Clomipramine Hydrochloride

Clomipramine Hydrochloride is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is used in adults to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It also treats muscular weakness (cataplexy) associated with repeat attacks of sleepiness (narcolepsy) and can manage depression that is unresponsive to other medicines. Clomipramine Hydrochloride works by increasing the levels of chemical messengers in the brain that stabilizes and enhances the mood. It is better to take it before bedtime because it can make you feel sleepy. It can be taken with or without food, but you should take it at a fixed time each day for better efficacy.

Clomipramine Hydrochloride is a tricyclic antidepressant. It increases the levels of chemical messengers in the brain that help in regulating the mood and treat depression.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Depression
• Cataplexy associated with narcolepsy

Clomipramine Hydrochloride is an original tricyclic antidepressant, a member of the dibenzazepine group of compounds. It is presumed to influence obsessive and compulsive behaviors through its effects on serotonergic neuronal transmission. The actual neurochemical mechanism is unknown but it has the capacity to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) which is thought to be important (like obsessions, compulsion) thus hampers social acquaintance.

Clomipramine is a potent inhibitor of serotonin re-uptake in the brain. Significant antagonism at cholinergic and α1-receptors. Weak antagonism at dopamine receptors. It has also antidepressant, sedative and anticholinergic effects.

Adult Dose (Oral):

• OCD, Panic disorder, Phobias: Initial 25 mg daily, gradually increase to 100-150 mg daily over 2 weeks. Max: 250 mg daily.
• Depression: Initial 10 mg daily; gradually increase to 30-150 mg daily if needed. Up to 250 mg daily or more may be required in severe cases.
• Cataplexy with narcolepsy: Initial 10 mg daily, gradually increase to 10-75 mg daily.

Pediatric Dose (OCD - 10 years): 25 mg once daily, gradually increase to max 3 mg/kg/day or 100 mg/day (whichever is less).

Elderly: Initial 10 mg daily; gradually increase to 30-75 mg daily. Max 100-150 mg daily.

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Clomipramine Hydrochloride is to be taken with food. The medicine may be taken as one dose at night or as smaller doses at intervals during the day.

If you miss a dose of Clomipramine Hydrochloride, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

Common Side Effects:

• Altered libido
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Ejaculation disorder
• Sleepiness
• Difficulty in urination
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Increased sweating
• Tremor
• Restlessness

Serious Side Effects: Seizures, cardiac arrhythmias, serotonin syndrome, suicidal thoughts.

• [UNSAFE] Clomipramine Hydrochloride may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. If you feel dizzy, tired, have blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, confusion, or depression gets worse, do not drive.
• It may take 4 to 6 weeks to start working. Keep taking it as prescribed.
• It may cause sleepiness. Take it at bedtime and do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
• Avoid consuming alcohol as it may cause excessive sleepiness.
• Monitor your weight during treatment as it can cause weight gain and increased appetite.
• Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
• Do not stop suddenly without talking to your doctor.

• Hypersensitivity
• Concomitant use of MAOIs
• Recovery phase following MI
• Heart block or other arrhythmias
• Mania
• Children

Barbiturates increase metabolism of tricyclic antidepressants; conversely cimetidine, guanethidine, haloperidol and phenothiazines block tricyclic metabolism. CNS effects of alcohol enhanced. If clomipramine is to be substituted for MAOIs, at least 3 weeks should elapse after discontinuing MAOIs. Risk of hypertension and arrhythmias if co-administered with adrenaline and noradrenaline.

[UNSAFE] It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Clomipramine Hydrochloride.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Clomipramine Hydrochloride may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C.

[CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR] Clomipramine Hydrochloride is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

Not recommended for children. For OCD in patients 10 years and older: 25 mg once daily, gradually increase to max 3 mg/kg/day or 100 mg/day (whichever is less).

Dose reduction may be needed in elderly patients.

[CAUTION] Use with caution in patients with kidney disease. Regular monitoring of kidney function is advised.

[CAUTION] Use with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is advisable.

Overdose symptoms include dry mouth, dilated pupils, coma, convulsions, tachycardia/cardiac arrhythmia, respiratory depression, and alteration in blood pressure.

Do not store above 30°C. Keep away from light and out of reach of children.

Clomipramine Hydrochloride