Clomipramine
“This page provides important general information for pet owners whose animals have been prescribed Clomipramine in Perth during a consultation by Dr Noor.”
Key Information on Clomipramine
- Clomipramine is used to help manage separation anxiety and other behavior-related problems.
- You can give this medicine with food or on an empty stomach. If your pet’s stomach seems upset, giving it with food may help.
- Your pet should always be able to drink plenty of clean, fresh water.
- The full helpful effect may not be seen right away. It can take a number of weeks.
- This medicine can react with many other medicines and products. Do not give any other medicines, supplements, or products (including flea and tick collars) unless your veterinarian has said it is okay.
- Side effects seen most often include sleepiness, vomiting, diarrhea, eating less than usual, and a dry mouth.
- Do not stop this medicine suddenly.
Note: This information sheet is meant to answer common questions. It does not include every detail about this medicine and does not replace medical guidance from your veterinary care team.
Description
- This medicine is in a group often called “tricyclic antidepressants (TCA).”
- It comes as tablets and capsules that are given by mouth.
Other common names
- Anafranil
- Clomicalm
Uses
Approved uses in animals:
- Used to treat separation anxiety in dogs.
Other uses your veterinarian may choose (extra-label use):
- Used to treat behavior disorders in dogs, cats, and other animals.
Before this medication is given
No medicine is completely safe for every patient. Talk with your veterinarian about:
- Any other medicines or supplements your pet is taking, because this medicine can interact with many drugs.
- Any health problems your pet has now, or has had before.
- Any unwanted reactions your pet has had to medicines in the past.
- The possible risks of using this medicine if your pet is pregnant or nursing.
Warnings for animals
Do not use in:
- Pets that have had an allergic reaction to this medicine or to other medicines in the same tricyclic antidepressant group.
- Male dogs that are used for breeding.
- Pets that have had seizures before.
- Pets wearing an amitraz collar, or pets taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). One example of an MAOI is selegiline. Tell your veterinarian about all medicines, collars, and dips used within the 2 weeks before starting this medicine.
Use with caution in animals:
- Pets with tumors of the adrenal glands.
- Pets with glaucoma or dry eye syndrome.
- Pets with liver, kidney, thyroid, or heart problems.
- Pets that are very old or very young.
- Pets that have difficulty urinating or passing stool.
- Pets that show aggression.
- Pets that are pregnant or nursing.
- Working animals or service animals, because they may become too sleepy to do their tasks.
Certain medicines are not permitted in some animal competitions. If your pet competes, check the rules while your pet is taking this medicine.
Warnings for humans
Wash your hands after you handle any medicine.
How do I give this medication?
Give this medicine exactly the way your veterinarian prescribed it. Follow the directions on the prescription label every time.
Side effects of Clomipramine
Common – contact your veterinarian if these problems are strong, keep happening, or get worse over time:
- Sleepiness
- Wobbliness or trouble staying steady
- Dry mouth and drinking more than usual
- Vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or eating less than usual
- Trouble urinating
Severe – stop giving the medicine and contact your veterinarian right away if you notice:
- Seizures
- Unusual overexcitement or being overly stimulated
- Fainting or collapse
Very rarely, this medicine can lead to a problem called serotonin syndrome. This means too much serotonin builds up in the body. Possible signs include:
- stiff muscles
- muscle shaking
- being unable to settle
- heavy breathing
- pacing
- agitation
- pupils that look enlarged
- poor coordination
- confusion
- seizures
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you see any of these signs.
The chance of serotonin syndrome is higher if more than one medicine that affects serotonin is given at the same time.
How will I know it's working?
Call your veterinary clinic if your pet’s signs get worse or do not get better.
How long will the medication effects last?
This medicine must be given regularly for several weeks before it reaches its full effect.
You should notice your pet’s behavior improving little by little as the medicine becomes fully effective.
Side effects, however, may show up right away.
After the last dose, the effect may continue for a few days.
The effect may last longer if your pet’s kidneys or liver do not work as well.
How long do I give it for?
This medicine may be used for different time periods, but it is often used long term. Keep giving it for as long as your veterinarian instructs.
Do not stop this medicine suddenly.
When stopping, the amount must be reduced slowly over time to avoid withdrawal side effects.
Your veterinarian will give you instructions on how to lower the dose.
Overdose
Possible overdose signs include making unusual sounds, difficulty breathing, collapsing, shaking or seizures, and becoming unconscious.
If you see an overdose happen or think one may have happened, contact your veterinarian or an animal-only poison control center right away (a consultation fee applies):
- Have the product or label with you if you can.
Missed dose
In most situations, if you forget a dose:
- Give it as soon as you remember, and then go back to the usual schedule.
If it is almost time for the next dose:
- Do not give the missed dose.
- Give the next dose at the regular scheduled time.
- Continue with the normal schedule.
If you are not sure what to do, call your veterinary clinic. Do not give two doses at once and do not give extra doses.
Storage
- Keep the medicine in its original container at room temperature.
- Keep it away from too much moisture.
- Store it where children and animals cannot reach it.
Disposal
Do not flush this medicine in the toilet and do not pour it into a sink.
Ways to get rid of unused or expired medicine include:
- Drug take-back sites: This is the best option when available. To find a nearby location, contact local law enforcement or your waste management office.
- Home disposal: Mix the medicine with coffee grounds or kitty litter, put it in a sealed plastic bag, and place it in the trash.
Do not keep leftover medicine and do not give it to anyone else to use.
Questions? Speak with your veterinarian.
“Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided as general educational material only. Every animal’s health situation is unique, and treatment decisions must be based on a full veterinary assessment. Always follow the specific instructions given during your consultation, and contact the prescribing veterinarian if you have any concerns.”