Clomipramine Hydrochloride

Indications

1. depressive illness
2. phobic and obsessional states
3. adjuvant treatment of cataplexy associated with narcolepsy

Cautions to be considered

1. cardiac diseases (arrhythmias)
2. Epilepsy
3. Pregnancy and breast feeding.
4. Elderly
5. Hepatic impairment
6. Thyroid diseases
7. Phaeochromocytoma
8. History of mania
9. Angle closure glaucoma
10. History of urinary retention

Contraindications (where you have to avoid the drug)

1. recent myocardial infarction
2. arrhythmias (particularly heart block)
3. severe liver disease

Doses

• depressive illness

Initially 10 mg daily, increased gradually as necessary to 30 – 150 mg in divided doses or as a single dose at bed time; maximum dose 250 mg daily.
ELDERLY; initially 10 mg daily, increased carefully over approximately 10 days to 30-75 mg daily.
CHILD; not recommended.

• Phobic and obsessional states

Phobic and obsessional states, initially 25 mg daily (elderly; 10 mg daily) increased over 2 weeks to 100-150 mg daily. CHILD not recommended.

• adjuvant treatment of cataplexy associated with narcolepsy

initially 10 mg daily gradually increased until satisfactory response (range 10-75 mg daily)

Clomipramine preparation

1. capsules; 10 mg
2. tablets (slow release); 75 mg