) — all of which are FDA-approved for OCD and more widely available. Read more in our guide to alternatives to Clomipramine.
If you're running low and can't find a refill, do not stop taking Clomipramine suddenly. Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms including dizziness, nausea, headache, and irritability. Contact your doctor immediately if you're at risk of running out so they can help you taper safely or transition to another medication.
Clomipramine is a critically important medication for people with OCD, and the ongoing difficulty in finding it is a real problem. The shortage is driven by a combination of limited manufacturers, supply chain issues, rising demand, and low profit margins on generic drugs.
The good news is that you have options. Tools like Medfinder can help you find Clomipramine in stock near you. Your doctor can help you explore alternative dosing strategies or switch to a different medication if needed. And staying informed — like you're doing right now — is one of the best things you can do to stay ahead of the shortage.
For the latest updates on Clomipramine availability, check out our 2026 Clomipramine shortage update.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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