Anafranil

The active ingredient in Anafranil is clomipramine hydrochloride. This medication belongs to a class known as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Its mechanism of action works by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain to help regulate mood.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Anafranil. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Anafranil:

• Take this medication orally as directed by your physician.
• Starting dose: 25 mg by mouth once a day.
• Your doctor may slowly raise your daily dose.

The most common side effects of Anafranil include:

• Constipation.
• Dizziness.
• Drowsiness.
• Blurred vision.
• Dry mouth.
• Tremors.
• Nausea.
• Increased sweating.
• Sexual dysfunction in males (abnormal ejaculation or decreased sexual performance or desire).
• Weight gain.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Anafranil. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction - skin rash, itching, hives, swelling, trouble breathing.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
• Heart rhythm changes - irregular heartbeat, chest pain, trouble breathing.
• Infection - fever, chills, cough, sore throat.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) - feeling lightheaded.
• Low sodium level - muscle weakness, fatigue, headache, confusion.
• Eye problems- sudden, severe eye pain, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss.
• Worsening mood and suicidal thoughts.
• Trouble passing urine.
• Increased risk of seizures.
• Serotonin syndrome - fast heartbeat, sweating, muscle stiffness, fever.

These are not all of the possible adverse reactions of Anafranil. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Anafranil, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Alcohol consumption.
• Asthma.
• Urinary retention.
• Mania or hypomania.
• Narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Schizophrenia.
• Bipolar disorder.
• Major depressive disorder (MDD).
• Difficulty passing urine.
• Previous myocardial infarction (heart attack).
• Liver disease.
• Overactive thyroid.
• Seizures.
• Thoughts of suicide.
• Pregnant.
• Breastfeeding.

Boxed Warning

• Short-term studies have shown that antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (<24 years of age) taking antidepressants for depression and other mental illnesses. People taking Anafranil should be monitored closely for changes in behavior or worsening depression and should be reported if they develop.

• Do not use Anafranil if a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) was used in the past 14 days. MAO inhibitors are medications used for depression or Parkinson’s disease.
• Previous hypersensitivity/allergic reaction to any component of Anafranil.

It usually takes about 6 to 12 weeks to see the full effects of Anafranil in treating OCD.

When Anafranil is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Tryptophan.
• Buspirone.
• Medications for seizures (phenobarbital, phenytoin).
• Warfarin.
• Medications used for irregular heart rhythms (quinidine).
• Cimetidine.
• Potassium Chloride.
• Potassium Citrate.
• Anticholinergic medications.
• Stimulant medications for attention disorders, weight loss, or staying awake.
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine.
• Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
• Lithium.
• Barbiturate.
• St. John's Wort.
• Clonidine.
• Linezolid.
• Methylene blue.

Anafranil comes in a variety of dosage forms, including:

• Oral capsule - 25 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Anafranil.

There are lower cost generics available of the brand name Anafranil.

Do not stop or adjust your use of this medication without consulting your doctor. To prevent serious withdrawal symptoms, your healthcare provider will taper you off this medication.

It is unknown if or how Anafranil could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Anafranil is known to pass into breast milk and is generally not recommended for use while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.