Clomipramine

Clomipramine Hydrochloride Capsules USP are indicated for the treatment of obsessions and compulsions in patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The obsessions or compulsions must cause marked distress, be time-consuming, or significantly interfere with social or occupational functioning, in order to meet the DSM-III-R (circa 1989) diagnosis of OCD. Obsessions are recurrent, persistent ideas, thoughts, images, or impulses that are ego-dystonic. Compulsions are repetitive, purposeful, and intentional behaviors performed in response to an obsession or in a stereotyped fashion, and are recognized by the person as excessive or unreasonable.

The treatment regimens described below are based on those used in controlled clinical trials of clomipramine hydrochloride capsules in 520 adults, and 91 children and adolescents with OCD. During initial titration, clomipramine hydrochloride capsules should be given in divided doses with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. The goal of this initial titration phase is to minimize side effects by permitting tolerance to side effects to develop or allowing the patient time to adapt if tolerance does not develop. Because both CMI and its active metabolite, DMI, have long elimination half-lives, the prescriber should take into consideration the fact that steady-state plasma levels may not be achieved until 2 to 3 weeks after dosage change. Therefore, after initial titration, it may be appropriate to wait 2 to 3 weeks between further dosage adjustments.

Clomipramine hydrochloride capsules are contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to clomipramine hydrochloride capsules or other tricyclic antidepressants. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with clomipramine hydrochloride capsules or within 14 days of stopping treatment with clomipramine hydrochloride capsules is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. The use of clomipramine hydrochloride capsules within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is also contraindicated.

Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of clomipramine hydrochloride or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs.

Commonly Observed The most commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of clomipramine hydrochloride capsules and not seen at an equivalent incidence among placebo-treated patients were gastrointestinal complaints, including dry mouth, constipation, nausea, dyspepsia, and anorexia, nervous system complaints, including somnolence, tremor, dizziness, nervousness, and myoclonus, genitourinary complaints, including changed libido, ejaculatory failure, impotence, and micturition disorder, and other miscellaneous complaints, including fatigue, sweating, increased appetite, weight gain, and visual changes. Leading to Discontinuation of Treatment Approximately 20% of 3616 patients who received clomipramine hydrochloride capsules in U.S. premarketing clinical trials discontinued treatment because of an adverse event.

The risks of using clomipramine hydrochloride capsules in combination with other drugs have not been systematically evaluated. Given the primary CNS effects of clomipramine hydrochloride capsules, caution is advised in using them concomitantly with other CNS-active drugs. Clomipramine hydrochloride capsules should not be used with MAO inhibitors. Close supervision and careful adjustment of dosage are required when clomipramine hydrochloride capsules are administered with anticholinergic or sympathomimetic drugs. Several tricyclic antidepressants have been reported to block the pharmacologic effects of guanethidine, clonidine, or similar agents, and such an effect may be anticipated with CMI because of its structural similarity to other tricyclic antidepressants.

Storage – Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Protect from moisture.