Compare Anafranil vs. Prozac

Anafranil (clomipramine) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are both used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but they belong to different medication classes. Anafranil is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), while Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Anafranil can be used by children as young as 10 years old, whereas Prozac can be used by children as young as 7 years old. Prozac is also approved for other conditions like major depressive disorder, bulimia, and panic disorder, while Anafranil is specifically for OCD. Anafranil is more likely to cause side effects like dry mouth, sleepiness, and weight gain, whereas Prozac commonly causes headaches, difficulty sleeping, and nausea. Both medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in people under 25 years old. Anafranil is typically taken once a day at bedtime, while Prozac is usually taken once daily in the morning or once weekly, depending on the form.