Anafranil

Is Anafranil Right For You?

Anafranil (clomipramine hydrochloride) is a chemical drug commonly prescribed for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults, teens, and children. Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals manufacture this drug. Several other manufacturers make generic versions.

It is not entirely clear how this drug is supposed to work. It does affect several chemicals in the brain, including serotonin and norepinephrine. It is thought that Anafranil allows these chemicals to stay in the brain longer, which can help with symptoms of OCD, but these statements cannot be proven. The company provides very little information regarding this product, and the limited information that is available is vague and incomplete.

Ingredients of Anafranil

Anafranil includes the following ingredients: Clomipramine hydrochloride USP, D&C Red No. 33 (25-mg capsules only), D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 1 (50-mg capsules only), FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, magnesium stearate, methylparaben, propylparaben, starch (corn), and titanium dioxide.

Effectiveness of Anafranil

Anafranil is categorized as a type of Tricyclic Antidepressant. According to the producing company, this drug may be able to help balance various chemicals in the brain. It is believed that OCD is the result of chemical imbalances in the brain which will make a patient take part in repetitive actions and have repetitive thoughts.

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Anafranil. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. Common side effects include dry mouth, shakiness, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, and headaches.

This drug dosage depends on the assessment of the individual. Typically, a very low dose will be given and then gradually increased as needed. It is never recommended to take more than prescribed or to stop taking the medication without your doctor knowing. It should be taken daily with food.

Anafranil is a slow-acting drug, which is not that uncommon for chemical drugs that aim to treat symptoms of OCD. It may take up to 12 weeks for the patient to notice any results of the treatment.

Anafranil Price

Anafranil is available in four different dosages: 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 75 mg. The price will vary depending on dosage and retailers: $27.99 to $39.99 (Anafranil 10 mg), $30.50 to $64.49 (Anafranil 25 mg), $33.29 to $70 (Anafranil 50 mg) and $41.39 to $87.00 (Anafranil 75 mg). Each bottle contains 30 pills, and it should be enough for one month of treatment.

Does Anafranil Work?

No information shows how this particular medication can help get the chemicals back in balance. There is still so much that we don’t know about the brain and OCD. Therefore, it is hard to determine how this particular medication would take care of the situation and be a viable solution.

In the end, Anafranil is available by prescription only, and it is not a standard treatment to take. Very few insurance companies will pay for it. While the company advertises this product as highly effective, Anafranil is not a revolutionary drug by any standard.

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