- Medicine Overview
- Review
Uses:
Clomipramine is used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It helps decrease persistent/unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and it helps reduce the urge to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing counting checking) that interfere with daily living.
This medication 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.
Side Effects:
Dizziness drowsiness dry mouth constipation stomach upset nausea vomiting changes in appetite/weight flushing sweating tiredness and blurred vision may occur. Anxiety symptoms may temporarily worsen when you first start taking clomipramine. If any of these effects persist or worsen notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips chew (sugarless) gum drink water or use a saliva substitute.
To prevent constipation eat dietary fiber drink enough water and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects including: mental/mood changes (e.g. confusion depression memory problems) enlarged/painful breasts unwanted breast milk production irregular/painful menstrual periods muscle stiffness ringing in the ears sexual problems (e.g. decreased sexual ability changes in desire) shakiness (tremors) numbness/tingling of the hands/feet trouble urinating easy bruising/bleeding unusual/uncontrolled movements (especially of the tongue/face/lips) severe stomach/abdominal pain dark urine yellowing of eyes/skin.
This medication may increase serotonin and rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin so tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take. Get medical help right away if you develop some of the following symptoms: fast heartbeat hallucinations loss of coordination severe dizziness severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea twitching muscles unexplained fever unusual agitation/restlessness.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects including: black stools chest pain fainting slow/fast/irregular heartbeat seizures vomit that looks like coffee grounds eye pain/swelling/redness widened pupils vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including: fever swollen lymph nodes rash itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat) severe dizziness trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Pre-Cautions:
Before taking clomipramine tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. imipramine nortriptyline); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history especially of: blood problems (e.g. purpura thrombocytopenia) breathing problems (e.g. asthma chronic bronchitis) personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type) eating disorders (e.g. bulimia) heart problems (e.g. arrhythmias coronary artery disease recent heart attack) intestinal problems (e.g. chronic constipation ileus) liver problems kidney problems personal or family history of other mental/mood conditions (e.g. bipolar disorder schizophrenia) history of hospitalization for a very serious reaction to certain medications (neuroleptic malignant syndrome) heartburn/stomach acid in the esophagus (e.g. due to hiatal hernia) seizures overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) trouble urinating (urinary retention enlarged prostate) any condition that may increase your risk of seizures (e.g. alcohol/sedative dependency use of electroconvulsive therapy brain injury/disease) certain types of tumors (e.g. pheochromocytoma neuroblastoma).
Clomipramine may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness fainting) that need medical attention right away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using clomipramine tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure slow heartbeat QT prolongation in the EKG) family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG sudden cardiac death).
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating diarrhea or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using clomipramine safely.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or temporarily blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive use machinery or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
To decrease dizziness and lightheadedness get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Before having surgery tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
Caution is advised when using this drug in children who participate in active sports because it may increase the risk of heart problems. (See also the Warning section.)
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug especially bleeding confusion dizziness and QT prolongation (see above). Dizziness and confusion can increase the risk of falling. Older adults may also be more likely to develop low sodium in the blood especially if they are taking "water pills" (diuretics).
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Newborns exposed to clomipramine during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms or side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you notice jitteriness shaking feeding problems fast breathing or seizures in your newborn.
Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as obsessive compulsive disorder depression panic attack) can be a serious condition do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy become pregnant or think you may be pregnant immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.