Chem mart Clomipramine

Generic Name: Clomipramine
Product Name: Chem mart Clomipramine

Indication

Clomipramine belongs to a group of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. This drug is used for major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders and phobias, muscle weakness in those with a sleep disorder called narcolepsy.

Action

Clomipramine increases the amount of the chemicals noradrenaline and serotonin in the brain.

Dose advice

Clomipramine may be taken with or without food.

Depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias

Adults:

• 1 tab (25mg) 2-3 times daily; increase stepwise (by 1 tab every few days) to 100-150mg daily in 2-3 divided doses.

Elderly:

• 1 tab daily, increase as above to 2-3 tabs daily

Cataplexy associated with narcolepsy

• 1-3 tabs (25-75mg) daily in 2-3 divided doses

Schedule

S4

Common side effects

The following are a list of common side effects that you should tell your doctor if they worry you:

• Drowsiness, fatigue, agitation, increased appetite or weight gain, confusion, anxiety, sleep disturbances, impaired memory, yawning, impaired concentration
• Dry mouth, sweating, constipation, blurred vision, trouble focusing your eyes, difficulty urinating (passing water), hot flushes, dilation of pupils
• Dizziness, tremor, headache, muscle weakness
• Lightheadedness, especially when you get up too quickly from a sitting or lying position
• Nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, poor appetite or weight loss
• Rash or itching of the skin, increased sensitivity to the sun
• Reduced sexual desire or difficulty reaching orgasm, swelling of the breasts or discharge of milk
• Ringing in the ears, change in sense of taste

Uncommon side effects

The following are a list of uncommon side effects that you should inform your doctor immediately of:

• Eye pain, severe abdomen pain
• Difficulty in speaking or slurred speech
• Muscle numbness, tingling, or spasms
• Weakness or loss of balance
• Severe dizziness or drowsiness
• Fainting spells or seizures (fits)
• Unusually high energy, irritability, or outbursts of anger
• Confusion or hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not there)
• Yellow colour to the skin or eyes
• Shortness of breath, wheezing or troubled breathing
• Constant ‘flu-like’ symptoms (chills, fever, sore throat, aching joints, swollen glands, tiredness or lack of energy)
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

For further information talk to your doctor.