Clomipramine

What is Clomipramine?

Benefits:
•	Can reduce veterinarian office visits, since behavioral disorders are a common reason for a trip
•	It is not a tranquilizer or a sedative, and should not affect your dog's personality or memory

How it works:
Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant and affects chemicals in the brain (serotonin) that may become unbalanced leading to behavioral problems in dogs.

Cautions:
Don’t use Clomipramine if your pet has taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as Anipryl, or selegiline, or has been using a Preventic Collar in the last 14 days. Clomipramine may increase the effects of other drugs and may cause drowsiness. Stop giving your pet Clomipramine and contact your vet if the pet displays any of the following reactions: difficulty breathing, hives, irregular heartbeat, difficulty urinating, seizures, fever with increased panting, muscle stiffness or weakness, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.

What is the most important information I should know about clomipramine: Clomipramine (Clomicalm) is a prescription medication FDA approved for veterinary use in dogs. Clomipramine (Clomicalm) is available as 20mg, 40mg and 80mg tablets. Clomipramine , FDA approved for human use, is also used in veterinary medicine and is available as 25mg, 50mg and 75mg capsules. The usual dose of clomipramine in dogs is 0.5-1.8mg per pound every 24 hours depending on the condition and the response to therapy. Clomipramine may also be useful in cats, but cats tend to be more sensitive to tricyclic antidepressant drugs. Dosing of cats may be difficult with the commercially available products. Clomipramine may not help symptoms right away. It may take a number of days before symptoms begin to lessen. Contact your veterinarian if symptoms get worse or if new symptoms develop while the pet is on this medication. Clomipramine may cause drowsiness or dizziness.

What is Clomipramine: Clomipramine is a Tricyclic antidepressant. Clomipramine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced leading to behavioral problems in dogs. Clomipramine (Clomicalm) is used in dogs to treat separation anxiety. Clomipramine (Anafranil) is sometimes used to treat aggression and obsessive-compulsive disorders such as tail chasing. Clomipramine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this guide.

What should I discuss with my veterinarian before giving clomipramine to my pet: Do not give this medication if your pet has taken or used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as selegiline, Mitaban Dip or Preventic Collar within the last 14 days. Tell your veterinarian if your pet has liver or kidney disease; asthma; thyroid disease; diabetes; stomach or intestinal problems; high blood pressure or heart disease; difficulty urinating, seizures, or glaucoma. Tell your veterinarian if the pet is pregnant or lactating.

How should this medication be given: Give this medication exactly as directed by your veterinarian. Allow pet to drink plenty of water. If you do not understand the directions ask the pharmacist or veterinarian to explain them to you. Store clomipramine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication away from children and pets.

What happens if I miss giving a dose: Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not give a double dose of the medication.

What happens if I overdose the pet: Seek emergency veterinary medical treatment. Symptoms of clomipramine overdose include seizures, confusion, drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations and low blood pressure (dizziness, fatigue, fainting).

What should I avoid while giving Clomipramine to my pet: Clomipramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not stop giving clomipramine suddenly. This could cause symptoms such as nausea and malaise.

What are the possible side effects of Clomipramine: If any of the following serious side effects occur, stop giving clomipramine and seek emergency veterinary medical attention; an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, tongue or face, or hives); seizures; a fast or irregular heartbeat; high blood pressure; difficulty urinating; or fever with increased panting, muscle stiffness or muscle weakness. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue giving clomipramine and talk to your veterinarian if your pet has drowsiness or dizziness; dry mouth and eyes; constipation; panting; mild agitation, weakness or headache; nausea or loss of weight or appetite. Other side effects may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or bothersome to the animal.

What other drugs will affect Clomipramine: Do not give this medication if your pet has taken or used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as selegiline, Mitaban Dip or Preventic Collar within the last 14 days. Clomipramine may increase the effects of other drugs that may cause drowsiness, including other antidepressants, antihistamines, sedatives, pain relievers, anxiety medications, and muscle relaxants. Drugs other than those listed may also interact with clomipramine. Talk to your veterinarian or pharmacist before giving any prescription or over the counter medicines including herbal products.

Where can I get more information: Your pharmacist has additional information about clomipramine written for health professionals that you may read.

Directions:

•	Clomipramine capsules are a prescription medication used in dogs and cats to treat obsessive compulsive disorders, aggression, and separation anxiety.
•	Clomipramine capsules are FDA approved for human use. However, it is not uncommon for veterinarians to prescribe clomipramine capsules for use in dogs and cats.
•	Clomipramine capsules are classified as tricyclic antidepressants. Clomipramine capsules affect chemicals in the ;brain that may become unbalanced leading to behavioral problems in dogs and cats.