Clomipramine

• Clomipramine is used to treat OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), panic and anxiety disorders, and depression. This medicine, in combination with others, treats cataplexy which is a disorder that causes muscle weakness and narcolepsy (uncontrollable sleepiness during the day).

When should one not use Clomipramine

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Most side effects of Clomipramine disappear on their own and do not require any medical attention. However, in case of persisting or worsening of side effects, consult a doctor.

Other General Warnings

• You experience sudden mood changes, negative thoughts, or suicidal thoughts.
• You have taken any other medicine in the last 14 days.
• You are suffering from any diseases or health conditions.
• You have a known allergy.
• You experience erectile dysfunction (failure to have an erect penis)
• You feel dizzy.
• You feel drowsy.
• You suffer from indigestion.
• You experience loss of appetite.
• You have a dry mouth.
• You have nausea or vomiting.
• You have headaches.
• You suffer from constipation.
• You notice weight gain.
• You should monitor your heart and liver functioning regularly when taking Clomipramine.
• You should have regular dental check-ups. This is mandatory since Clomipramine causes dry mouth and increases the chances of tooth decay.
• Your doctor might alter the treatment plan or modify the dosage to help you better deal with the unwanted side effects. Never stop the medicine without your doctor's consent.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Do not take Clomipramine with other medicines for depression, such as moclobemide, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.
• Do not take buprenorphine when on a Clomipramine treatment; it can cause life-threatening reactions.
• Clomipramine might cause adverse effects when taken along with the following:
• Heart medicines such as amiodarone, diltiazem, disopyramide, epinephrine, isoprenaline, quinidine, procainamide, and verapamil
• High blood pressure medicines such as betanidine, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine
• Anti-Parkinson's medicines such as levodopa and selegiline
• Antipsychotics such as pimozide
• Antibiotics such as rifampicin and pentamidine
• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• HIV medicines such as indinavir and ritonavir
• Anti-allergy medicine such as terfenadine
• Stomach acid-reducing medicines such as cimetidine
• Pain relievers such as aspirin
• Antimanic medicine such as lithium
• Never take any medicine without informing your doctor when taking Clomipramine.

Interactions with food items

• Avoid grapefruit juice, grapefruit, and cranberry juice as these fruits increase the serum levels of Clomipramine and might lead to adverse effects.
• Avoid fried foods, processed foods, high-fat dairy products, and pastries when you are on Clomipramine. These foods may worsen anxiety.

Overdose

• If you suspect an overdose of Clomipramine, contact your doctor immediately or rush to the nearest emergency room. Symptoms of Clomipramine overdose include severe nausea, agitation, drowsiness, restlessness, sweating, fast heartbeat, seizures, fainting, and coma.

Missed a Dose