ANAFRANIL Anafranil Information Anafranil is a drug also known under the name of clomipramine. Anafranil is a drug belonging to a class of medicines called Tricyclic antidepressants. Anafranil Indications Anafranil is a drug that has proven to be extremely effective in the fight against some unbalanced chemicals found in the human brain which usually cause compulsive obsessive disorders. Anafranil can also be used in the treatment of other ailments (usually brain disorders) apart from the one that has been mentioned here. Anafranil Warnings Anafranil is known to cause drowsiness and dizziness, so caution is needed if the patient who is following a treatment with Anafranil has to drive or perform any other activities which normally require physical and mental alertness. If you feel tired or disoriented you should avoid performing these activities because they might lead to unwanted accidents. Alcohol should be taken in with extreme moderation (although it is best to completely avoid it as it contributes to the state of drowsiness and dizziness). Grapefruit as well as grapefruit juice or other products that contain this kind of fruit should be avoided during the patient’s treatment with Anafranil. This drug interacts with these types of products leading to potentially harmful effects. You should not stop your treatment with Anafranil without your personal physician’s consent even if you feel better. Anafranil Intake Guidelines Anafranil ought to be taken in just like your doctor told you to. Do not disobey the physician’s instructions. You should accompany each dose of the drug with a glass of water (from 6 to 8 ounces of liquid). It may take some time for Anafranil’s effects to settle in (normally 4 weeks). Do not stop your treatment with Anafranil without your doctor’s consent even if you do not feel better after a few days of treatment. Anafranil Dosage Ask your doctor to calculate the dose of Anafranil that suits you best. The correct dosage varies from one person to another, as it depends on a couple of factors. Anafranil Overdose Reported Anafranil overdose symptoms are: * Confusion * Seizures * Agitation * Low blood pressure * Hallucinations * Drowsiness * Fainting * Fatigue If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed here, you are in need of medical attention (inform your doctor immediately). Anafranil Missed Dose Anafranil can be taken in when you need it or on a regular basis. If you are following a treatment with Anafranil, try not to miss any of your doses. If you happen to miss one take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for another dose, skip the one that you have missed and continue with your regular schedule. You should not take in a double dose of this drug. Anafranil Side Effects Taking Anafranil may result in some of these side effects: * Allergies (hives, throat closing, swelling of the mouth, lips and face. * Heart attack * Seizures * High blood pressure * Irregular heartbeat * Difficulty while urinating * Muscle weakness * Fever * Increased sweating If you are experiencing these side effects stop your treatment and inform your physician as they are very dangerous (sometimes even fatal). Anafranil can also induce other side effects (more common and less serious) such as: * Drowsiness * Dry mouth * Dizziness * Tremors * Dry eyes * Agitation * Excessive sweating * Ringing in the ears * Weakness * Nausea * Weight loss * Appetite loss These mild side effects shouldn’t stop you from continuing with your treatment. However, you should inform your physician at once. There are other mild side effects that can also occur if you are taking Anafranil. Inform your physician if you feel anything disturbing or unusual. Anafranil Drug Reactions Anafranil can react to several drugs available in pharmacies throughout the world. If you are following a treatment with MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) or if you have followed it recently, you may not be allowed to start taking Anafranil. Ask for your doctor’s advice before you start a treatment with this drug. There are other drugs which are known to be able to cause drowsiness (like sedatives, antihistamines, alcohol and antidepressants). They usually increase Anafranil’s effects, aggravating its side effects (dizziness or drowsiness). Avoid taking these drugs without your personal doctor’s consent. There are other medicines that can also interact with Anafranil’s action. You should tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines (apart from Anfranil) or if you have recently taken any.