Clomipramine is a prescription antidepressant used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition in which causes unwanted or repetitive thoughts and behaviors. It belongs to a class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants and works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help regulate mood.

Clomipramine is currently available under the brand name Anafranil and comes in the oral dosage form of a capsule.

Clomipramine is used to treat OCD, a condition that causes unwanted or repetitive thoughts and behaviors. It is thought that clomipramine works by increasing serotonin in the brain, which can help control obsessions and compulsions.

Clomipramine has a black box warning from the Food and Drug Administration, which alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. You may be 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.

Tricyclic antidepressants work by increasing the amount of serotonin in your brain.

Your brain naturally produces two neurotransmitters called serotonin and norepinephrine, which can help you to stay focused, emotionally stable, happier, and calmer. In patients with OCD, it is thought that serotonin levels are low, causing people to be edgier and more anxious.

Tricyclic antidepressants block the serotonin and norepinephrine from being absorbed, which leads to a build-up of these neurotransmitters. The increased concentrations of norepinephrine and serotonin are likely what causes clomipramine’s anti-depressive effect.

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.

Clomipramine is commonly supplied as an oral capsule to be taken once a day. The exact dosage can range between 25-250mg per day and will vary depending on the age of the patient, their diagnosis, and their body weight. Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of clomipramine without consulting with your provider first. If you begin to experience adverse side effects while taking this medication, like those listed above, inform your provider right away.

It may take several weeks for you to feel the effects of clomipramine. Do not skip doses or stop taking the clomipramine, and follow your doctor’s instructions closely. If you do miss a dose, skip it and go back to your normal dosing schedule, and do not double the dose. Stopping clomipramine quickly can cause withdrawal symptoms, so talk to your doctor before doing so, as your healthcare provider will likely wean you off slowly.

You should store your medication in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Clomipramine is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not clomipramine is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for clomipramine to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.