Clomipramine is the active ingredient in the medication known as Clomicalm®, a behavior modification drug that is used in dogs suffering from canine separation anxiety as well as numerous other anxiety-based behavioral problems.
What is Clomipramine (Clomicalm®)?
Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant medication that is believed to selectively inhibit the reuptake of serotonin. The most significant medicinal effects of clomipramine are believed to be exerted by preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at the level of the neuronal membrane.
What are the Usages of Clomipramine or Clomicalm®?
Clomipramine (Clomicalm®) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat canine separation anxiety, which is its most common usage. However, clomipramine is also used to treat canine obsessive-compulsive disorders, anxiety produced by phobias, and aggression. Although it is not approved by the FDA to treat disorders other than canine separation anxiety, it is widely accepted as useful for treating conditions in which an anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) medication is needed.
Clomipramine and Behavior Modification Training in Dogs
Clomipramine should always be used in conjunction with a behavior modification training program. The medication is not meant to be used as a sole means of controlling canine separation anxiety or any other behavioral condition, but rather as an aid to make the learning process easier for the dog. Behavior modification training techniques allow the dog to learn new desirable behaviors that replace any undesirable behaviors, while clomipramine acts to calm the dog's fears enough to make the learning process easier for him.
Clomicalm® requires several days to weeks to reach a steady-state concentration in the blood stream and become fully effective. As a result, in the first 10-14 days of a newly initiated behavior modification training program, a short-acting "rescue" medication may be needed to calm to the dog's fears when faced with circumstances that cause intense anxiety. Medications such as alprazolam (Xanax®) may be administered in conjunction with clomipramine to provide a short-acting anxiolytic effect for the dog during periods of extreme distress until the clomipramine becomes fully effective.
Potential Side Effects with Clomipramine in Dogs
The most common side effects seen in dogs receiving clomipramine include:
- anorexia
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- elevation of liver enzymes
- sedation (this may actually be viewed as a positive effect)
- anticholinergic effects (dry mouth rapid heart rate, etc.)
Clomipramine should be used with caution with other anticholinergic agents or other drugs that produce central nervous system depressant effects. Clomipramine used in conjunction with antithyroid medications, cimetidine and sympathomimetic agents may increase the risk of toxicities or other adverse reactions. In addition, clomipramine should not be used concurrently with monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as selgiline, deprenyl or amitraz.
Clomipramine Overdosage in Dogs
Overdosage with clomipramine can be a life-threatening toxicity evidenced by cardiac arrhythmia (irregular or abnormal heart rate), seizure activity and collapse of both the cardiac and respiratory systems. Every attempt should be made to avoid overdosing dogs with this medication. In the event of an accidental overdosage, immediate emergency veterinary care should be obtained.
Using Clomicalm® for Dogs with Canine Separation Anxiety and Other Behavioral Disorders
Clomipramine, or Clomicalm®, is a medication that can be used as an aid in treating canine separation anxiety and other behavioral disorders in dogs. When used with a behavior modification training program, clomipramine can be quite helpful in reducing anxiety related behaviors.
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