Clonil (amoxicillin) belongs to the tricyclic antidepressant class of medications. Clonil is the generic equivalent to the brand name medication Anafranil.

Clonil, and its brand-name counterpart, is most commonly used to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In studies it has shown to be among the most effective antidepressants available to treat OCD, inhibiting unwanted thoughts and the compulsion to perform a particular behavior over and over.

In addition to OCD Clonil is sometimes used to help treat:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Chronic pain
• Other disorders

While Clonil is effective at treating other conditions, it is not remarkably better than other antidepressants. This medication truly shines when used to treat OCD.

Treatment Overview

Clonil is believed to work by restoring imbalances of serotonin and other substances in the brain to more appropriate levels. While very effective, this is also a very potent medication which can produce serious side effects if misused. Patients are strongly encouraged to see a doctor for dosage and duration of treatment.

In otherwise healthy patients treatment is typically:

• Both adult and juvenile patients are usually started with low doses of around 25 mg. Dosage may be gradually increased over several weeks.
• Daily doses are often split into two or more smaller doses at the beginning of treatment to reduce side effects; at later stages maintenance doses may be taken once daily if desired.
• Single, large doses are typically taken in the evening as the medication may cause drowsiness.
• Starter doses should be taken with food; food is optional once maintenance doses are established.
• Most patients find 75 tp 100 mg per day to be sufficient.
• Maximum dose is 250 mg daily for adults and 200 mg daily for younger patients.

Improvements---more control over thoughts, fewer compulsions---are often noticed within days of starting treatment. However, it may take several weeks of use, particularly if dosage is increased, before substantial improvements are seen. Give the medication several weeks to work before deciding it's ineffective.

Once the condition is under control dosage may be lowered to some extent, as the lowest effective dose is desirable. Some patients do well on lower doses, but others will need to maintain higher doses for continued benefit.

Duration of treatment is difficult to determine and depends largely on what Clonil is used to treat. In chronic conditions treatment may continue indefinitely provided the medication continues to provide benefit and no side effects develop. Treatment often extends past 1 year.

Clonil use should not be stopped abruptly; doing so may result in both psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms. A doctor can help develop a discontinuation plan.

Potential Complications

Dosage and duration of treatment can be modified by numerous factors, including age, weight, other medical conditions, other medications being taken, and so forth. It's important to see a doctor to get the ideal dose of this medication.

Patients taking any other medications, but particularly other antidepressants or sedatives, should double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing them with Clonil. This also applies to recreational drugs, such as alcohol and marijuana (both of which can have a sedative effect).

For the most part Clonil side effects are rare and mild, similar to those of any medication; headache, nausea, dry mouth, and so forth. Some side effects are potentially dangerous, however, and warrant medical attention:

• Changes in heart rhythm
• Difficulty paying attention
• Difficulty speaking
• Memory loss
• Very high fever
• Persistent fatigue or drowsiness
• Jaundice
• Seizures or uncontrolled movements
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Confusion or disorientation
• Personality changes

If serious side effects do occur, Clonil dosage may be reduced or treatment stopped altogether. Side effects usually reverse when treatment is stopped.

Patients under 24 years of age who take Clonil or any antidepressant are at a slightly increased risk of anger or hostility, impulsiveness, loss of inhibition, and suicidal thoughts or depression, as well as other personality changes. If these are going to affect a patient they nearly always occur in the first few months of treatment. Increased monitoring may be advisable.