Anafranil (clomipramine) is a tricyclic antidepressant most often prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and sometimes for depression or severe anxiety. If you think Anafranil might help, this page explains how prescriptions work, what to tell your clinician, common side effects, and how to stay safe when filling a script.
Start with a medical visit. A primary care doctor or psychiatrist will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and current medicines. Be honest about heart problems, seizures, glaucoma, urinary retention, pregnancy, and alcohol or drug use — these matter. If travel or distance is an issue, many clinics and telehealth services can evaluate you and issue a legitimate prescription after a proper assessment.
Bring a list of all meds and over-the-counter supplements. Clomipramine interacts with many drugs, so your provider needs the full picture. If you’ve tried SSRIs or CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) before, tell the clinician — that history helps pick the right dose and follow-up plan.
Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, dizziness, and weight gain. These often improve after a few weeks. Some people experience low blood pressure when standing up; rise slowly from sitting or lying down during the first weeks.
More serious risks: clomipramine can affect heart rhythm, so doctors may check an ECG if you have heart disease or take other QT‑prolonging drugs. Combining Anafranil with MAO inhibitors, certain antidepressants, or tramadol raises the risk of serotonin syndrome — a dangerous condition. If you get high fever, stiff muscles, fast heartbeat, confusion, or severe sweating, seek emergency care.
Anafranil isn’t typically recommended during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs the risk. For children and teens, dosing and monitoring differ, so specialist care is best.
Do not stop Anafranil suddenly. Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms like nausea, headache, irritability, and sleep trouble. Your doctor will give a taper plan if it’s time to stop.
Want specifics? Typical treatment starts low and increases slowly until symptoms improve. Exact doses depend on the reason for treatment, age, and other medicines — follow your prescriber’s instructions, not internet dose charts.
When filling the prescription, use a licensed pharmacy. For online pharmacies, look for clear contact info, require a prescription, and check for pharmacy accreditation or reviews. Avoid sellers that offer to ship without a prescription or that pressure you with unusually low prices — those are red flags.
If you have questions while taking Anafranil — about side effects, sexual side effects, sleep problems, or drug interactions — call your prescriber. Regular check-ins during the first few months help adjust dose and catch issues early. With proper monitoring, Anafranil can be an effective option for OCD and related conditions.