Anafranil (Clomipramine HCI)

Common Use

Anafranil contains the active ingredient clomipramine and belongs to a class of medications called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) —in simple terms, it works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain, particularly serotonin and noradrenaline, which play a key role in mood, anxiety, and the way the brain processes repetitive thoughts and behaviours.

Anafranil is primarily used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) . OCD is a condition where a person experiences:

Obsessions – recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas, or urges that cause anxiety

Compulsions – repetitive behaviours or mental acts that the person feels driven to perform in order to relieve that anxiety

By acting on the central nervous system (CNS) , Anafranil helps relieve the symptoms of OCD and allows people to regain more control over their thoughts and actions.

This medication is also used to treat:

Panic attacks – sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, and shortness of breath

Depression – a mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep and appetite

Chronic (ongoing) pain – including certain types of nerve-related pain that do not respond well to standard painkillers

Dosage and Direction

Take this medication only as prescribed—the dosage and schedule may vary depending on your condition, age, and how you respond to treatment. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and do not take more or less than prescribed.

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking Anafranil, as they can affect the level of the medication in your blood

Limit alcoholic beverages, as alcohol can increase drowsiness and other side effects

Do not suddenly stop taking this medication—stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms or worsen your condition. Your doctor will help you reduce the dose gradually if you need to stop

It may take 2 to 3 weeks or longer before you notice the full effects of this medication. Be patient and keep in touch with your doctor about how you are feeling.

Precautions

Before you start taking clomipramine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if:

You are allergic to clomipramine or have any other allergies

You have certain heart problems, such as heart failure, slow heartbeat, or QT prolongation (a heart rhythm condition seen on an ECG)

Clomipramine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or temporary blurred vision. Until you know how it affects you, avoid driving, using machinery, or doing any activity that requires alertness.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, particularly dizziness and confusion, which can increase the risk of falls.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when strongly needed—the benefits must outweigh the potential risks to the baby. Consult your doctor

Clomipramine passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. It is generally better to stop breastfeeding while using this medication

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

Dizziness

Dry mouth

Drowsiness

Constipation

Stomach upset, nausea, or vomiting

Sweating

Anxiety symptoms may temporarily worsen when you first start taking clomipramine. This usually settles as your body adjusts to the medication.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is very rare, but if you experience symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical help.

Many people using this medication do not experience serious side effects. However, if you notice anything unusual or concerning, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

Clomipramine can interact with many medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription, non-prescription, and herbal products you use before starting treatment.

Avoid or use with extreme caution:

MAO inhibitors (such as furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, tranylcypromine) – combining these can cause serious, even life-threatening reactions

Antiarrhythmic medications (such as propafenone, quinidine) – may increase the risk of heart rhythm problems

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (such as citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine) – may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially serious condition

Antipsychotics (neuroleptics such as fluphenazine) – may increase side effects

H2-receptor antagonists (such as cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine) – can affect how clomipramine is metabolized

Nicotine can decrease blood levels of this medication. If you smoke or have recently stopped smoking, let your doctor know, as your dose may need adjustment.

Try not to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication, as it can increase blood levels and side effects.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it is almost time for your next dose. If that’s the case, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take the dose twice.

Overdose

If you think you have used too much of this medicine, seek emergency medical attention right away. Symptoms of overdose may include:

Chest pain

Nausea

Irregular heartbeat

Feeling light-headed or fainting

Clomipramine overdose can be serious and requires immediate medical care.

Storage

Store your medication at room temperature between 20–25°C (68–77°F), away from light and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep all drugs out of reach of children and pets.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We understand that managing conditions like OCD, depression, or panic attacks requires consistency and reliable access to your medication—so we’ve made our service straightforward, dependable, and built with your convenience in mind. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your Anafranil can be with you by the next day, helping you stay on track with your treatment and giving you one less thing to worry about.