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Compare Anafranil vs. Luvox

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

Key takeaways

Clomipramine (Anafranil) and fluvoxamine (Luvox) are both used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but they belong to different medication classes. Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), while fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Clomipramine can be used in children as young as 10 years old, whereas fluvoxamine can be used in children as young as 8 years old. Clomipramine often causes side effects like dry mouth, sleepiness, and weight gain, while fluvoxamine commonly causes nausea, sleep problems, and headache. Fluvoxamine is considered a first-choice treatment for OCD, but clomipramine is not due to its higher risk of side effects. Additionally, fluvoxamine has a higher risk of medication interactions compared to clomipramine. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Clomipramine (Anafranil)
    Fluvoxamine
  • Clomipramine (Anafranil)
    Fluvoxamine

  • Summary of Anafranil vs. Luvox

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Clomipramine (Anafranil) is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can be used by children as young as 10 years old. The medication is taken by mouth and your dosage might increase over several weeks. Clomipramine (Anafranil) isn't a first-choice medication because of the high risk for side effects such as dry mouth, sleepiness, weight gain, and headaches.

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Fluvoxamine maleate is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's one of the first-choice treatment options for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children ages 8 years and older. Fluvoxamine is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily, depending on your dose and whether you're taking the immediate-release tablet or the extended-release capsule. Fluvoxamine can cause a number of unpleasant side effects, including nausea, sleep problems, and headache. The brand name (Luvox) is no longer available.

  • Indications of Anafranil vs. Luvox

    Indications for
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
    Indications for
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

  • Pros and Cons of Anafranil vs. Luvox

    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Can help lessen unwanted thoughts and compulsions for people with OCD
    •Can be used in children as young as 10 years old
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on your response
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •More likely to cause bothersome side effects compared with other medications for OCD
    •Can affect sex drive or sexual performance for men
    •Unknown if long-term use (more than 10 weeks) is safe
    •Careful use in people with certain medical conditions (e.g., overactive thyroid or glaucoma)
    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •First-choice treatment option for OCD
    •Can be used in children as young as 8 years old
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Can take before bedtime to sleep through drowsiness side effect
    Cons
    •Might need to take twice daily, depending on your dose
    •Can cause a lot of side effects, such as sleepiness, trouble sleeping, and loss of appetite
    •Can interact with many medications, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex), carbamazepine (Tegretol), and diltiazem (Cardizem)

  • Common Side Effects of Anafranil vs. Luvox

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth (63-84%)
    •Sleepiness (46-54%)
    •Dizziness (41-54%)
    •Tremor (33-54%)
    •Headache (28-52%)
    •Constipation (22-47%)
    •Sexual problems in males (6-42%)
    •Tiredness (35-39%)
    •Nausea (9-33%)
    •Sweating more (9-29%)
    •Trouble sleeping (11-25%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablets:

    •Nausea (40%)
    •Headache (22%)
    •Sleepiness (22%)
    •Trouble sleeping (21%)
    •Dry mouth (14%)
    •Weakness, feeling like you have no energy (14%)
    •Nervousness (12%)
    •Dizziness (11%)
    •Diarrhea (11%)
    •Constipation (10%)
    •Upset stomach (10%)

    Extended-release capsules:

    •Trouble sleeping (35%)
    •Nausea (34%)
    •Headache (32%)
    •Sleepiness (27%)
    •Weakness, feeling like you have no energy (26%)
    •Diarrhea (18%)
    •Loss of appetite (13%)
    •Dizziness (12%)

  • Warnings of Anafranil vs. Luvox

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Mania
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Seizures
    •Dizziness and falls
    •Eye problems (Angle-closure glaucoma)
    •Low sodium levels
    •Serious skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Dangerous medication interactions
    •Worsening of glaucoma
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Higher bleeding risk
    •Mania
    •Seizures
    •Low sodium levels in the blood
    •Sexual problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Anafranil vs. Luvox

    Learn more about Clomipramine
    Learn more about Fluvoxamine

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