The clomipramine is used for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder .
How does Clomipramine work?
It is a tricyclic antidepressant that works by increasing the brain activity of molecules that help fight obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
How is Clomipramine taken?
It is administered orally, usually in the form of capsules. It is advisable to take it on a full stomach to avoid gastric problems.
Side effects of Clomipramine.
Its possible side effects include:
- loss or loss of appetite
- feeling sick
- nightmares
- sweats
- feeling of tiredness
- stomach discomfort
- retching
- generic weakness
- changes in body weight
- constipation
- discharge of diarrhea
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- headache
- irritability
It is important to seek medical attention immediately in case of:
- rash , hives or itching
- difficulty breathing
- problems with the sexual sphere
- chest pain
- confused state
- fainting
- fast, slow or irregular heartbeat
- feverish state
- redness
- feeling of heaviness or tightness in the chest
- swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- frequent or difficult urination
- behavioral changes
- mood swings
- numbness or tingling
- panic attacks
- tinnitus
- seizure symptoms
- severe dizziness
- severe sleepiness
- sore throat
- stomach ache
- suicidal instincts
- swollen testicles
- tremors
- insomnia
- difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- tics (face or tongue)
- stiffness or uncontrolled movements at the joint level
- bruising or bleeding
- worsening of depressive syndrome
- jaundice
Warnings
The drug should not be taken if linezolid or MAO inhibitors have been taken in the previous 14 days or if you have had a heart attack.
Furthermore, before starting the treatment it is important to make the doctor aware:
- about the presence of any allergies to the active substance , to its excipients or to any other drug or food
- of other medicines, phytotherapy and supplements already taken or being taken (in particular busipyrone, carbamazepine, digoxin, sympathomimetics, clonidine, guanethidine, guanfacine, cimetidine, fentanyl, flecainide, haloperidol, lithium, methylphenidine, phenothiazine, propenone , SSRIs, SNRIs, St. John’s wort, tramadol, triptans, tryptophan, linezolids, MAO inhibitors, barbiturates, anticholinergics, anticoagulants, thyroid drugs and medicines containing methylene blue)
- in case of previous heart attack
- in case of alcohol abuse problems
- if you suffer (or have suffered in the past) from hyperthyroidism , adrenal problems, suicidal thoughts, bipolar or other psychiatric diseases, glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure, heart, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, convulsions, difficulties urination, porphyria or other blood diseases
- in the case of pregnant women or breastfeeding women
It is also advisable to always inform doctors, surgeons and dentists about ongoing clomipramine treatment.
The drug may take a few weeks before it becomes effective, but treatment should never be stopped without medical advice. It can also interfere with the driving or maneuvering abilities of dangerous machinery; sleepiness associated with its use can be aggravated by alcohol intake or other medications.
The clomipramine can generate dangerous dizziness; for this reason, during treatment, it is important to be careful when standing from a lying or sitting position, especially in the morning. Furthermore, s recommends not to overheat: it increases the risk of serious cardiac events.
