Anafranil General Information
Anafranil helps control obsessive-compulsive disorder by reducing the duration and intensity of these symptoms and the corresponding anxiety. May help as much as imipramine for panic attacks, relieves depression. Obsessive compulsive disorder is a nervous condition where a person has recurring thoughts or ideas, or does repetitive things because they are anxious. Clomipramine works on the central nervous system (CNS) and helps to relieve the symptoms of OCD. This medication belongs to a class of so called tricyclic antidepressants. It helps to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin, among others) in the brain. This medication is also used to treat panic attacks, depression, and ongoing pain.
Treatment with Anafranil should be initiated at a dosage of 25 mg daily and gradually increased, as tolerated, to approximately 100 mg during the first 2 weeks. During initial titration, Anafranil should be given in divided doses with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Thereafter, the dosage may be increased gradually over the next several weeks, up to a maximum of 250 mg daily. After titration, the total daily dose may be given once daily at bedtime to minimize daytime sedation.
Anafranil Recommendations
Take the drug only as prescribed because dosage and schedule may vary on your condition and other factors. It is advised to follow the doctor's instructions carefully and not to take more or less medication than prescribed. It is advised not to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice ( it influences the level of cyclosporin in your blood ). Also limit alcoholic beverages. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication as your condition may become worse. It may take 2 to 3 weeks or longer before you notice the effects of this medication. Inform your doctor about your condition.
Anafranil comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Anafranil refilled. Take Anafranil by mouth with food to decrease stomach upset. It may take 2 to 3 weeks before you notice the effect of Anafranil. Continue to use Anafranil even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. If you miss a dose of Anafranil, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you take 1 dose daily at bedtime, do not take the missed dose the next morning. Ranging from 150 to 300 mg per day. Usually start at 25 mg for a few days. Increase by 25 mg every three to four days to 100 mg per day, usually taken in one dose. Raise the dose over the next few weeks to a maximum of 300 mg. Taking the dose at night can sometimes reduce the side effects. It takes four to six weeks to notice significant therapeutic benefits from clomipramine . The full range of benefits may take twelve weeks.
Anafranil Precautions
Anafranil may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Anafranil with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Before you start taking Clomipramine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Some people may be at risk for eye problems from Anafranil. Your doctor may want you to have an eye exam to see if you are at risk for these eye problems. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG). You may feel dizzy or drowsy or have temporary blurred vision. Avoid driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness. Aged people may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. During pregnancy this medication should be used only when strongly needed. Consult your doctor about the risks. This medicine passes into breast milk so it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. It is better to stop breast-feeding while using this drug.
Anafranil Ingredients
Active ingredient: Clomipramine HCI.