Tablet

Genpharm, Novartis

Anafranil (clomipramine) is used for the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder in patients over the age of 10.

Do not take Anafranil (clomipramine) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Anafranil (clomipramine) you are using monoamine oxidase inhibitors you are recovering from a heart attack

Before using Anafranil (clomipramine), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical condition, such as angle-closure glaucoma, heart disease, chest pain, overactive thyroid, increased pressure in the eye, irregular heart beat, kidney disease, liver disease, mental illness, or urinary retention; if you have had a tumors in the kidney, a seizure disorder, stroke, or suicidal tendencies; if you are undergoing electroshock therapy.

Use Anafranil (clomipramine) with extreme caution in patients with a history of convulsive disorders and other predisposing factors, e.g., brain damage of varying etiology, concomitant use of neuroleptics, alcoholism and withdrawal from alcohol, and concomitant use with other drugs that lower the seizure threshold

Other: Occasional: skin rash, urticaria. Isolated cases: petechiae, itching, photosensitization (avoid excessive exposure to sunlight), edema (general or of face and tongue), drug fever, obstructive jaundice, nasal congestion, alopecia, allergic alveolitis (pneumonia) with or without eosinophilia, systemic analphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions including hypotension.

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Anafranil (clomipramine) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Start dose at low level and increase gradually. Lower doses are recommended for elderly, children, and outpatients, as compared to patients under hospital care. Take with meals to avoid upset stomach. Once symptoms are controlled, it may be necessary to continue therapy for several months to lessen the chance of relapse. Once the effective dose has been established, low-term maintenance doses can be given as a single dose at bedtime to minimize daytime sleepiness. Do not use in combination with an MAOI or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI. After stopping Anafranil (clomipramine), wait at least 2 weeks before starting an MAOI. Anafranil (clomipramine) takes 2 to 3 weeks to become effective. Avoid alcohol or other central nervous system depressants (eg, pain relievers, sedatives, antihistamines). Notify your doctor if dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, increased heart rate, impaired coordination, difficult urination, excessive sedation, or seizures occur. Notify your doctor if you develop a fever or sore throat. Notify your doctor if you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness when rising quickly from a seated or lying position. Your doctor may need to reduce the dose. Lab tests may be required. Be sure to keep appointments. Anafranil (clomipramine) may produce drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision; patients should observe caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Anafranil (clomipramine) may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to sun. Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing. Do not stop taking Anafranil (clomipramine) without checking with your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Anafranil (clomipramine). Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Store Anafranil (clomipramine) below 86 degrees F in a child-resistant container. Protect from moisture.