About

Generic name: Clomipramine hydrochloride Brand names: Anafranil Anafranil, a chemical cousin of tricyclic antidepressant medications such as Tofranil and Elavil, is used to treat people who suffer from obsessions and compulsions. An obsession is a persistent, disturbing idea, image, or urge that keeps coming to mind despite the person's efforts to ignore or forget it--for example, a preoccupation with avoiding contamination. A compulsion is an irrational action that the person knows is senseless but feels driven to repeat again and again--for example, hand-washing perhaps dozens or even scores of times throughout the day.

How to take

Use Anafranil as directed by your doctor. To avoid stomach upset take Anafranil with a meal. It may take 2 – 3 weeks before you notice the effect of Anafranil. Continue taking Anafranil even if you feel well. Recommended dosage for Anafranil ADULTS The usual recommended initial dose is 25 milligrams daily. Your doctor may gradually increase this dosage to 100 milligrams during the first 2 weeks. During this period you will be asked to take Anafranil, divided into smaller doses, with meals. The maximum daily dosage is 250 milligrams. After the dose has been determined, your doctor may direct you to take a single dose at bedtime, to avoid sleepiness during the day. CHILDREN The usual recommended initial dose is 25 milligrams daily, divided into smaller doses and taken with meals. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose to a maximum of 100 milligrams or 3 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day, whichever is smaller. The maximum dose is 200 milligrams or 3 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of body weight, whichever is smaller. Once the dose has been determined, the child can take it in a single dose at bedtime.

Missed dose

f you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Warnings and precautions

Before taking Anafranil, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Anafranil, if you have a history of adrenal gland problems, glaucoma, heart problems, kidney or liver problems, diabetes, seizures, trouble urinating, the blood disease porphyria, or other blood problems, if you take thyroid medicine or have a history of an overactive thyroid, undergoing electroshock therapy or you are scheduled to have any surgery, if you have a history of suicidal thoughts or behavior, bipolar disorder, or any other mental disorders, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. It is not known if Anafranil can cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Anafranil while you are pregnant. Anafranil is found in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Anafranil. Some medicines may interact with Anafranil. Therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Do not take Anafranil if you have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine) within the last 14 days, or you are taking astemizole, dofetilide, terfenadine, or cisapride or if you are recovering from a recent heart attack. Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (e.g., sleep aids) while you are using Anafranil, it may add to their effects. Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active, heatstroke may occur. Children and teenagers who take Anafranil may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Adults may also be affected. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. The risk may also be greater in patients who have had bipolar (manic–depressive) illness, or if their family members have had it. Watch patients who take Anafranil closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood, anxious, restless, or irritable behavior, panic attacks, or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur. Anafranil may cause you to become more sensitive to the sun. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Anafranil. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time. Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Anafranil before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug and might require a lower dose. Anafranil should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 10 years old. safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Side effects

Some of the Possible Side Effects are- Constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, irritability, and loss of appetite, nausea, nightmares, sweating, tiredness, upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, weight loss or gain. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blurred vision or other vision changes, changes in sex drive, chest pain, confusion, decreased sexual ability, fainting, fever, flushing, frequent or difficult urination, impulsive behaviour or other unusual changes in behaviour, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, mental or mood changes (e.g., increased anxiety, mood swings, agitation, irritability, nervousness, restlessness), numbness or tingling of the skin, panic attacks, ringing in the ears, seizures, severe dizziness or drowsiness, sore throat, stomach pain, suicidal thinking or behaviour, swelling of the testicles, tremor, trouble sleeping, trouble walking or keeping your balance, twitching of the face or tongue, uncontrolled movements or stiffness of arms and legs, unusual bleeding or bruising, worsening of depression, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Storage

Store Anafranil at 68 –77 °F (20 –25°C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Anafranil out of the reach of children.