What is Clofranil (Clomipramine) used for?

Clofranil (Clomipramine) is used to treat depression. It is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive syndromes, phobias, panic attacks, muscle weakness in people with a sleep disorder called narcolepsy, and chronic painful conditions.

How should I use Clofranil (Clomipramine)?

Your physician will tell you how much Clofranil (Clomipramine) you need to take each day. It is important that you take it as directed by your physician. Do not take more than the recommended dose. It may take up to 4 weeks before any response is noticeable. For Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Syndromes and Phobias: Treatment is usually started with 25mg 2 or 3 times daily. If necessary, your physician may increase the dose up to a maximum of 250mg a day. The usual maintenance dose is 50 to 100mg per day.

For Panic Attacks, Agoraphobia: Treatment is usually started with a dose of 10mg daily. If necessary, your physician may increase the dose up to a maximum of 150mg a day. The usual maintenance dose is 25 to 100mg per day. For Muscle Weakness Accompanying Narcolepsy: The dose is usually 25 to 75mg daily. For Chronic Painful Conditions: The daily dose varies (10 to 150mg) depending on your condition. If you are elderly, you may be started on a dose of 10mg daily. Your physician may increase your dose over a period of about ten days, to 30-50mg daily. Your physician may tell you to take different doses to these. If so, follow their instructions.

What are the side effects of Clofranil (Clomipramine)?

Tell your pharmacist or physician as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Clofranil (Clomipramine). Tell your physician or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

• Stomach or bowel problems (e.g. nausea, diarrhoea, constipation)
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth or taste change
• Increased sweating
• Increased appetite
• Shakiness or tremor
• Changes in your sex drive
• Dizziness
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Weakness
• Impaired concentration or thought processes
• Trouble sleeping
• Vision problems
• Irregular heart beats, also called palpitations.

These are the more common side effects. See your physician if you experience any of the following:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Anxiety.

The list of side effects mentioned above is not complete. If you should suffer from any of these side effects or any other undesired effect please tell your physician or pharmacist. Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Please Note

Tell your physician immediately if you have any distressing thoughts (thought of suicide or self-harm) or experiences during this initial period or at any other time.

If you are going to have any blood tests, tell your physician that you are taking Clofranil (Clomipramine).