How it works

Anafranil is a tricyclic antidepressant that restores the levels of norepinephrine (a neurotransmitter) to normalcy. It helps control repititive behavior in patients with OCD.

Guidelines for usage

Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.

Always use only as prescribed. Never exceed the dosage.

Anafranil may be used with or without food.

Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.

NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.

Missed Dose

It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.

Do not panic if you have missed a dose.

Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.

How & where do I store Anafranil?

The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.

Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.

Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.

Overdose Related Information

If you accidentally consume more medication than what was prescribed, then contact an emergency healthcare center immediately. An overdose with Anafranil can cause symptoms like bluish skin or mucous membranes, breathing problems, chest pain, confusion, dry mouth, enlarged pupils, excess sweating, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, flushing, incoordination, involuntary movements, loss of consciousness, restlessness, rigid muscles and even coma.

Safety Information/ Warning Precautions

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.

Ensure that you mention the following:

Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food
You have blood problems (e.g., purpura, thrombocytopenia), breathing problems (e.g., asthma, chronic bronchitis), certain eye problems (e.g., glaucoma, increased intraocular pressure), eating disorders (e.g., bulimia)
You have heart problems (e.g., arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, recent heart attack), intestinal problems (e.g., chronic constipation, ileus), liver problems, kidney problems,
You have a personal or family history of other mental/mood conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
You have any condition that may increase your risk of seizures (e.g., alcohol/sedative dependency, use of electroconvulsive therapy, brain injury/disease), certain types of tumors (e.g., pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma)

This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.

To be avoided

You must avoid using Anafranil if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it

Using Alcohol

Anafranil is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using Anafranil.

These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.

Possible Drug & Food Interactions

Certain prescription drugs or health supplements or even food items are known to interact with the effects of medications. Anafranil is known to have possible interactions with the following medications.

anticholinergics (e.g., atropine, belladonna alkaloids, scopolamine), certain drugs for high blood pressure (e.g., clonidine, guanethidine, reserpine), cisapride
Digoxin, levodopa, lithium, thyroid supplements, valproic acid, drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (e.g., "blood thinners" such as warfarin/heparin, anti-platelet drugs including aspirin or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen).

Additional Information

Anafranil can interfere with the results of certain laboratory tests. If lab tests are prescribed for you, then we recommend that you speak to your lab technician that you are using Anafranil before you undertake the test.

Anafranil may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

Elderly people are more likely to experience side effects while using Anafranil. If the side effects are bothersome, then seek medical help.

It is not clear whether Anafranil is safe for use by children below 18 years of age. So, if the patient is under this age, then speak to your doctor regarding the possible risks.

Important Information for Pregnant Women

Anafranil is categorized under FDA category C which indicates That it may pose a risk to the unborn fetus.

Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication.

Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.

Side Effects

Report the following side effects to your doctor only if they become bothersome or do not stop on their own

dry mouth, drowsiness, and shakiness.


The following side effects require immediate medical attention. So report these to your doctor immediately.

a fast heart rate, seizures, or suicidal thoughts.