Clomipramine: Drug Information

Generic name: Clomipramine

Other names: Clofranil, Clomidac, Clonil, Depnil, Ocifril, Syconil

Drug Class: Tricyclic, Antidepressant

Uses of Clomipramine:

Clomipramine is a drug belonging to the family of tricyclic antidepressants and is known to possess both antidepressant as well as anti-obsessional properties. This medicine is used to treat depression, obsessive compulsive neurosis, and phobias. It works by inhibiting the serotonin uptake in the brain. This drug has antidepressant, sedative and anticholinergic effects.

Dosage:

It is essential for you to take the medicine as prescribed by your physician. In order to determine the best effects, your doctor may increase the dose gradually. Take it with food to prevent indigestion. Withdraw the medication under your doctor’s supervision as abrupt withdrawal may result in dizziness, nausea or fatigue.

Avoid taking an overdose of the medicine as it may result in agitation, convulsions, fever, hallucinations, coma, shock or tremors.

Warning and Precautions:

Priorto taking the medicine you need to tell your doctor if you happen to be allergic to any food, dyes or medicines.

Notify your doctor if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Any history of hypersensitivity to Clomipramine should be disclosed to your physician.

If you are recovering from MI, heart block or arrhythmias, you should not take the medicine.

This medicine should NOT be taken by patients suffering from mania or those who have a history of blood dyscrasias.

You need to bring to your doctor’s notice if you have a medical history of glaucoma, prostrate problems, urinary retention, thyroid disease, asthma, convulsions, heart disease, alcoholism, tumors, hypotension, suicidal tendencies or seizures before taking this medicine.

You must tell your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating before taking Clomipramine.

You must avoid excessive exposure to the sun after taking Clomipramine as it increases the chances of a sun stroke.

DO NOT consume alcohol with the medicine as it may cause excessive drowsiness.

Tricyclic antidepressants can aggravate suicidal tendencies. Therefore, you need to notify your doctor if you have any thoughts about suicide accompanied by any other mood changes.

Caution needs to be taken when administering the drug to elderly patents as it may worsen their present state of confusion due to sensitivity.

Side Effects:

Some of the most common side effects of the medicine include dryness of the mouth, confusion, nightmares, tremors, dizziness, sexual dysfunction, increased sweating and nausea.