Clomfranil Tablet 25mg Tablets

Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant. It raises the level of serotonin, a natural chemical in the brain, which can help reduce unwanted, repeated thoughts and the urge to repeat certain actions.

It is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you. Your doctor will usually start with a low dose and raise it slowly.

• At first it is often taken with meals; later it may be taken once a day at bedtime.
• It can take several weeks or longer to feel the full benefit, so keep taking it.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Never take a double dose.
• Do not stop suddenly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly.

Common side effects include:

• drowsiness, headache, nervousness
• dry mouth, stuffy nose
• feeling or being sick, diarrhoea or constipation
• changes in appetite or weight
• sexual problems, and trouble with memory or concentration

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• a seizure (fit), uncontrollable shaking or severe muscle stiffness
• a fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat
• trouble passing urine or losing bladder control
• hallucinations or believing things that are not true
• difficult or fast breathing
• fever, sore throat or other signs of infection

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have taken an MAOI antidepressant, linezolid or methylene blue in the last 2 weeks (these must not be combined)
• have had a recent heart attack, or have heart rhythm problems or other heart disease
• have epilepsy, brain damage or are having electroshock therapy
• have glaucoma, prostate or urinary problems, or thyroid, kidney or liver disease
• are 65 or older
• smoke, or take cimetidine or any other medicines
• are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding

Store at room temperature in its tightly closed container, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children and pets.

Mood and suicidal thoughts: antidepressants can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts in children, teenagers and young adults, especially at the start or after a dose change. Family and carers should watch for worsening mood, agitation, panic or restlessness and contact a doctor straight away.

Alcohol: alcohol adds to drowsiness, so avoid drinking large amounts.

Driving: do not drive, use machines, swim or climb until you know how it affects you.

Eyes: it can trigger a type of glaucoma; an eye check before starting may be advised.

Surgery: tell your surgeon or dentist that you take it.