Information About Anafranil

Common uses
Anafranil is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your physician.

Prior to Use
Antidepressant medicines may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents who have severe depression or certain other mental or mood disorders. Children and adolescents who take Anafranil should be monitored daily for any worsening of their condition, thoughts of hurting themselves, or any other sudden or unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few months after starting Anafranil and after any change in the dose of Anafranil. If any of these serious side effects occur, contact the physician immediately. Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. If you are taking any of the following, do not use Anafranil: astemizole, cisapride, dofetilide, terfenadine, or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: carbamazepine, cimetidine, dicumarol, clonidine, fluoxetine, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, guanadrel, guanethidine, guanfacine, a macrolide antibiotic, mibefradil, paroxetine, sertraline, terbinafine, tramadol, a sympathomimetic, or a phenothiazine. Do not start or stop any medicine without physician or pharmacist approval. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions including any mental or mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. You should not take Anafranil if you have a history of glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye, enlarged prostate, problems urinating (urinary retention), or heart conditions. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you have a history of seizures or porphyria. Contact your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using Anafranil.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Anafranil. Take Anafranil with food or milk. It is best to keep Anafranil away from heat and light, at room temperature. Continue to take Anafranil even if you feel better. Make sure that you do not skip a dose of Anafranil. Should you skip or forget a dose of Anafranil, begin using it immediately. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. If you take 1 dose daily at bedtime, do not take the missed dose the next morning. Never take more than one dose at the same time.

Warnings
After you start using Anafranil, several weeks may pass before you feel the full benefit. Do not stop taking Anafranil without checking with your physician. Keep all physician and laboratory appointments while you are using Anafranil. Additional monitoring of your condition is recommended at the start of treatment with Anafranil and whenever a change to your dose is made. If you experience anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness, or worsening of depression contact your physician as soon as possible. These may be signs that your condition is worsening or that your treatment with Anafranil should be evaluated. If you are a parent or caregiver of a patient that is taking Anafranil, it is important for you to watch for these symptoms daily. Contact the physician immediately if any of these symptoms occur. Contact your physician for more information. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the physician or dentist that you are using Anafranil. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Anafranil. Using Anafranil alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Limit your alcohol consumption while you are taking Anafranil. Anafranil will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase dizziness. To prevent dizziness or fainting, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness or weakness. Anafranil may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Anafranil. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. Do not become overheated in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heatstroke may occur. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . Caution is advised when using Anafranil in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of Anafranil. Caution is advised when using Anafranil in children or adolescent patients because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine. Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Anafranil during pregnancy. Anafranil is excreted in breast milk do not breast-feed while taking Anafranil.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include dry mouth, constipation, nausea, indigestion, unusual tiredness, dizziness, tremor, or increased sweating. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Consult your physician immediately if you experience decreased sexual ability or seizures. Contact your physician immediately if you experience severe nervousness or anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feelings of irritability or hostility, impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior, severe restlessness, worsening feelings of depression, thoughts of hurting yourself, or any other mental or mood changes. An allergic reaction to Anafranil is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Indications of an overdose are flushing, fast or irregular heartbeat, dry mouth, drowsiness, confusion, agitation, enlarged pupils, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve after taking Anafranil for 4 weeks, inform your physician. Do not let anyone else use Anafranil. Do not take Anafranil to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children. If using Anafranil for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.