What is Anafranil/Clomipramine used for?

This medicine is used for the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder in patients over the age of 10.

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Anafranil/Clomipramine be stored?

Store below 86 degrees F in a child-resistant container. Protect from moisture.

General drug information:

When should Anafranil/Clomipramine not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine you are using monoamine oxidase inhibitors you are recovering from a heart attack

What precautions should I follow when taking Anafranil/Clomipramine?

Before using this medicine, 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.

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Anafranil/Clomipramine?

Use this medicine 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

What are the side effects of Anafranil/Clomipramine?

Most severe:ÿ Seizures; sexual dysfunction in males; rapid heartbeat; psychosis; confusion; bipolar disorder; liver problems.

Most common:ÿ Nausea; vomiting; constipation; appetite changes; dry mouth; diarrhea; confusion; seizures; anxiety; weakness; drowsiness; nightmares; fatigue; headache; incoordination; dizziness; pounding in the chest; increased or decreased blood pressure; fast heartbeat; stomach pain; flushing; sensitivity to light; sweating; swelling of the testicles; changes in sex drive; inability to urinate; changes in blood sugar levels; unusual bruising; inflammation; of mouth; hair loss; sleeplessness; restlessness; tremor; muscle twitches or spasms; nervousness; abdominal skin sensations; inability to concentrate; memory loss; depression; muscle stiffness; sleep disorder; yawning; speech disorder; abnormal dreaming; agitation; migraine; aggressive reaction, itching; abnormal skin odor; indigestion; gas; tooth disorder; difficulty swallowing; heartburn; burping; chest pain; chills; ear infection; sore throat; sinus infection; coughing; urinary tract infection; frequent urination; painful menstruation; abnormal vaginal discharge; breast pain; absence of menstrual bleeding; failure to ejaculate; impotence; abnormal vision; tearing; enlarged pupils; muscle, back, or joint pain. Symptoms of nausea, headache, or fatigue may develop if therapy is stopped suddenly after long-term use.

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 should I take Anafranil/Clomipramine?

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 the medicine 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 this medicine, wait at least 2 weeks before starting an MAOI. This medicine 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. This medicine may produce drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision; patients should observe caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. This medicine may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged exposure to sun. Use sunscreens and wear protective clothing. Do not stop taking this medication 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 this medication. 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.