Clomipramine: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
Clomipramine hydrochloride capsules USP are indicated for the treatment of obsessions and compulsions in patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
- Data source
- FDA labeling via NIH DailyMed (label 7a2d0cf1…)
- Label version
- current
- Last reviewed
- 2026
Reported adverse reactions
Reactions listed in current FDA labeling, with the highest frequency reported across summarized placebo-controlled trials.
| Adverse reaction (as reported in labeling) | Reported frequency* |
|---|---|
| Dry mouth | 84% |
| Somnolence | 54% |
| Tremor | 54% |
| Dizziness | 54% |
| Headache | 52% |
| Constipation | 47% |
| Ejaculation failure | 42% |
| Fatigue | 39% |
| Nausea | 33% |
| Increased sweating | 29% |
| Insomnia | 25% |
| Dyspepsia | 22% |
| Anorexia | 22% |
| Libido change | 21% |
| Impotence | 20% |
| Nervousness | 18% |
| Weight increase | 18% |
| Abnormal vision | 18% |
| Abdominal pain | 16% |
| Pharyngitis | 14% |
*Highest percentage reported for the active moiety across placebo-controlled trial tables in current FDA labeling. Values reflect trial reporting, not your individual risk.
Labeled uses (from FDA prescribing information)
Clomipramine hydrochloride capsules USP are indicated for the treatment of obsessions and compulsions in patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The obsessions or compulsions must cause marked distress, be time-consuming, or significantly interfere with social or occupational functioning, in order to meet the DSM-III-R (circa 1989) diagnosis of OCD. Obsessions are recurrent, persistent ideas, thoughts, images, or impulses that are ego-dystonic. Compulsions are repetitive, purposeful, and intentional behaviors performed in response to an obsession or in a stereotyped fashion, and are recognized by the person as excessive or unreasonable. The effectiveness of clomipramine hydrochloride capsules for the treatment of OCD was demonstrated in multicenter, placebo-controlled, parallel-group studies, including two 10-week studies in adults and one 8-week study in children and adolescents 10 to 17 years of age. Patients in all studies had moderate-to-severe OCD (DSM-III), with mean baseline ratings on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS) ranging from 26 to 28 and a mean baseline rating of 10 on the NIMH Clinical Global Obsessive Compulsive Scale (NIMH-OC). Patients t…
Conditions associated with Clomipramine in labeling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clomipramine used for?
FDA labeling lists the approved uses shown above under "Labeled uses." This summary is informational; only a qualified prescriber can determine whether a medication is appropriate for you.
What are the most commonly reported side effects of Clomipramine?
The table above shows adverse reactions and the highest frequencies reported in placebo-controlled trials summarized in current FDA labeling for Clomipramine. Individual risk varies.
Does Clomipramine require lab monitoring?
Monitoring needs vary. Ask your healthcare provider whether any lab tests apply while taking Clomipramine.
Where does this information come from?
All clinical facts on this page were extracted from the current FDA-registered product labeling for this ingredient, published by manufacturers through NIH DailyMed. See the source link below.
Medical disclaimer: Educational content extracted from public FDA labeling. Not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.