Clomipramine is used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What is Clomipramine?
Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant. It works by increasing the brain activity of molecules, which help to resist the obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
How should Clomipramine be taken?
Clomipramine is administered orally, generally in the form of capsules. To avoid gastric problems it is better to take it on a full stomach.
Side effects associated with Clomipramine
Among the possible adverse effects of Clomipramine are included:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Nightmares
- Sweats
- Fatigue
- Stomach discomfort
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Weight changes
You should immediately contact a doctor if taking Clomipramine triggers any of the following symptoms:
- Rash, hives or itching
- Difficult breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Problems in the sexual sphere
- Chest pains
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Rapid, slow or irregular heartbeat
- Increased temperature
- Redness
- Frequent or difficult urination
- Behavioral changes
- Mood swings
- Numbness or tingling
- Panic attacks
- Tinnitus
- Convulsions
- Severe dizziness
- Strong drowsiness
- Sore throat
- Stomach ache
- Suicidal thoughts
- Swollen testicles
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Difficulties in walking and maintaining balance
- Face or tongue tics
- Stiffness or uncontrolled movements of the limbs
- Bleeding or bruising
- Worsening of depression
- Jaundice
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Clomipramine
Clomipramine should not be taken if you took Linezolid MAO inhibitors within the last 14 days or if you are recovering from a recent heart attack.
Moreover, before starting the treatment it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drug or food
- You are taking other medications, herbal remedies and supplements, especially busipirone, cimetidine, fentanyl, flecainide, haloperidol, lithium, methylphenidate, phenothiazines, propafenone, quinidine, SSRIs, SNRIs, St. John's wort, tramadol, triptans, tryptophan, linezolid, MAO inhibitors, barbiturates, anticholinergics, anticoagulants, carbamazepine, digoxin, sympathomimetics, clonidine, guanethidine, guanfacine, thyroid medication and medicinal products containing methylene blue
- You are recovering from a heart attack
- You have any alcohol abuse problems
- You suffer (or have suffered) from hyperthyroidism, adrenal gland problems, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, heart, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, seizures, trouble passing urine, porphyria or other blood disorders, suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder or other psychiatric illnesses
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
It is also important to inform surgeons and dentists if the patient is on a treatment with Clomipramine prior to any procedure.
This medicine may take several weeks before being effective, but treatment should never be stopped without talking to your doctor. It can also interfere with the ability to drive or operate dangerous machinery and other activities that can be life-threatening if sleepiness occurs. Its intake may be aggravated by alcohol or other drugs use. Clomipramine can cause dangerous dizziness and therefore it is important to be careful when getting up quickly from lying or sitting position during treatment, especially in the morning. Finally, it is recommended to avoid overheating because it increases the risk of serious cardiac events.
