Clomipramine - Clomav, Clomicalm
What is it used for?
Clomipramine is a long-acting, baseline anti-anxiety medication that is usually given daily for a minimum period of several months. It is used in pets that have anxiety or behaviour problems that benefit from a long acting medication. Clomipramine is registered for the treatment of separation anxiety in dogs, noise disorders, and urinary spraying in cats, though is often used for other anxiety based issues.
How is it used?
Any behaviour medication works best when used alongside a behaviour modification.
Therapeutic effects are usually seen within 4-6 weeks. Medication is usually continued for at least two months after a good response to help support a behavioural modification plan. For most behaviour medications, 6-12 months is considered short term.
You’ll need to have a revisit 4-8 weeks after starting this medication.
How does it work?
Clomipramine is one of the only medications registered for the treatment of anxiety disorders in animals in Australia. It is from a group of medicines called TCA (tricyclic antidepressants). Despite the name, TCAs can be used for many other conditions, not just depression. This medication increases the amount of serotonin (a brain chemical that regulates anxiety and mood) over the long term. It also increases the level of noradrenaline, which can help to reduce arousal and anxiety.
What are the side effects?
The most common side effects when starting the medication include decreased appetite and lethargy. These are usually mild and only occur in the short term, resolving in 10-14 days. Generally pets will take ‘special’ meals (eg chicken) well and can be well managed over this period. Please contact your vet if you your dog is not eating 60% of their diet, or is feeling unwell.
Other rare effects include vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, panting, irritability, paradoxical. increase in anxiety, noise sensitivity, increased drinking due to dry mouth and light sensitivity. Neurological signs such as trembling and shaking may be seen at higher doses.
There is no strong evidence that clomipramine reliably increases aggression in dogs. The concern largely comes from one study, where 4 dogs (in a study of 60) being treated for anxiety disorders, showed signs of aggression. Any behavioural medication can cause an increase in activity or agitation, and any dog should be monitored closely.
If any of the above signs occur, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Are there any other interactions?
Some alternative therapies such as St John’s Wort and tryptophan supplements can cause more side effects. Other medications such as Trazodone (another behaviour medication), and Clonidine (catapres) may affect your pet. Speak to your vet about any other medications or supplements your pet is taking.
Where do I get it?
As a pet medicine, Clomipramine is only available through a pet pharmacy online, or a vet clinic.
