Warning:

Drugs like this one have raised the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions in children and young adults. The risk may be greater in people who have had these thoughts or actions in the past. All people who take Anafranil (clomipramine) need to be watched closely.

Call the doctor right away if signs like low mood (depression), nervousness, restlessness, grouchiness, panic attacks, or changes in mood or actions are new or worse. Call the doctor right away if any thoughts or actions of suicide occur.

Why is Anafranil prescribed?

Anafranil (Clomipramine) is used to treat obsessive-compulsive problems. It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the prescribing doctor. Clomipramine (Generic) is available in addition to the brand name. 

What is the most effective way to take Clomipramine?

Clomipramine comes as a capsule to take by mouth. At the beginning of treatment, clomipramine is usually taken three times a day with meals as the body adjusts to the medication. After several weeks of treatment, clomipramine is usually taken once a day at bedtime.

Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take clomipramine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of clomipramine and gradually increase your dose. It may take several weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit of clomipramine. Continue to take clomipramine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking clomipramine without talking to your doctor.

If you suddenly stop taking clomipramine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, sleep problems, fever, and irritability. Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually.

Before using Anafranil, tell your doctor:

• If you have an allergy to clomipramine or any other drugs allergies
• If you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• If you have had a recent heart attack
• If you are taking any of these two drugs: Linezolid or methylene blue 
• If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinson's in the last 2 weeks. This can cause your blood pressure to become very high.
• If you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Anafranil (clomipramine).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Anafranil (clomipramine) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Clomipramine may cause side effects including:

• drowsiness
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• decreased sexual ability
• decreased memory or concentration
• headache
• stuffy nose
• change in appetite or weight

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. Some side effects may be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING or SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS sections, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• seizures
• fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• difficulty urinating or loss of bladder control
• believing things that are not true, hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
• shakiness
• difficulty breathing or fast breathing
• severe muscle stiffness
• sore throat, fever, and other signs of infection

Why is Anafranil prescribed?

Clomipramine is used to treat people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (a condition that causes repeated unwanted thoughts and the need to perform certain behaviors over and over).

When will I see the results of Anafranil?

It may take several weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit of clomipramine.

What if I miss a dose of Anafranil?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.