Clomipramine

Uses of Clomipramine

Clomipramine is commonly used to treat Anxiety disorder such as panic disorder and phobia, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, adjunct to cataplexy associated with narcolepsy.

How Clomipramine Works

Clomipramine is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the brain with significant antagonism at cholinergic and α1-receptors. It is also a weak antagonist for dopamine receptor. Therefore, it has antidepressant, sedative and anticholinergic effects.

Side Effects of Clomipramine

Increased appetite, Restlessness, Dizziness, Tremor, Headache, Confusional state and disorientation, Hallucinations (particularly in elderly patients and patients with Parkinson's disease), Difficulty sleeping (insomnia), Blurred vision, Palpitation, Orthostatic hypotension

Warnings

Kidney Use With Care

Clomipramine should be given with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dosage adjustment may be needed. Thus, please consult your doctor.

Alcohol Not Advisable

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Clomipramine as when taking together, there are higher risk of experiencing side effects such as headache, dizziness, somnolence, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate.

Pregnancy Not Safe

Clomipramine may be unsafe to be used during pregnancy. No information about fetal abnormality when taking Clomipramine during pregnancy. Nevertheless, neonates may develop dyspnoea, lethargy, irritability, hypo or hypertension during the first few days post delivery upon taking Clomipramine up until delivery.

Driving Not advisable

It is unsafe to take Clomipramine and drive as it may influence general attention during driving due to side effects such as headache, dizziness, somnolence, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate.

Liver Use With Care

Clomipramine should be given with caution in patients with liver disease and dose titration of Clomipramine may be needed along with liver function monitoring.

Lactation Not Advisable

Clomipramine should be discontinued during lactation as it is proven to be excreted into human milk in small quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by , MD (Universiti Hasanuddin, Indonesia)

Reviewed by Dr Nur Syuhada binti Zulkifli, MD, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).