CLOMIPRAMINE Uses, Side Effects, and More

 CLOMIPRAMINE

BRAND NAME:- CLOFRANIL, 10,25,50mg tab, 75mg SR tab. Clonil, anafranil 10,25mg tab. 

CLOMIPRAMINE is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is used in adults to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It also treats muscular weakness (cataplexy) associated with repeat attacks of sleepiness (narcolepsy) and can manage depression that is unresponsive to other medicines.

PHARMACODYANIMCS:-

Clomipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, is the 3-chloro derivative of Imipramine. It was thought that tricyclic antidepressants work exclusively by inhibiting the re-uptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin by nerve cells. However, this response occurs immediately, yet mood does not lift for around two weeks. It is now thought that changes occur in receptor sensitivity in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. The hippocampus is part of the limbic system, a part of the brain involved in emotions. Presynaptic receptors are affected: α1 and β1 receptors are sensitized, α2 receptors are desensitized (leading to increased noradrenaline production). Tricyclics are also known as effective analgesics for different types of pain, especially neuropathic or neuralgic pain.

 MECHANISM OF ACTION:-

Clomipramine is a strong, but not completely selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI), as the active main metabolite desmethyclomipramine acts preferably as an inhibitor of noradrenaline reuptake. α1-receptor blockage and β-down-regulation have been noted and most likely play a role in the short term effects of clomipramine. A blockade of sodium-channels and NDMA-receptors might, as with other tricyclics, account for its effect in chronic pain, in particular the neuropathic type.

 USED:- 

Clomipramine is used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is used in patients intolerant of or unresponsive to alternative treatment options for depression.

SIDE EFFECTS:- 

Dizziness,Altered libido, Constipation, Dryness in mouth, Aggravation of depression, Agitation, Anxiety, Blurred vision, Delirium (acute confusional state), Dizziness, ECG changes, Erectile dysfunction, Fatigue, Headache, Hypomania, Increased appetite, Nausea, Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), Palpitations, Ringing in ear, Sleep disorder, Sweating, Tremors, Weight gain, Confusion, Hallucination, Mania, Micturition disorders, Altered blood sugar level drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, changes in appetite/weight, flushing, sweating, tiredness and blurred vision may occur. 

DOSE:- 50-150mg daily . As directed by your Doctor.