Clomipramine

1 medicine

Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant used mainly for obsessive-compulsive disorder. An overdose is potentially fatal to the heart, and it must never be combined with, or taken within 14 days of, an MAOI antidepressant.

Anafranil

Clomipramine

10/25/50mg

Anafranil is a antidepressants medication containing Clomipramine, available as 10/25/50mg tablets.

from $0.56 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant most closely associated with treating obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  • It is taken daily, usually starting at a low dose that is raised gradually; full benefit for OCD can take several weeks to appear.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants have a narrow gap between an effective dose and a toxic one. An overdose can cause life-threatening heart rhythm problems and seizures, and clomipramine must never be combined with, or taken within 14 days of, an MAOI antidepressant.
  • Like other antidepressants, it carries a warning about increased suicidal thoughts in people under 25, particularly in the first weeks of treatment.

What clomipramine treats

Clomipramine treats obsessive-compulsive disorder, where unwanted thoughts and repeated actions interfere with daily life. It is also used for panic disorder and for depression that has not responded to other treatments.

How clomipramine works

Clomipramine blocks the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine at nerve endings in the brain, so more of these mood-regulating chemicals stay active. Over several weeks this eases obsessive thoughts, panic and low mood.

Before you take it

  • Do not take it if you have had a recent heart attack, a significant heart rhythm disorder, or if you are taking, or have taken in the last 14 days, an MAOI antidepressant.
  • Tell your prescriber about glaucoma, urinary retention, or a history of seizures; clomipramine lowers the seizure threshold more than most antidepressants.
  • Discuss heart disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding and older age with your prescriber before starting.
  • Alcohol and other sedating medicines add to the drowsiness it can cause.

Side effects

Common effects include dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, blurred vision, sweating, and reduced sexual interest.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • A fast or irregular heartbeat, or fainting.
  • A seizure.
  • High fever, confusion or agitation, which can signal serotonin syndrome.
  • New or worsening thoughts of self-harm.

Safety essentials

  • Never combine clomipramine with an MAOI, and be aware that taking more than the prescribed dose can be fatal because of its effect on heart rhythm; store it securely, especially if anyone in the household has a history of self-harm.
  • Do not stop abruptly after regular use; your prescriber will taper the dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
  • Seek help urgently for any new or worsening suicidal thoughts, especially in the first weeks of treatment, after a dose change, or if you are under 25.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.