Clomipramine
Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that strongly inhibits serotonin reuptake. It is used chiefly to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Serotonin transporter: A membrane protein that recaptures serotonin from the synaptic cleft into the presynaptic neuron. Clomipramine’s active form blocks this transporter, slowing serotonin reuptake.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder: A mental disorder characterized by intrusive obsessions and repetitive compulsions that cause distress or impairment. Clomipramine is an established medication option for reducing OCD symptoms.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor: An antidepressant class that primarily blocks the serotonin transporter. SSRIs are commonly tried before clomipramine because they generally have a more favorable safety profile.
Tricyclic antidepressant overdose: Poisoning from excessive tricyclic antidepressant exposure, which can cause seizures, low blood pressure, and dangerous heart rhythms. Clomipramine overdose can rapidly become life-threatening, particularly through cardiac toxicity.
Serotonin: A neurotransmitter and signaling molecule involved in mood, perception, sleep, and gastrointestinal function. Clomipramine’s principal reuptake effect increases serotonin signaling between neurons.
Desmethylclomipramine: The active metabolite of clomipramine, formed mainly by hepatic demethylation and especially active at norepinephrine reuptake. Its noradrenergic action shifts the drug’s effects beyond serotonin reuptake inhibition.
Exposure and response prevention: A form of cognitive behavioral therapy that gradually confronts feared situations while preventing compulsive responses. This evidence-based psychotherapy is a central treatment alternative or complement to medication.
Fluoxetine: A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat depression and several anxiety-related disorders, including OCD. Fluoxetine is an SSRI alternative for OCD with fewer tricyclic-type receptor effects.
QT interval: A measurement on an electrocardiogram representing the time for ventricular depolarization and repolarization. Clomipramine may affect cardiac repolarization, especially at high exposure or with interacting drugs.
Norepinephrine: A neurotransmitter and hormone involved in alertness, attention, stress responses, and autonomic regulation. Clomipramine’s active metabolite also inhibits norepinephrine reuptake.