Why Is Phenobarbital So Hard to Find?

If you've been told your pharmacy is out of Phenobarbital, you're not alone. Many patients across the United States have struggled to fill their Phenobarbital prescriptions in recent years. Whether you take it for epilepsy, seizures, or another condition, running into supply problems with a medication you depend on can be stressful and even dangerous.

In this article, we'll break down why Phenobarbital can be hard to find, what's causing the supply issues, and what steps you can take to get your medication filled.

What Is Phenobarbital?

Phenobarbital is one of the oldest and most widely used anti-seizure medications in the world. It belongs to a class of drugs called barbiturates and works by calming electrical activity in the brain. Doctors prescribe it to treat epilepsy, prevent seizures, and sometimes to manage anxiety or alcohol withdrawal. You can learn more in our complete guide: What Is Phenobarbital? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.

Reasons Phenobarbital Is Hard to Find

1. Limited Number of Manufacturers

Phenobarbital is an older, generic medication. Because it's inexpensive, fewer drug companies choose to manufacture it. When only a handful of manufacturers produce a drug, even a small disruption at one facility can cause widespread shortages.

2. Controlled Substance Regulations

Phenobarbital is classified as a DEA Schedule IV controlled substance. This means the government limits how much can be produced each year through manufacturing quotas. These quotas are meant to prevent misuse, but they can also restrict supply when demand increases unexpectedly.

3. Raw Material Supply Issues

The ingredients needed to make Phenobarbital come from a limited number of suppliers worldwide. Disruptions in the global supply chain — whether from regulatory changes, shipping delays, or manufacturing problems — can slow down production.

4. Increased Demand

Phenobarbital is used not only for human patients but also widely in veterinary medicine for dogs and cats with seizures. This shared demand between human and animal use can put additional pressure on the supply.

5. Pharmacy Stocking Decisions

Some pharmacies may not keep Phenobarbital in stock because it's a controlled substance and not prescribed as frequently as newer anti-seizure medications. This can make it harder to find, especially at chain pharmacies in certain areas.

Is There a Phenobarbital Shortage Right Now?

As of early 2026, Phenobarbital oral tablets are not formally listed on the FDA's drug shortage database. However, individual pharmacies may still experience spot shortages, especially for certain strengths or formulations. The injectable form has historically faced more significant supply disruptions. For the latest updates, check our Phenobarbital Shortage Update for 2026.

What Can You Do If You Can't Find Phenobarbital?

Call Multiple Pharmacies

If your usual pharmacy is out of stock, call other pharmacies in your area. Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies may have better luck sourcing controlled substances. For a step-by-step approach, see our guide on How to Find Phenobarbital in Stock Near You.

Use MedFinder

Tools like MedFinder can help you search for pharmacies that currently have Phenobarbital in stock. Instead of calling dozens of pharmacies yourself, MedFinder does the work for you.

Ask Your Doctor About Alternatives

If Phenobarbital is truly unavailable, your doctor may be able to switch you to another anti-seizure medication such as Levetiracetam (Keppra), Valproic Acid (Depakote), or Lamotrigine (Lamictal). Read more about your options in Alternatives to Phenobarbital If You Can't Fill Your Prescription.

Don't Stop Taking It Suddenly

This is critical: never stop taking Phenobarbital abruptly. Sudden discontinuation can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. If you're running low and can't find a refill, contact your doctor immediately.

Ask About Different Formulations

Phenobarbital comes in tablets, a liquid elixir, and an injectable form. If your specific formulation is unavailable, your pharmacist or doctor may be able to switch you to a different form that's in stock.

How to Stay Ahead of Supply Problems

There are a few strategies to help you avoid running out of Phenobarbital:

• Refill early: Don't wait until you're on your last few pills. Request refills as soon as your insurance allows.
• Build a relationship with your pharmacist: A pharmacist who knows you may be willing to order Phenobarbital in advance or set some aside for you.
• Consider a 90-day supply: If your doctor and insurance allow it, filling a 90-day supply through mail order can reduce the risk of running out.
• Check for savings: If cost is a barrier, see our guide on How to Save Money on Phenobarbital in 2026.

The Bottom Line

Phenobarbital supply issues stem from a combination of limited manufacturers, controlled substance regulations, and raw material challenges. While the drug isn't always formally in shortage, many patients still struggle to find it at their local pharmacy. By planning ahead, using tools like MedFinder, and staying in close contact with your doctor and pharmacist, you can improve your chances of keeping your prescription filled.

If you're having trouble finding Phenobarbital right now, search for Phenobarbital availability on MedFinder to find pharmacies near you that have it in stock.