Anafranil is the trade name of the drug clomipramine. It is in the class of drugs known as tricyclic antidepressants. It is indicated for patients who experience symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) such as recurrent, unwanted thoughts or feelings along with repeat actions.
The drug was first approved by the US Food & Drug Administration well over twenty years ago and so it is better understood in terms of efficacy, effects, and profile than most newer drugs.
Anafranil and Sexual Side Effects
Anafranil has a very well-known side effect profile, which includes sexually-based side effects. Namely, patients taking Anafranil sometimes experience a decreased or diminished sex drive.
Men taking the drug may also experience impotence (difficulty getting an erection), and both men and women may have difficulty reaching an orgasm.
The effect appears to affect both men and women equally, chiefly in the form of anorgasmia.
Anafranil's Sexual Side Effects in Men
In men, the side effect of anorgasmia is another term for delayed ejaculation. According to the US National Library of Medicine, delayed ejaculation is defined as "a medical condition in which a male cannot ejaculate, either during intercourse or by manual stimulation with a partner. Ejaculation is when semen is released from the penis."
Anafranil's Sexual Side Effects in Women
In women, anorgasmia is defined in the same general way except it refers specifically to failing to reach or having difficulty in reaching orgasm. The Mayo Clinic says that the condition is "actually a common occurrence, affecting more women than you might think."
Black Market Anafranil
As has been cited in some news reports, Anafranil is sometimes sought and obtained by men who want to 'last longer' sexually, since the drug has the effect of delaying ejaculation. Since it is not indicated for this purpose, any men who want to use it in this manner should consult with their doctor over whether or not it is a safe or smart way to go about lasting longer during sexual activity.
