Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Anafranil (Clomipramine).
Contact lens wearers: People who wear contact lenses should be cautious, as Anafranil (Clomipramine) may decrease tear production in the eye, thereby increasing the chance of eye damage for those wearing contact lenses.
Dental effects: Lengthy treatment with Anafranil (Clomipramine) may lead to more dental cavities as a result of Dry Mouth. You should have regular dental checkups and practice good dental hygiene while taking Anafranil (Clomipramine).
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Since Anafranil (Clomipramine) may cause drowsiness, especially at the beginning of treatment, be careful when engaging in activities requiring mental alertness, judgment, and physical coordination such as driving or operating machinery.
Glaucoma: Anafranil (Clomipramine) may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Anafranil (Clomipramine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anafranil (Clomipramine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Anafranil (Clomipramine).
Heart disease: People who are at risk of heart attack or Stroke may be more likely to experience heart problems when taking Anafranil (Clomipramine). If you have been told that you have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, discuss with your doctor how Anafranil (Clomipramine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anafranil (Clomipramine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart rhythm: Anafranil (Clomipramine) can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, Angina, low potassium or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Anafranil (Clomipramine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anafranil (Clomipramine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Anafranil (Clomipramine) may contribute to a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), when it is taken in combination with certain other medications. If you notice the symptoms of NMS such as high Fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, or fainting, get immediate medical attention.
Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon arising): Move slowly when rising from a sitting or lying down position, as Anafranil (Clomipramine) can cause sudden temporary Low Blood Pressure resulting in dizziness.
Seizures: There have been occasional reports of seizures occurring with Anafranil (Clomipramine). Seizures are more likely to occur when higher doses of Anafranil (Clomipramine) are taken. If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase the risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Anafranil (Clomipramine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anafranil (Clomipramine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking antidepressants such as Anafranil (Clomipramine) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, trouble sleeping, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. If you notice any changes in mood, behaviours, thoughts, or feelings in yourself or someone who is taking Anafranil (Clomipramine), contact a doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor you closely for behaviour changes, especially at start of treatment or when your dose is increased or decreased.
Thyroid disease: People who have an overactive thyroid gland are at an increased risk of developing an irregular heartbeat while taking Anafranil (Clomipramine). If you have been diagnosed as having an overactive thyroid, discuss with your doctor how Anafranil (Clomipramine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anafranil (Clomipramine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Urinary problems: Anafranil (Clomipramine) may cause urinary retention (difficulty urinating). If you have urinary tract problems, these symptoms may become worse. Discuss with your doctor how Anafranil (Clomipramine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Anafranil (Clomipramine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headache, and sleep disturbance have occurred when Anafranil (Clomipramine) is stopped suddenly. This is not a sign of addiction. Do not suddenly stop taking Anafranil (Clomipramine). If you are supposed to stop taking Anafranil (Clomipramine), contact your doctor, who will advise you on how to gradually reduce the dose.
Pregnancy: The safety of Anafranil (Clomipramine) for use by pregnant women has not been established. It should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Anafranil (Clomipramine), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Anafranil (Clomipramine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Anafranil (Clomipramine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding, or whether you should gradually withdraw the medication.
Children: Anafranil (Clomipramine) has not been studied for use by people under 10 years of age, and specific recommendations for its use by this age group cannot be provided. The long-term effects of Anafranil (Clomipramine) on childhood growth and development have not been determined.
Seniors: Seniors may be more at risk of side effects from Anafranil (Clomipramine) and may need to take lower doses.
