Description

Indications 

Anafranil is a medication utilized in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The medication effectively aids in reducing persistent and unwanted thoughts, known as obsessions, and decreasing the impulse to perform repetitive activities or rituals, referred to as compulsions, which can hinder one’s daily activities such as hand-washing, counting, or checking.  

This medication belongs to a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants, and it works by re-establishing the equilibrium of specific natural substances, particularly serotonin, among other neurotransmitters in the brain. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking clomipramine, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, seek clarification from your doctor or pharmacist. Follow the instructions carefully to minimize the risk of side effects. 

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as prescribed by your doctor. To reduce side effects such as stomach upset, start with a low dose, taken several times a day with meals, and gradually increase it as your body adjusts. Once the appropriate dose is determined, the total dose can be taken once a day, usually at bedtime, to prevent daytime drowsiness or as directed by your doctor. 

Dosage should be tailored to your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not take more or less medication or use it more often than prescribed. Your symptoms will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects such as seizures may increase. 

Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking this medication. Grapefruit can increase the concentration of certain drugs in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details. 

Use this medication regularly to derive maximum benefits. Keep taking it even if you feel better. Take it at the same time(s) every day to help you remember. 

Consult your doctor before discontinuing this medication. Stopping suddenly may worsen some conditions. You may experience sweating, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, or irritability. Your doctor may need to gradually decrease your dosage. 

It may take 2 to 3 weeks or longer before experiencing the full effects of this medication. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. 

Side Effects 

Serious Side Effects 

• Signs of an allergic reaction:
  • Hives
  • Difficult breathing
  • Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat 
• Serious drug reaction symptoms:
  • Skin rash
  • Fever
  • Swollen glands
  • Muscle aches
  • Severe weakness
  • Unusual bruising
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes 

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following: 

• Low sodium level:
  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Severe weakness
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of coordination
  • Feeling unsteady 
• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights 
• Confusion, extreme fear, or thoughts of hurting yourself 
• Pain or burning when you urinate 
• Seizure (convulsions) 

Serotonin syndrome symptoms that require immediate medical attention: 

• Agitation
• Hallucinations
• Fever
• Sweating
• Shivering
• Fast heart rate
• Muscle stiffness
• Twitching
• Loss of coordination
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 

Common Side Effects 

• Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, or nervousness 
• Tremors or jerking muscle movements 
• Sweating 
• Changes in appetite or weight 
• Urination problems 
• Vision changes 
• Decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm 

Caution 

Prior to taking Anafranil, note that the medication should not be used if you have recently experienced a heart attack. Avoid using this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine. 

Some young people may experience suicidal thoughts when initiating antidepressant treatment. Thus, monitor changes in mood or symptoms and report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.