Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) primarily used for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Brand name Anafranil.
It exerts its therapeutic effects by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT), which is believed to be crucial in mitigating obsessive and compulsive behaviors.
The initial dosage for adults typically starts at 25 mg daily, which is gradually increased to 100 mg over two weeks, with a maximum dosage of 250 mg/day.
For children and adolescents, the starting dose is also 25 mg daily, increased to 3 mg/kg or 100 mg (whichever is smaller) over two weeks, with a maximum of 3 mg/kg or 200 mg (whichever is smaller).
Common adverse effects include:gastrointestinal complaints, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, nervous system complaints of somnolence, tremor, dizziness, and genitourinary complaints of ejaculatory failure, and impotence.
Clomipramine is also associated with risks such as serotonin syndrome, hyponatremia, and weight changes.