Anafranil

Description

Anafranil (generic name: clomipramine; brand names include: Clonil / Clofranil / Clopram / Clopran / Clopress / Equinorm / Hydiphen) belongs to a group of medicines known as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

Anafranil is used for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive syndromes and depression. It can also be used for the treatment of other conditions. Ask your doctor for more information.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Anafranil exactly as directed.

For Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Syndromes and Phobias

Treatment is usually started with 25 mg of Anafranil 2 or 3 times daily. If necessary, your doctor may increase the dose up to a maximum of 250 mg a day. The usual maintenance dose is 50 to 100mg per day.

For Panic Attacks, Agoraphobia

Treatment is usually started with a dose of 10 mg daily. If necessary, your doctor may increase the dose up to a maximum of 150 mg a day. The usual maintenance dose is 25 to 100 mg per day.

For Muscle Weakness Accompanying Narcolepsy

The dose is usually 25 to 75 mg daily.

For Chronic Painful Conditions

The daily dose varies (10 to 150 mg) depending on your condition.

If you are elderly, you may be started on a dose of 10 mg daily. Your doctor may increase your dose over a period of about ten days, to 30-50 mg daily.

Your doctor may tell you to take different doses to these.

For depression, the treatment is usually continued for at least six months to prevent potential recurrence. You may not feel better immediately as most antidepressants take time to work. Do not stop taking Anafranil even if you begin to feel better, unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Precautions

Tell your doctor before taking Anafranil, if:

you are allergic to any medicines;
you have any serious medical conditions;
you are taking another medicine for depression called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have been taking a MAOI within the last 14 days;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: clomipramine hydrochloride.