Anafranil is used for:

Treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.Anafranil is a tricyclic antidepressant. It works by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain, which helps to reduce obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

How to use Anafranil:

Use Anafranil as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Anafranil comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Anafranil refilled.
• Take Anafranil by mouth with food to decrease stomach upset.
• It may take 2 to 3 weeks before you notice the effect of Anafranil. Continue to use Anafranil even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you take 1 dose daily at bedtime, do not take the missed dose the next morning.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Anafranil.

Possible side effects of Anafranil:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; irritability; loss of appetite; nausea; nightmares; sweating; tiredness; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness; weight loss or gain.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blurred vision or other vision changes; changes in sex drive; chest pain; confusion; decreased sexual ability; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; flushing; frequent or difficult urination; impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior; mental or mood changes (eg, increased anxiety, mood swings, agitation, irritability, nervousness, restlessness); numbness or tingling of the skin; panic attacks; ringing in the ears; seizures; severe dizziness or drowsiness; sore throat; stomach pain; suicidal thinking or behavior; swelling of the testicles; tremor; trouble sleeping; trouble walking or keeping your balance; twitching of the face or tongue; uncontrolled movements or stiffness of arms and legs; unusual bleeding or bruising; worsening of depression; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.

Proper storage of Anafranil:

Store Anafranil at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), in a tightly sealed container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Anafranil out of the reach of children and away from pets.