Signs, Symptoms And Side Effects Of Anafranil (Clomipramine)
Anafranil’s generic name is clomipramine. This medication is used for treating individuals suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder (ODC). When taken as prescribed by a doctor, the medication can help reduce unwanted and persistent thoughts and helps reduce the urge to perform repetitive tasks, such as checking, counting, hand-washing, etc., which can interfere with a person’s day to day life.
The medication is taken orally, according to a doctor’s instructions. To reduce side effects, many doctors start patients on a lower dose than what is needed and then increase the dose as an individual becomes used to it.
What Is Anafranil (Clomipramine)?
As a member of the tricyclic antidepressant classification, this medication can create some side effects. While the effects and severity differ from one person to another, some of the most common includes:
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Nausea, stomach upset and vomiting
- Increased sweating
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Vision changes or blurred vision
- Anxiety
- Tiredness
- Restlessness and sleep problems
- Trouble concentrating and memory issues
- Tingling or numbness
- Impotence or reduced sex drive
In addition to the common side effects mentioned above, there are also some side effects that are unlikely; however, if they do occur, a person needs to seek medical attention right away. These include:
- Problems urinating
- Confusion, depression or other mood or mental changes
- Shakiness
- Ringing in the ears
- Painful or enlarged breasts
- Muscle stiffness
- Painful or irregular menstrual periods
- Unwanted production of milk
Anafranil (Clomipramine) Addiction
While Anafranil isn’t considered an addictive drug in the same sense that drugs such as heroin or cocaine are, it can cause withdrawal symptoms if someone stops taking their prescribed dosage abruptly. It is a good idea to discuss discontinuing the medication with a person’s doctor prior to doing so. Some of the withdrawal symptoms that a person may experience include:
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Return of OCD symptoms
- Headache
- Vomiting or nausea
If a person is taking this medication while trying to overcome another addiction, the situation may be made more difficult, and the ability to remain off the substance can be more challenging.
Seeking the care and help of a doctor is the best way to ensure that withdrawal issues don’t occur and to handle multiple addiction issues.
Long-Term Effects
According to current studies, there aren’t any type of irreversible side effects caused by this medication. However, each person is different, which means the effects could be different.
The most common long-term effects individuals report includes gastrointestinal issues and mood changes. However, their doctor can typically make adjustments to help ease these symptoms.
If a person is suffering from an addiction or struggling to deal with withdrawal symptoms from Anafranil, then the best thing they can do is reach out for assistance.
At The Recovery Village, individuals can reach out for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling our 24/7, confidential hotline, 844-246-2159. While the road to recovery can be difficult, The Recovery Village is available to help.
Anafranil Addiction and Abuse
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.