Clomipramine for obsessive-compulsive disorder: prescribing guidelines

Clomipramine is a newly marketed tricyclic antidepressant drug prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It selectively blocks neuronal uptake of serotonin. Clomipramine has been prescribed in Europe and Canada for 20 years in management of depression. Studies have now shown clomipramine to be effective in treating OCD. Dry mouth, visual disturbances, constipation, sexual dysfunction, somnolence, tremors, and dizziness are among the commonly reported side effects. Like other tricyclics, clomipramine exhibits a potential for cardiotoxicity, especially by impairing conduction and/or orthostasis. It also has the effect of lowering seizure threshold. Overdose risk is considerable. Careful medical supervision and adherence to prescribing guidelines are presumed to reduce medication risk factors. The outstanding benefit of this drug is its proved efficacy in the management of obsessive-compulsive disorder, as the first pharmacotherapy approved for this previously rather treatment-resistant condition.