Indications
Anafranil (active ingredient: clomipramine) is a prescription medication indicated for:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Anafranil is used for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older. It helps to reduce the symptoms of recurrent and persistent thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that interfere with daily life.
Anafranil belongs to a class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), which work by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, that help improve mood and reduce anxiety associated with OCD.
Uses and Dosage
Clomipramine comes in the form of a tablet to be taken by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor. To lessen side effects such as stomach upset, clomipramine may be started at a low dose and given in several doses during the day with meals. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose as your body gets used to it, and then you may be able to take the total dose once daily, usually at bedtime to prevent daytime drowsiness or as directed by your doctor.
The dosage for clomipramine is based on your Age and response to therapy. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually increase it based on your response and tolerance.
The recommended dosage of Clomipramine for obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- The starting dose for adults is 25 milligrams (mg) once a day at bedtime. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated, and higher doses may be given in evenly divided portions during the day. The maximum recommended dose is 250 mg per day.
- For children 10 years of age and older, the recommended starting dose is 25 mg once a day at bedtime. Higher doses may be given in evenly divided portions during the day, but the maximum recommended dose is 200 mg per day.
- For children younger than 10 years of age, the dose must be determined by your doctor.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Clomipramine
- Constipation
- Decreased sexual ability
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Clomipramine
- Bladder pain
- Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- Excessive muscle tone
- Fear or nervousness
- Hearing changes
- Hives or welts
- Skin rash
- Muscle stiffness, tension, or tightness
- Poor concentration
Form and Strength
Anafranil and its generic alternative Clomipramine are available in the following forms and strengths:
Anafranil: Tablet
- 10 mg
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
Clomipramine: Tablet
- 25 mg
- 50 mg
Caution
- Avoid taking any medications that may cause you to become drowsy or sleepy, as this can increase the risk of adverse effects.
- Discuss a diet plan with your doctor before taking Anafranil, as it can interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice, resulting in unhealthy side effects. Anafranil can cause impairment of thinking and reactions, be careful when participating in activities such as driving.
- Take Anafranil with food, you should not stop taking Anafranil without first consulting your doctor. Stopping the medication abruptly can cause serious side effects.
- Anafranil should be avoided if you are allergic to anything in the medication, if you have recently had a heart attack, or if you have used a MAO inhibitor.
- Anafranil should not be given to anyone under the age of 18, as it may cause serious side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant while taking Anafranil, as it can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing child.
- Tell your doctor if you have: heart disease or a history of heart attack, stroke, or seizures; bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other mental illness; kidney or liver disease; overactive thyroid or adrenal gland tumor; glaucoma; or problems with urination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Anafranil good for sleep?
Effective at helping people fall asleep faster and sleep longer.
How long should I take clomipramine?
The onset of action of clomipramine is usually between 6 to 12 weeks for OCD. In addition to treating OCD, clomipramine may also help with anxiety and insomnia. If the patient achieves OCD remission with clomipramine, treatment should continue indefinitely to prevent relapse.
What are the long-term effects of clomipramine?
The most common long-term effects of Clomipramine include gastrointestinal issues and mood changes. However, these side effects can usually be managed with proper monitoring and adjustments to the medication dosage.
Does clomipramine improve mood?
It is of particular use in patients with ongoing feelings of sadness, despair, worthlessness, hopelessness, fatigue, pessimism, and difficulty dealing with normal daily life. Clomipramine can help to elevate mood, increase physical activity, improve appetite, and restore interest in everyday activities.
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