This medicine belongs to the class tricyclic antidepressants. It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin, among others) in the brain.
clomipramine
This medicine is used to treat depression (mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest), panic attacks (sudden episodes of intense fear), phobia, nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), and obsessional states.
Contradications
This medicine is contraindicated in patients with recent MI (heart attack), heart block, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), hepatic (liver) impairment, glaucoma (high pressure in eye), and porphyria (group of liver diseases negatively affecting skin and nervous system).
Side effects
Patients administered with this medicine may experience anticholinergic effects (blurred vision and dry mouth), fatigue, drowsiness (excessively sleepy), GI (stomach) upset, weight gain, disturbances in libido, postural hypotension (change in body position lowering BP), tachycardia (Inc. heart rate), and tinnitus (ringing in ears).
Expert Advice
- Take with a meal daily at bedtime.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine.
- Contact prescriber in case of hallucinations, confusion, abnormal thoughts, changes in gait, difficult sleeping, dry mouth, and palpitations.
- Slowly change position from sitting or lying to standing.
- Avoid direct sunlight, wear sunscreen, and protective eyewear to reduce the risk of photosensitivity.
FAQs
How does this medicine work?
Who cannot take this medicine?
Patients who are allergic to clomipramine or recently had a heart attack can’t take this medicine.
Can I take grapefruit juice with this medicine?
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream.
How long will it take to treat my symptoms?
It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medicine as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks of treatment.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
What other medicines will affect this medicine?
Using it with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Medicines containing clomipramine
Rs.68.83
Rs.33.35
