Clomipramine

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

 

Popular brand names:

Anafranil, Clomidep, Equinorm

Drug group:

Tricyclic antidepressant drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

 

What does it do?

Clomipramine is used in the treatment of:

• Depression
• Obsessive and phobic disorders - particularly useful in these conditions but the full effects of the drug may only be noticed after several months of treatment
• Cataplexy (sudden loss of muscle tone) and narcolepsy (attacks of sleepiness)

 

How should it be used?

Avoid grapefruit and cranberry juice

 

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

Adults: 10–250mg daily, taken 1–3 x daily

 

How quickly will it start to work?

[depression] up to 6 weeks for full effect

[phobias and obsessional disorders] up to 12 weeks for full effect

How long will the effects last?

Up to 2 weeks during prolonged treatment

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor, you will need to reduce your dose gradually in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
       

Is it safe for prolonged use?

No problems expected but you may need regular heart checks and blood tests for liver function.                               

 

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, sweating, flushing, blurred vision, constipation
• Less common: weight gain
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: difficulty in passing urine, palpitations

 

OVERDOSE ACTION

Seek urgent medical care. Large overdoses of clomipramine may cause dangerously abnormal heart rhythms and lead to loss of consciousness and coma. 

 

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney/heart/prostate problems, history of epilepsy/seizures, glaucoma, mania, psychotic illness
• Other medicines: sedatives, anticonvulsant drugs, antihypertensives, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety in pregnancy not established, may affect the breastfed baby
• Children: Not recommended
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary, increased risk of side effects
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug may cause blurred vision, drowsiness, and dizziness
• Alcohol: Avoid, enhanced sedative effects
• Surgery and general anaesthetics: The drug may need to be stopped before you have a general anaesthetic, discuss with your doctor