Clomipramine Side Effects

Clomipramine Hydrochloride

Clomipramine Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with clomipramine hydrochloride (Anafranil^®). However, not everyone who takes clomipramine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When side effects do occur, in many cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with clomipramine. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of clomipramine side effects with you.)

Common Clomipramine Side Effects

Clomipramine has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine.

As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.

In these studies, common side effects of clomipramine included:

Dry mouth -- occurring in up to 84 percent of people (see Clomipramine and Dry Mouth)
Drowsiness -- in up to 54 percent
Shakiness (tremors) -- in up to 54 percent
Dizziness -- in up to 54 percent
Headaches -- in up to 52 percent
Constipation -- in up to 47 percent
Ejaculation failure -- in up to 42 percent (see Clomipramine Sexual Side Effects)
Fatigue -- in up to 39 percent
Nausea -- in up to 33 percent
Increased sweating -- in up to 29 percent
Insomnia -- in up to 25 percent
Heartburn -- in up to 22 percent
Loss of appetite -- in up to 22 percent
Changes in sex drive -- in up to 21 percent (see Clomipramine Sexual Side Effects)
Impotence -- in up to 20 percent.

Withdrawal side effects have been reported in people who have stopped taking clomipramine suddenly. These side effects of clomipramine withdrawal include nausea, headaches, and a general ill feeling (see Clomipramine Withdrawal).

Other common side effects of clomipramine (occurring in 10 to 19 percent of people) include:

Nervousness
Weight gain (see Clomipramine and Weight Gain)
Vision changes
Urinary (bladder) problems
Muscle twitching
Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
Muscle pain
Irritated or runny nose
Increased appetite.

(Clomipramine Side Effects Continued: Page 2)