What Is Anafranil (Clomipramine)?
Anafranil is the brand name for clomipramine – a prescription drug used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression. OCD and depression are mostly a result of chemical imbalances in the brain. Anafranil works by creating a balance of these chemicals in the brain and, thereby, improves a person’s mood and helps them recover to normalcy.
Clomipramine was discovered by Ciba- Geigy, a Swiss Drug Manufacture in 1964. Since its discovery, it has been tested, proven and approved by the FDA to effectively treat OCD, unlike other antidepressants. It is passed as a generic medication and listed on World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines.
How Is Anafranil (Clomipramine) Used?
Clomipramine is a prescription drug that should only be administered by a qualified pharmacist. A patient gets a prescribed dose that they are to follow exactly as instructed. When starting, Anafranil medication is taken in low doses to enable the patient’s body to adapt to it. It can be taken by mouth with meals or as instructed by your doctor. One of the side effects of clomipramine is drowsiness, so it’s best taken before bedtime.
The medication is taken regularly while on treatment. However, if you miss a dose, it is not recommended to take a double dose to compensate for the missed one, as this could lead to increased risk of side effects such as seizure. Also, the patient should avoid certain fruits or foods like grapes and grape juice as their chemical contents could lead to reactions that might bring out about some undesirable complications. To get the most benefit from clomipramine, follow instructions as given, and do not suddenly stop the dosage. That could lead to headaches, nausea, dizziness and irritability.
Remember: Your prescribed dosage is based on your medical condition. Patience is key while undergoing medication, and it may take weeks before the full effect of the drug is realized.
Anafranil (Clomipramine) Addiction
First off, clomipramine is mainly reserved for use in severe cases of depression and OCD, and its misuse can be dangerous. If a patient exceeds the prescribed dosage multiple times for a long time, they may suffer from substance misuse disorder that would require a comprehensive medical therapy program to overcome. Many people have overcome this condition especially under the care of professional medical experts at The Recovery Village.
Also, it is not safe to mix Anafranil with other substances, as this may lead to one experiencing strong needs to ingest the drug even when they don’t have a credible medical need for it. This can result in Anafranil misuse disorder that can be detrimental to their health.
The Importance Of Aftercare
Sometimes an individual recovering from substance misuse disorder might backtrack, but that can be prevented through a focused aftercare program with proper social support and therapy sessions. The staff at The Recovery Village is well-trained and qualified to successfully take you through this phase.
If you, or any of your loved ones, need such supportive aftercare, don’t hesitate to call the nearest center to book your first aftercare session at The Recovery Village.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.