Generic Name:  Clomipramine
Brand Name: Anafranil

This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist

Common Uses:
Anafranil is used for Treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Anafranil  is a tricyclic antidepressant. It works by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain, which helps to reduce obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

How to use:
. Use Clomipramine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Clomipramine comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Clomipramine refilled.
• Take Clomipramine by mouth with food to decrease stomach upset.
• It may take 2 to 3 weeks before you notice the effect of Clomipramine . Continue to use Clomipramine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Warning and Precautions:

• Clomipramine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Clomipramine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Clomipramine ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Clomipramine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
• Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Clomipramine may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Clomipramine closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
• Clomipramine may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Clomipramine . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Clomipramine before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Clomipramine . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Clomipramine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially those with heart problems.
• Clomipramine should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 10 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: It is not known if Clomipramine can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Clomipramine while you are pregnant. Clomipramine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Clomipramine .

If you suddenly stop taking Clomipramine , you may have WITHDRAWAL symptoms. Symptoms may include dizziness, headache, irritability, nausea, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and vomiting.

Side Effects:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; irritability; loss of appetite; nausea; nightmares; sweating; tiredness; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness; weight loss or gain.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision changes; changes in sex drive; chest pain; confusion; decreased sexual ability; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; flushing; frequent or difficult urination; impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior; mental or mood changes (eg, increased anxiety, mood swings, agitation, irritability, nervousness, restlessness); numbness or tingling of the skin; panic attacks; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe dizziness or drowsiness; sore throat; stomach pain; suicidal thinking or behavior; swelling of the testicles; tremor; trouble sleeping; trouble walking or keeping your balance; twitching of the face or tongue; uncontrolled movements or stiffness of arms and legs; unusual bleeding or bruising; worsening of depression; yellowing of the skin or eyes.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur.

Overdose:
Symptoms may include agitation; bluish skin or mucous membranes; breathing problems; chest pain; coma; confusion; dry mouth; enlarged pupils; excess sweating; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; flushing; incoordination; involuntary movements; loss of consciousness; restlessness; rigid muscles; seizures; severe drowsiness; shock; stupor; vomiting.

Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose of Clomipramine , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you take 1 dose daily at bedtime, do not take the missed dose the next morning.

Do not use this medicine:
if you have any allergic reaction to any component of this medicine

Storage conditions:
Anafranil  should be kept away from heat, direct light, water, moisture at a room temperature (approximately 23 degrees C). The medicine should be kept in a place unreachable for children.

All information given above is a summary. You must visit your doctor, pharmacies or health care provider can provide more information about this medicine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store medication with end term of storage.