Clomicalm (Clomipramine)

What is Clomicalm?

What is Clomicalm? Clomicalm contains the drug Clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant. Clomicalm requires a veterinarian's prescription and has been approved by the FDA for veterinary use in dogs. It is also known as the brand name Anafranil. It is classified as a tricyclic antidepressant, also known as TCA. What is Clomicalm used for? Clomicalm is used to treat separation anxiety disorder in dogs. It has also been successfully used on dogs that suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder as well as depression. How does Clomicalm work? Clomicalm is a tricyclic antidepressant. Some chemicals in the brain can become unbalanced, causing your dog to have behavioral problems. Clomicalm is believed to increase the activity of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, acting as a balance to decrease behavioral problems. The majority of the TCAs act primarily as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) by blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT) and the norepinephrine transporter (NET), respectively, which results in an elevation of the extracellular concentrations of these neurotransmitters, and therefore an enhancement of neurotransmission.

How to use Clomicalm

Clomicalm can be dispensed in tablet form, FDA approved for veterinary use or as Clomipramine, FDA approved for human use as well as veterinary use. Clomicalm, available in 20mg, 40mg and 80mg tablets is usually dosed as 0.9-1.8mg per pound of your dog's weight every 24 hours. Clomipramine, available in 25mg, 50mg and 75mg capsules, is recommended to be dosed in 0.5-1.5mg per pound every 24 hours. Cats can also be treated with Clomicalm. However, as they are more sensitive to the nature of this drug, benefits may be difficult to determine. It is important to remember that results of administering Clomicalm may not be noticeable right away. Symptoms may not lessen until several days have passed. It is important to make sure your dog drinks plenty of water.

Clomicalm warnings and precautions

If your dog is taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), you should not treat with Clomicalm for 14 days. You should notify your veterinarian if your dog has any of the following conditions: kidney, thyroid or liver disease, asthma or diabetes, stomach or intestinal problems. Other conditions to be reported include high blood pressure or heart disease, difficulty urinating, seizures or glaucoma. If your dog is female, you should tell your veterinarian if it is pregnant or lactating.

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

If you miss giving a dose to your dog, you should give it as quickly as possible. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, you should skip the missed dose and give the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not give your dog a double dose of Clomicalm.

Clomicalm interactions

Clomicalm can increase the effects of other drugs which cause drowsiness such as sedatives, antihistamines, pain relievers, muscle relaxants and anxiety medications. Other drugs, including herbal medications should be discussed with your veterinarian before using. Caution is advised in using clomipramine in conjunction with other CNS-active drugs. Clomicalm should not be used with MAO inhibitors

Clomicalm side effects

There are several side effects possible with using Clomicalm, some severe. If your dog has an allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing, hives or swollen lips, tongue or face, you should stop any Clomicalm doses and contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately. Other severe reactions include seizures, rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure. Less severe, side effects include dizziness or drowsiness, dry mouth and eyes, panting, constipation, weakness, nausea, mild agitation, loss of weight or appetite. You can continue to dose your dog with Clonicalm but be sure to discuss any concerns over these symptoms with your veterinarian.