Uses of Clomipramine

Clomipramine is used to depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias (fear) and collapse (cataplexy) associated with narcolepsy (a sleep disorder).

Therapeutic Category

Clomipramine: Antidepressants

How Clomipramine works

Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals within the brain (such as serotonin and norepinephrine) that controls mood and mental health. As a result, it elevates mood and makes you feel active and energetic. It also reduces unwanted obsessive thoughts or fears and stops the attacks of cataplexy and sleep paralysis.

Common side effects of Clomipramine

• headache, dizziness, tiredness, sleepiness
• nausea, vomiting, stomach upset
• increased hunger, weight gain
• dry mouth, constipation, diarrhea
• increased sweating, fast heart rate
• feeling lightheaded while standing up
• feeling shaky, restless or anxious
• low sex drive, inability to maintain an erection
• muscle twitching
• increase in blood sugar levels
• changes in the amount of urine produced
• speech problems
• problems in sleeping, nightmares
• feeling sad or depressed, memory problems
• breast enlargement and milk flow
• numbness or tingling in the arms and legs
• ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience signs of serotonin syndrome (feeling agitated, hallucinations, confusion, loss of consciousness, fast heartbeat, feeling dizzy, increased sweating, flushing, tremors, stiff muscles, or muscle twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or seizures)
• If you experience worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts, or behavior
• If you experience behavioural changes (such as feeling excited anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty in sleeping, irritability, hallucinations, restlessness)
• If you have trouble in passing urine
• If you experience signs of allergic reactions (such as skin rash, swelling of the hands, face, tongue, neck or throat, increased fluid in tissues, fast heart rate, difficulty in breathing)
• If you experience signs of Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (such as high fever, rigid muscles, mood swings, fast or irregular heartbeat, changes in blood pressure, increased sweating)
• If you experience increased infections, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers
• If you experience signs of liver problems (such as nausea, vomiting, generally feel unwell, loss of appetite, fever, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, light coloured stools, and dark-coloured urine)
• If you experience signs of low blood potassium levels (such as shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, and fainting)
• If you experience low blood sodium levels (causing headache, nausea, difficulty in concentration, memory impairment, confusion, feeling weak or unsteady, hallucinations, fainting or seizures)
• If you experience sever muscle pain and damage

Health Tips for Clomipramine

• Take Clomipramine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the dosage without consulting your healthcare provider
• Alcohol can interact with Clomipramine and may increase the risk of side effects. It's best to avoid alcohol while taking this medication
• Inform your doctor about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking
• Clomipramine is not recommended for use in pregnant and breast feeding women