Description
Active Ingredient
The active ingredient of this medicine is Clomipramine, which is a tricyclic antidepressant that acts by reducing the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in the central nervous system, to enhance the effects of these neurotransmitters. It binds to alpha-adrenergic, histaminergic, and cholinergic receptors which are responsible for the many side effects seen with this agent. Clomipramine, the 3-chloride analog of imipramine, is a dibenzazepine-derivative tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It does not affect mood or arousal but may cause sedation.
Indications
Clomipramine-composed medicine Anafranil is intended to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It helps decrease persistent/unwanted thoughts, and it helps reduce the urge to perform repeated tasks like compulsions, hand-washing, counting, and checking that interfere with daily living.
It belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants. It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin, among others) in the brain.
Action Mechanism
This antidepressant medication is thought to enhance the actions of norepinephrine and serotonin i.e. chemical neurotransmitters in the brain that nerves use to communicate with one another, by blocking their reuptake and prolonging their activity.
Dosages
This medication Anafranil is available for oral consumption and in dosage as mentioned below:
- 10 mg: This is an oral drug advised to take with or without food as directed by the doctor
- 25 mg: It is to be taken with or without food as directed by the doctor
- 50 mg: The medication is to be consumed before or after a meal as prescribed by the doctor
- 75 mg: Take this medicine with a glass of water as advised by the doctor.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Visual Changes
- Myoclonus
- Xerostomia
- Dyspepsia
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Dysgeusia
- Anorexia
- Weight Gain
- Increased Appetite
- Headache Disorder
- Nausea
- Acute Confusion
- Symptoms Of Anxiety
- Abnormal Sexual Function
- Bradycardia
- Cardiac Arrhythmia
- Orthostatic Hypotension
- Hypotension
Consult Your doctor immediately if you have any serious side effects, including:
- Mental/mood changes
- Yellowing of eyes/skin
- Unwanted breast milk production
- Unusual/uncontrolled movements
- Trouble urinating
- Shakiness
- Sexual problems
- Severe stomach/abdominal pain
- Ringing in the ears
- Numbness/tingling of the hands/feet
- Muscle stiffness
- Irregular/painful menstrual periods
- Enlarged/painful breasts
- Easy bruising/bleeding
- Dark urine
Common Symptoms
- Fast heartbeat
- Hallucinations
- Twitching muscles
- Loss of coordination
- Unexplained fever
- Unusual agitation/restlessness
- Severe dizziness
- Severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
Serious Side Effects, including:
- Black stools
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Slow/fast/irregular heartbeat
- Eye pain/swelling/redness
- Vision changes
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Seizures
- Widened pupils
Serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
- Fever
- Swollen lymph node
- Itching/swelling
- Severe dizziness
- Trouble breathing
- Rash
Interactions
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you’ve had:
- Blood problems (e.g., purpura, thrombocytopenia)
- Breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic bronchitis)
- Glaucoma (angle-closure type)
- Heart problems (e.g., arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, recent heart attack)
- Intestinal problems (e.g., chronic constipation, ileus)
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Schizophrenia
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Heartburn/stomach acid in the esophagus
- Seizures
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Certain types of tumors (e.g., pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma)
Precautions to be taken
- Avoid drinking alcohol.
- Tell the doctor your complete medical history.
- MD may need to reduce the dose before you stop it.
- Call a doctor if you are not getting better.
Note
This medicine should not be consumed if you have recently had a heart attack.
What is Anafranil?
Anafranil is a clomipramine hydrochloride capsule, an anti-obsessional drug that belongs to the class of pharmacologic agents known as tricyclic antidepressants
What are the common side effects of Anafranil?
Common side effects of treatment with Anafranil like dry mouth, weight gain, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, increased appetite, fatigue, nausea, erectile dysfunction, loss of sex drive, restlessness, profuse sweating, headache, somnolence, and tremors.
Does Anafranil interact with other drugs?
Yes, avoid MAO inhibitors while consuming Anafranil.
Does Anafranil recommend in pediatrics?
Yes, Anafranil can be used in children or adults with balancing the potential risks with the clinical need.
What are the contraindications for Anafranil?
Anafranil is contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to Anafranil or other tricyclic antidepressants.
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