Compare Anafranil vs. desipramine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Anafranil (clomipramine)

Prescription only

Norpramin (desipramine)

Prescription only
Helps control obsessive or compulsive behaviors.

Anafranil (clomipramine) effectively treats obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but has potentially intolerable side effects.

Stabilizes your mood.

Norpramin (desipramine) is not a first choice for treating depression because of its effects on the heart, but it can be good if other medicines haven't worked.

Upsides
  • Anafranil (clomipramine) can help with falling sleep.
  • Anafranil (clomipramine) has a lower risk of causing heart problems compared to other medications like it.
  • Safe to use by children.
  • Norpramin (desipramine) is available in generic and in many different strengths, so the dose can be more customized.
  • Norpramin (desipramine) has fewer side effects than similar tricyclic antidepressants.
Downsides
  • Anafranil (clomipramine) is more likely to cause side effects than other medications for OCD.
  • Anafranil (clomipramine) can affect sexual performance for men.
  • It is not recommended for the elderly because it can cause fainting and falls.
  • Norpramin (desipramine) isn't recommended if you or your family has heart disease, seizures, or glaucoma.
  • Norpramin (desipramine) isn't a first choice for depression because it has more side effects than other antidepressants.
  • In some people, Norpramin (desipramine) can make you sleepy. In other people, Norpramin (desipramine) can keep you awake.
  • If you have diabetes, Norpramin (desipramine) can make your blood sugar go up.
  • Not recommended in children under 12 years of age.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
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$14.55
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$51.51
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Reviews
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Side effects
109possible side effects
  • Dry mouth
    84%
  • Sleepiness
    54%
  • Tremor
    54%
  • Dizziness
    54%
  • Headache
    52%
  • Constipation
    47%
  • Ejaculation failure
    42%
  • Fatigue
    39%
  • Nausea
    33%
  • Increased sweating
    28%
  • Insomnia
    25%
  • Upset stomach
    22%
  • Loss of appetite
    22%
  • Sex drive changes
    21%
  • Impotence
    20%
  • Nervousness
    18%
  • Weight increase
    18%
  • Abnormal vision
    18%
  • Sore throat
    14%
  • Urinary problems
    14%
  • Muscle contractions
    13%
  • Diarrhea
    13%
  • Joint pain
    13%
  • Abdominal pain
    13%
  • Runny nose
    12%
  • Menstrual cramps
    12%
  • Increased appetite
    11%
  • Burning/prickling skin sensation
    9%
  • Memory problems
    9%
  • Anxiety
    9%
  • Sleep disorder
    9%
  • Rash
    8%
  • Flushing
    8%
  • Changes in taste
    8%
  • Twitching
    7%
  • Vomiting
    7%
  • Memory impairment
    7%
  • Chest pain
    7%
  • Allergy
    7%
  • Weight decrease
    7%
  • Asthma attacks
    7%
  • Urinary retention
    7%
  • Itching of the skin
    6%
  • Gas
    6%
  • Changes in blood pressure
    6%
  • Stuffy nose
    6%
  • Coughing
    6%
  • Urinary tract infection
    6%
  • Ringing in the ears
    6%
  • Back pain
    6%
  • Impaired concentration
    5%
  • Depression
    5%
  • Tooth disorder
    5%
  • Hot flushes
    5%
  • Increased urination
    5%
  • Increased muscle tone
    4%
  • Fever
    4%
  • Palpitation
    4%
  • Fast heartbeat
    4%
  • Unusual milk production
    4%
  • Menstrual disorder
    4%
  • Pain
    4%
  • Ear infections
    4%
  • Changes in heartbeat
    4%
  • Psychosomatic disorder
    3%
  • Yawning
    3%
  • Confusion
    3%
  • Speech disorder
    3%
  • Abnormal dreaming
    3%
  • Agitation
    3%
  • Migraine
    3%
  • Excess tearing
    3%
  • Social detachment
    2%
  • Irritability
    2%
  • Mood swings
    2%
  • Skin irritation
    2%
  • Acne
    2%
  • Dry skin
    2%
  • Gastrointestinal disorder
    2%
  • Difficulty swallowing
    2%
  • Local swelling
    2%
  • Chills
    2%
  • Nose bleed
    2%
  • Painful urination
    2%
  • Bladder pain
    2%
  • Vaginal itching
    2%
  • Increased vaginal discharge
    2%
  • Breast enlargement
    2%
  • Pupil dilation
    2%
  • Thirst
    2%
  • Muscle twitching
    2%
  • Tingling or burning sensation
    2%
  • Hypertonia
    2%
  • Panic reaction
    2%
  • Aggressive reaction
    2%
  • Muscle weakness
    2%
  • Abnormal skin odor
    2%
  • Excessive burping
    2%
  • Sores around the mouth
    2%
  • Lack of energy
    2%
  • Bad breath
    2%
  • Fainting
    2%
  • Dyspnea
    2%
  • Laryngitis
    2%
  • Changes in pupils
    2%
  • Eyelid twitching
    2%
  • Eye allergies
    2%
  • Balance problems
    2%
  • Anemia
    2%
See more detailed side effects
The Norpramin (desipramine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Age 24 years or younger
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Antidepressants
    • Lithium
    • Triptans
    • St. John's wort
    • Fentanyl
    • Tramadol
    • MAO inhibitors
  • Seizures
    • History of seizure
    • Taking other medicines that increase seizure risk
    • Brain damage
    • Alcoholism
  • Withdrawal symptoms
    • Stopping Anafranil (clomipramine) suddenly
  • Low blood pressure
    • Age 65 years or older
  • Eye problems
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Higher risk of suicide
    • People under age 24
  • Possible bipolar disorder
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Tricyclic antidepressants
    • Fentanyl
    • Tramadol
    • Buspirone
    • ADHD medicines
    • Triptans
  • Changes to the heartbeat
    • History of heart disease
  • Higher risk for seizures
    • History of seizures
    • History of brain damage or alcohol withdrawal
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Anafranil (clomipramine)
Learn more about Norpramin (desipramine)