Anafranil belongs to the tricyclic group of antidepressants.
Drug Uses
Anafranil is used for the treatment of depression, anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It is also prescribed as a painkiller for certain conditions.
How Taken
Anafranil is to be used as prescribed by a doctor. It should be taken with food to avoid the possibility of stomach upsets. Beneficial effects of Anafranil may not be apparent for up to three weeks. Do not stop taking Anafranil without consulting your doctor, even if you feel better.
Missed Dose
If a dose is missed, it can be taken as soon as you remember, as long as it does not clash with the next scheduled dose. In this case, rather skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.
More Information
Anafranil is to be used with extreme caution. Side-effects include dizziness, vision problems and drowsiness which may intensify if Anafranil is taken simultaneously with alcohol and/or other medication. Do not drive or carry out a potentially hazardous activity in the early stages of medication in case you react badly to Anafranil. If symptoms persist, or worsen, contact your doctor immediately. Anafranil is to be taken only by the patient for whom it was prescribed. Never increase or decrease the dosage without first consulting a doctor.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Anafranil, ensure that the doctor has a full knowledge of your medical history, including possible allergic reactions to any component of Anafranil. Patients suffering with the following conditions should use Anafranil with extreme caution: adrenal gland problems, glaucoma, heart problems, kidney or liver disorders, seizures, diabetes, difficulty in urinating, porphyria and other blood disorders. Anafranil should be prescribed with caution to patients on thyroid medication, electroshock therapy, as well as patients scheduled for surgery. Anafranil can intensify symptoms in patients who suffer Bipolar Disorder, as well as those with suicidal thoughts and other mental disorders. It is not yet known of any harmful effects Anafranil may have on a fetus. If you fall pregnant while taking Anafranil, contact your doctor immediately. Do not breastfeed while taking Anafranil. Anafranil should not be given to patients who have taken furazolidone or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, e.g. Phenelzine, in the last 14 days. Patients recovering from a heart-attack, and who are taking, Astemizole, Dofetilide, Terfenadine or Cisapride, should not use Anafranil. Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking (including herbal remedies) before using Anafranil, as certain medications can react adversely with Anafranil. Do not use medications that cause drowsiness while taking Anafranil, e.g. sleep aids. Do not over-exert yourself in hot weather while using Anafranil – heatstroke has been known to occur. In the early stages of using Anafranil, avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps or tanning beds, in case you experience adverse reactions. If you must go into the sun wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Elderly people may be more sensitive to Anafranil and therefore may require a lower dosage. Anafranil should be used with extreme caution in children less than 10 years of age as safety and effectiveness has not yet been established.
