Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that affects unbalanced chemicals in the brain. This medication is mainly used to treat and relieve symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), such as the tendency to repeat actions and have recurring thoughts.

The directions on your prescription label should be strictly followed as your doctor may deem necessary to change up your dose. Do not attempt to take more or less or longer than the recommended dose of clomipramine.

Clomipramine may cause an upset stomach if taken without food.

Be aware that it could take up to four weeks taking clomipramine before noticing any changes to your symptoms. Continue to use this medication as instructed by your doctor and notify your doctor if there have not been any improvements to your symptoms or your symptoms get worse after the first four weeks.

Undesirable withdrawal symptoms may occur if you stop taking clomipramine suddenly. Talk to your doctor about a safe alternative method to slowly stop taking the medication.

Clomipramine should not be used if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past two weeks, as this could cause a dangerous drug interaction. When using clomipramine, it is important to be aware of changes in your mood or symptoms and be communicative with your doctor about any of these changes. Some younger people may experience suicidal thoughts in the initial stages of taking an antidepressant.

You should avoid taking this medication if you are allergic to clomipramine or other similar antidepressants. Also, if you have taken a specific type of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), in the past five weeks, you should speak to your doctor before taking clomipramine.

Your doctor should be aware of any stimulant medication, opioid medication, herbal products, or medication for depression, mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, migraines, or serious infections, as these may interact with clomipramine and cause a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome.

Serious reactions to clomipramine can affect many different parts of your body. You may experience side effects such as, skin rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or jaundice. You may not experience these side effects right away and could occur many weeks after starting your clomipramine treatment.

If you notice behavioral changes, anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feeling impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, mentally or physically hyperactive, depressed, or have suicidal or thoughts of self-harm, you should report any of these occurrences to your doctor immediately.

More common side effects may include dry mouth, nausea, upset stomach, appetite loss, constipation, anxious, restless, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, insomnia, weight changes, cognitive problems, lack of concentration, excessive sweating, numbness, tingling, vision changes, decreased libido, impotence, or trouble having an orgasm.

Is there anything I should avoid doing while taking clomipramine?

Clomipramine may hinder your ability to think and react, so it is best to avoid driving or performing any task that relies on you being alert. Alcohol should be avoided as very serious side effects may occur.

Q: How should I store my clomipramine when I’m not using it?

Make sure your clomipramine is stored in a cool and dry environment away from the reach of children and pets.