ANAFRANIL 10mg Tablets

What is ANAFRANIL 10mg

ANAFRANIL 10mg is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) medication that contains the active ingredient Clomipramine Hydrochloride. It is primarily prescribed for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), major depressive disorders, panic attacks, and chronic pain conditions. The 10mg strength offers flexibility, allowing for low starting doses or fine adjustments in therapy to optimize patient response while minimizing side effects.

• Generic Name: Clomipramine Hydrochloride
• Drug Class: Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)
• Main Uses: OCD, depression, panic disorder, chronic pain, and cataplexy associated with narcolepsy.
• Benefit: Especially useful in controlling intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

How to use ANAFRANIL 10mg

Proper use of ANAFRANIL 10mg ensures maximum therapeutic benefits with minimal side effects:

• Route: Take orally with water, with or without food.
• Dosing Frequency: Once to three times daily, depending on the physician’s instructions.
• Administration Tip: To minimize gastrointestinal discomfort, taking it with food may be beneficial.
• Missed Dose: If missed, take it as soon as possible unless it's almost time for the next dose; never double the dose.
• Important: Do not stop taking ANAFRANIL suddenly without consulting your doctor, as withdrawal symptoms may occur.

Regular follow-ups with the healthcare provider are important to monitor progress, adjust dosage, and manage any side effects.

Mode of Action ANAFRANIL 10mg

ANAFRANIL 10mg exerts its effects by modifying the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain:

• Serotonin Reuptake Inhibition: Clomipramine primarily blocks the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT), increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft, which alleviates symptoms of OCD and depression.
• Secondary Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibition: It also modestly inhibits norepinephrine reuptake, supporting mood stabilization and energy levels.
• Receptor Affinity: It has some affinity for muscarinic, adrenergic, and histaminergic receptors, contributing to its side effect profile (e.g., sedation, dry mouth).

Through these mechanisms, ANAFRANIL helps regulate emotional responses and decrease obsessive-compulsive behaviors, offering significant relief to affected individuals.

ANAFRANIL 10mg Interactions ANAFRANIL 10mg

ANAFRANIL 10mg may interact with a range of medications, and such interactions can alter drug efficacy or increase adverse effects:

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Concomitant use can lead to hypertensive crisis or serotonin syndrome; a washout period is needed.
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Increased risk of serotonin syndrome when combined.
• Anticholinergic Agents: Enhanced anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention.
• Central Nervous System Depressants: Alcohol and benzodiazepines can potentiate drowsiness and psychomotor impairment.
• Antiarrhythmics and Beta-Blockers: Increased risk of cardiac conduction disturbances.

Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid potential harmful interactions.

Dosage of ANAFRANIL 10mg

The dosage of ANAFRANIL 10mg must be individualized according to the patient's needs and response:

• Initial Dose: Often starts at 25mg daily, but lower initial dosing (such as 10mg once or twice daily) may be used, particularly in sensitive populations like the elderly.
• Titration: Dose is gradually increased by 25mg increments every few days depending on response and tolerance.
• Maintenance Dose: Typically ranges between 100-150mg per day for OCD or depression, with adjustments made based on therapeutic effect.
• Maximum Dose: In severe cases and under close medical supervision, up to 250mg per day may be prescribed.
• Special Considerations: Lower doses for elderly patients, and those with liver or cardiovascular conditions.

Dosage must be reviewed regularly by a healthcare professional to ensure optimal therapy and minimize side effects.

Possible side effects of ANAFRANIL 10mg

While effective, ANAFRANIL 10mg can cause various side effects that should be monitored:

• Common Side Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, weight gain, nausea, sweating, and blurred vision.
• Serious Side Effects: Heart rhythm disturbances, seizures, worsening depression, suicidal thoughts (particularly in younger individuals).
• Rare Side Effects: Liver dysfunction, blood disorders, and extrapyramidal symptoms (movement disorders).
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Anxiety, agitation, flu-like symptoms if the medication is stopped abruptly.

Immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms such as chest pain, severe mood changes, or signs of allergic reaction (e.g., rash, swelling, trouble breathing) occur.

ANAFRANIL 10mg Contraindications ANAFRANIL 10mg

There are specific situations where ANAFRANIL 10mg should not be used:

• Hypersensitivity: Allergy to clomipramine, other tricyclics, or any component of the formulation.
• Recent Heart Attack: Risk of arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death increases post-myocardial infarction.
• Concurrent MAOI Therapy: Dangerous interaction that could result in severe hypertension or serotonin syndrome.
• Uncontrolled Epilepsy: Increases risk of seizure.
• Severe Liver Disease: Drug metabolism may be impaired, leading to accumulation and toxicity.

Proper assessment by the healthcare provider is crucial before starting therapy with ANAFRANIL 10mg.

Storage of ANAFRANIL 10mg

Appropriate storage helps maintain the efficacy and safety of ANAFRANIL 10mg:

• Temperature: Store below 30°C (86°F), away from extreme heat and freezing conditions.
• Moisture Protection: Keep tablets in their original blister packaging to protect from moisture.
• Light Protection: Store away from direct light exposure.
• Child Safety: Keep out of reach of children to avoid accidental ingestion.
• Expiration: Discard any medication past its expiry date as potency and safety cannot be guaranteed.

Always follow specific storage instructions provided on the packaging or by your pharmacist to ensure the medication remains effective.