Clomipramine HCl

What is this medication for?

• Obsessive-compulsive/ritualistic stereotypic behaviors, separation anxiety, storm phobia (adjunct)
• Urine spraying/marking

How is it given?

Give exactly as your veterinarian prescribed — never change the dose or stop on your own unless your veterinarian has told you to.

What if I miss a dose?

• Give it as soon as you remember — unless it is almost time for the next dose (then skip the missed one; never double up).
• Call your clinic if you miss more than one dose in a row.

Side effects — what should I watch for?

Effects listed as common in this handout

• Sedation, weight gain (More pronounced than in dogs (slower metabolite clearance))

Worth a phone call to your veterinarian

• Anorexia, emesis, diarrhea, ↑liver enzymes, drowsiness/low energy/tiredness (Primary reported effects)
• Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, unusually fast heart rate) (Rare at therapeutic doses)

⚠️ Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic IMMEDIATELY if you notice

• Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, severe vomiting or diarrhea, facial swelling, or pale gums

Before starting (or refilling), tell your veterinarian if your pet:

• has or has had: Prior TCA hypersensitivity; concurrent MAO inhibitors
• has or has had: Cardiac disease (rhythm disturbances); pre-existing seizure disorders (may lower threshold); avoid aged cheeses/high-tyramine foods

• is pregnant, nursing, or used for breeding
• is taking any other medications, supplements, or flea/tick products, including:
  • MAO inhibitors (selegiline, amitraz)
  • SSRIs (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)
  • Cimetidine
  • Cisapride, quinidine
  • Meperidine, pentazocine, dextromethorphan

Storage and handling

Veterinary tablets: dry place, controlled room temp (15–30°C). Compounded tuna-flavored liquid available for cats without loss of efficacy.

Good to know

• Superior to amitriptyline for compulsive disorders in dogs, but not effective for dominance-related aggression.
• In cats, urine-marking relapses quickly (abruptly) after drug discontinuation — set owner expectations for a longer-term commitment or plan for tapering with behavioral support.
• Narrow margin of safety — clinical signs can appear at only 2–3× therapeutic dose; treat any suspected overdose as an emergency.