(Brand Name: Anafranil)
The following information is a guide only and you must discuss your medication needs with a trained health professional.
Clomipramine was first discovered in 1964 by the Swiss drug manufacturer Ciba-Geigyr and was the first drug that was investigated for and found to be effective in the treatment of OCD. The effectiveness of clomipramine in the treatment of OCD is far greater than that of other Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and is the only non SSRI that the NICE guidelines recommend outside of SSRI medications.
Key Facts:
- Clomipramine can cause withdrawal symptoms so don’t stop taking it without talking to your doctor
- Check with your doctor before starting to take Clomipramine if you are trying to become pregnant, or plan to discontinue it if you’re already pregnant or you are breastfeeding
Medication Information
Skeletal formula of Clomipramine
The following information is a guide only, a doctor may want to try dosages outside these recommended guides.
When: Usually at bedtime.
Child dose: Not recommended.
Adult dose: The initial dose for adults is 25mg daily, as a single dose, however, it may be started at a lower dose and increased gradually over 2 weeks to 100–150 mg and up to a maximum of 250 mg per day.
Older people: The initial dose for older adults is 10mg daily, as a single dose, however, it may be started at a lower dose and gradually increased gradually over 2 weeks to 100–150 mg and up to a maximum of 250 mg per day.
Half-Life: 19-37 hours.The NICE guidelines, published in November 2005, reported that Clomipramine should be considered in the treatment of adults with OCD or BDD after an adequate trial of at least one SSRI has been ineffective or poorly tolerated, or if the patient prefers Clomipramine or has had success in using the medication before.
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding: It’s important for you and your baby that you stay well during your pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Clomipramine speak to your doctor, it’s important not to stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Ask your doctor to discuss the potential benefits against potential risks of staying on medication whilst pregnant or breastfeeding so that you can make an informed choice about what is right for you and your baby.
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