Common side effects of clomipramine include:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nervousness
- Decreased sexual ability
- Decreased memory or concentration
- Headache
- Stuffy nose
- Change in appetite or weight
This is not a complete list of side effects – though these are among the most common. Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Incontinence
- Difficulty with urination
- Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- Uncontrollable shaking
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Muscle stiffness
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Fever
Avoid operating heavy machinery or driving until you’re able to gauge how clomipramine impacts you, as it can cause increased drowsiness and dizziness.
Clomipramine has a black box warning from the Food and Drug Administration, which alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. Studies showed that you are at greater risk for suicidal thoughts or behavior if you are a child or young adult under the age of 24, and should be monitored for behavior changes and worsening of your OCD while on clomipramine.
Clomipramine also increases your risk of developing dementia, seizures, sexual dysfunction, and a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome caused by too much serotonin in the body.
As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with clomipramine, as it can interact with other forms of medication and substances and cause potentially serious side effects.
In addition, let your doctor know if you become pregnant or planning to become pregnant while taking clomipramine as it might be associated with fetal birth defects, including heart defects.