Anafranil (Clomipramine)

What is Anafranil?

Anafranil belongs to a class of drugs called tricyclic antidepressants.

What is Anafranil used for?

Anafranil is used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It helps reduce persistent unwanted thoughts and also decreases urge to perform repeated tasks such as checking, hand washing, counting, etc.

How does Anafranil work?

Anafranil works by restoring balance of certain natural chemicals such as serotonin (and others), in the brain. It reduces obsessive-compulsive behaviors by increasing activities of certain chemicals in the brain.

How to use Anafranil

Anafranil should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. Taking a higher dose than prescribed may prove to be harmful. The medicine comes with a leaflet called Medication Guide which should be read carefully.

The dosage of this medication depends on your medical condition and response to treatment. Anafranil is usually taken orally once a day. It should be taken with food to prevent stomach upset.

It may take 2-3 weeks to notice the positive effects of Anafranil. If your condition does not improve or worsens, contact your doctor immediately.

You should not stop taking Anafranil until and unless instructed by your doctor. Otherwise there may be withdrawal symptoms.

Anafranil warnings and precautions

Anafranil is not administered to patients who are allergic to any of its ingredients. Patients who have taken MAO inhibitors within the past two weeks or who are recovering from a recent heart attack are also advised against taking Anafranil.

Inform your doctor if you have a history of any of the following conditions: glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, heart problems, adrenal gland problems, diabetes, difficulty in urination, seizures, porphyria, bipolar disorder, suicidal thoughts, overactive thyroid, or alcohol abuse.

You should not consume alcoholic drinks while taking Anafranil as doing so may increase its side effects.

Children, teenagers and young adults should be closely monitored while undergoing treatment with this medication as the medicine may arouse suicidal thoughts in them. The medicine is to be used in the elderly (especially those with heart problems) and children below 10 years with caution.

Effects of this medicine on fetus are not known, but it is believed to pass through breast milk. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women are advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking Anafranil with their respective doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Anafranil dose?

If you have missed an Anafranil dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Anafranil overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Anafranil, consult your doctor immediately.

Anafranil interactions

Some drugs which may interact with Anafranil include: cimetidine, duloxetine, haloperidol, methylphenidate, azole antifungals, mibefradil, SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors), phenothiazines, valporic acid, macrolide antibiotics, ketolide antibiotics, astemizole, pimozide, barbiturates, phenytoin, anticoagulants, sympathomimetics, carbamazepine, clonidine, guanfacine etc.

Other drugs may also interact with Anafranil. So, it is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before taking Anafranil.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Anafranil side effects

Side effects from Anafranil include severe allergic reactions such as hives, breathing difficulty, swelling and other serious side effects such as chest pain, vision blurriness, confusion, decreased sex drive, irregular heartbeat, fainting, fever, difficulty in urination, sudden mood swings (anxiety, agitation, irritability, nervousness), unusual behavioral changes, panic attacks, numbness of skin, severe dizziness, seizures, ringing in ears, imbalance, troubled sleeping, suicidal thoughts, uncontrolled movements of face, tongue, arms or legs; unusual bleeding, and bruising.  Contact your doctor if any of these persist.

Diarrhea, constipation, appetite loss, sweating, nightmares, nausea, stomach upset, weight changes, dry mouth, headache and vomiting are some of the less serious side effects of Anafranil.