ANAFRANIL 25mg Tablets

What is ANAFRANIL 25mg

ANAFRANIL 25mg is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) containing the active ingredient Clomipramine Hydrochloride. It is primarily used for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but it also has indications in depression, panic disorders, chronic pain, and certain types of phobias. ANAFRANIL acts on neurotransmitters in the brain to improve mood, reduce obsessive thoughts, and manage anxiety symptoms. The 25mg tablet is typically used as an initial dose to allow gradual titration to higher therapeutic levels or as a maintenance dose in long-term treatment.

• Generic Name: Clomipramine Hydrochloride
• Drug Class: Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA)
• Main Indications: OCD, depression, panic attacks, chronic pain, cataplexy associated with narcolepsy.
• Advantages: Effective in treatment-resistant cases where other antidepressants have failed.

How to use ANAFRANIL 25mg

Correct usage of ANAFRANIL 25mg maximizes its benefits while minimizing risks:

• Administration: Take orally with water. It can be taken with or without food.
• Dosing Schedule: Typically initiated with a low dose, increasing gradually as directed by a healthcare provider.
• Consistency: Take at the same time each day to maintain steady blood levels.
• Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered, but if close to the next dose, skip the missed one. Never double the dose.
• Treatment Duration: Long-term treatment is often needed for OCD and depression; do not stop abruptly without medical advice.

Patients are advised to follow their doctor’s instructions closely and report any unusual side effects or mood changes immediately.

Mode of Action ANAFRANIL 25mg

ANAFRANIL 25mg works by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain:

• Serotonin Reuptake Inhibition: Clomipramine strongly inhibits the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT), enhancing serotonergic activity, which is critical in treating OCD and depression.
• Norepinephrine Reuptake: It also moderately inhibits norepinephrine reuptake, contributing to mood elevation and anxiolytic effects.
• Receptor Binding: It binds mildly to muscarinic, histamine H1, and adrenergic receptors, explaining some of the side effects like dry mouth, sedation, and orthostatic hypotension.

Through these actions, ANAFRANIL restores neurotransmitter balance in the central nervous system, improving symptoms of mood disorders and obsessive behaviors.

ANAFRANIL 25mg Interactions ANAFRANIL 25mg

ANAFRANIL 25mg can interact with other drugs, sometimes leading to serious effects:

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Combining can lead to life-threatening serotonin syndrome; a 14-day gap is mandatory between discontinuation of MAOIs and initiation of ANAFRANIL.
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Risk of increased serotonergic toxicity when combined.
• Anticholinergic Drugs: Additive anticholinergic effects leading to constipation, blurred vision, or urinary retention.
• CNS Depressants and Alcohol: Potentiation of drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired motor coordination.
• Antiarrhythmic Drugs: May increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias due to additive effects on cardiac conduction.

Always inform healthcare providers about all current medications, supplements, and herbal products before starting ANAFRANIL 25mg to prevent harmful interactions.

Dosage of ANAFRANIL 25mg

The dosage of ANAFRANIL 25mg should be individualized based on patient response and tolerance:

• Starting Dose: Usually 25mg daily, increased gradually in increments of 25mg every few days as needed.
• Typical Maintenance Dose: 100-150mg daily for OCD or depression; divided doses are used initially, followed by a single bedtime dose.
• Maximum Dose: May reach up to 250mg/day in severe cases under hospital supervision.
• Special Populations: Lower doses for elderly patients and those with liver dysfunction.

Adjustment of dosage should be slow and carefully monitored, with regular medical reviews to assess effectiveness and tolerance.

Possible side effects of ANAFRANIL 25mg

Although effective, ANAFRANIL 25mg may cause a range of side effects:

• Common Side Effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, blurred vision, weight gain, and sweating.
• Serious Side Effects: Cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, suicidal ideation (especially in young adults), and serotonin syndrome.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Anxiety, irritability, nausea, sleep disturbances when stopped abruptly.
• Rare Effects: Hepatotoxicity, blood disorders, extrapyramidal symptoms (involuntary movements).

Patients should seek medical advice if experiencing severe mood changes, chest pain, or signs of allergic reaction like rash or swelling.

ANAFRANIL 25mg Contraindications ANAFRANIL 25mg

ANAFRANIL 25mg should not be used in certain medical conditions:

• Hypersensitivity: Allergy to Clomipramine, other tricyclics, or any excipients in the formulation.
• Recent Myocardial Infarction: Increased risk of arrhythmias and cardiac failure.
• Concurrent MAOI Use: High risk of hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome.
• Severe Liver Disease: Impaired drug metabolism leading to toxicity.
• History of Seizures: Increased risk of convulsions.

Careful screening of a patient's history is critical before initiating ANAFRANIL therapy.

Storage of ANAFRANIL 25mg

Proper storage conditions ensure the effectiveness and safety of ANAFRANIL 25mg:

• Temperature: Store at temperatures below 30°C (86°F).
• Moisture: Keep the tablets in a dry place; avoid humidity.
• Light Protection: Store away from direct sunlight and strong artificial light.
• Container: Keep tablets in the original blister packaging until use to protect from moisture and contamination.
• Child Safety: Store out of reach and sight of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Check the expiry date regularly and do not use expired medication. Safe storage preserves the integrity and therapeutic effects of the drug.