Compare Elavil vs. Anafranil

Amitriptyline (formerly branded as Elavil) and Anafranil (clomipramine) are both tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), but they are used for different conditions. Amitriptyline is primarily FDA-approved for treating depression, while Anafranil is approved for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Amitriptyline is often used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention, whereas Anafranil is sometimes used off-label for anxiety. Both medications can cause side effects like sleepiness, weight gain, and dry mouth, but Anafranil has a higher likelihood of causing sexual problems in men and serious skin reactions. Amitriptyline is available only as a generic, while Anafranil is available as both a brand and a generic. Additionally, both medications require careful monitoring for suicidal thoughts, especially in younger individuals.