Clomipramine Sexual Side Effects

Certain sexual side effects have been shown to occur in people taking clomipramine. Sexual side effects, such as changes in sex drive, ejaculation problems, and impotence, were reported during clinical studies of people taking clomipramine. Therefore, if you are taking clomipramine and sexual side effects occur, talk to your healthcare provider so he or she can recommend some treatment options, such as adjusting your clomipramine dosage or switching to another medication.

 

Clomipramine Sexual Side Effects: An Overview

Clomipramine hydrochloride (Anafranil®) is known to cause certain sexual side effects. Clomipramine sexual side effects may include:
 
Sex Drive and Orgasm Problems
Clomipramine is known to cause changes in sex drive (known as libido). In clinical studies where the side effects of clomipramine were documented, up to 21 percent of adults taking clomipramine reported changes in sex drive.
 
Ejaculation Problems
Clomipramine is also known to cause ejaculation failure, which is the inability to ejaculate. Studies have shown that up to 42 percent of men taking clomipramine reported ejaculation failure. In fact, this side effect is so common that clomipramine can be used to treat men that have problems ejaculating too early (see Clomipramine and Premature Ejaculation).
 
Impotence
Impotence is usually defined as a total inability to achieve an erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Ultimately, impotence is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Impotence is also known as erectile dysfunction (or ED for short).
 
In studies, impotence occurred in up to 20 percent of men taking clomipramine.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;