Tricyclic antidepressants work by elevating the levels of certain natural chemicals found in the brain such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Deficiencies in the amounts of these chemicals can produce many of the symptoms associated with depression such as poor sleep patterns, feelings of low self worth, and melancholy.

By using antidepressants such as clomipramine to raise the levels of these chemicals a person can return to a more balanced feeling of well being. As well as being used to treat depression clomipramine also known as Anafranil, is commonly used to relieve the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD and helps to stabilize obsessive and compulsive behaviors such as constantly washing ones hands and reacting to things without thinking first which may interfere with daily life. Clomipramine is also used to treat panic and anxiety disorders and some types of chronic or recurring pain.

Some of the side effects that you may expect include blurred vision, vomiting, upset stomach, nausea, weight and appetite changes, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, flushing and sweating, fatigue and constipation. In some cases symptoms of anxiety may worsen temporarily when you first begin use of clomipramine.