Anafranil/Clomipramine
Clomipramine or best-known as Anafranil on the market is a tricyclic antidepressant that is generally prescribed to treat symptoms involved in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) just like persistent and disturbing ideas, images, or urges; and irrational, repeated actions that already interferes with daily functioning.
In terms of how this drug works, well it is not yet known, but according to some researchers, it basically works by regulating some brain chemicals, including serotonin and norepinephrine to eventually help alleviate or even prevent symptoms of OCD.
Other Uses of Anafranil
Anafranil has actually some other uses aside from the one aforementioned. Quite surprisingly to some, Anafranil can also be used to treat anxiety, cataplexy syndrome, depression, and even panic disorder. But of course, this is a case-to-case basis, depending on the severity of the condition or situation.
Possible Side Effects
Normally, the side effects that Anafranil may cause includes:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Weight gain or loss
- Dry mouth
- Indigestion
- Impotence
- Libido changes (usually prevalent in men)
- Increased appetite
- Nervousness
- Sleepiness
- Increased sweating
- Tremor
- Twitching
- Visual changes
- Seizures
- Headache
- Fatigue
Special Considerations and Warnings
Anafranil is actually a chemical cousin of Tofranil and Elavil, and so more or less, if you have ever had an allergic reaction to such antidepressants, you more or less would also have an allergic reaction with Anafranil.
Same case as well when you have had an allergic reaction with Tegretol, a drug used to treat seizures and nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. Thus, in case, never use Anafranil with Tofranil, Elavil and Tegretol to avoid unlikely reactions.
Similarly, never also use Anafranil with MAOIs like Nardil or Parnate. Be aware that combining Anafranil with any potent drugs could lead to some serious, fatal effects like seizures, fever, coma, and even death.
Anafranil on Pregnancy Issues
Anafranil to be prescribed to women who are pregnant, soon-to-be pregnant or nursing an infant, is not yet confirmed to be safe.
Thus, to keep yourself and your baby away from danger, never use Anafranil if you are presently in any of those condition, unless your doctor say so otherwise.