Compulsive behavior is a characteristic of a mental disorder called obsessive-compulsive disorder. According to the Mayo Clinic, compulsive behaviors refer to repetitive behavior that is meant to calm any anxieties or obsessions. For example, washing the hands for four hours to make sure all the bacteria is removed is a compulsive behavior. Antidepressants are used in the treatment of compulsive behavior.
Clomipramine
Clomipramine is a tricycyclic antidepressant medication used to treat compulsive and obsessive behavior. According to Drugs.com, this medication works to balance the chemicals in the brain that cause compulsive and obsessive behaviors.
Clomipramine's side effects include a dry mouth, blurry vision, increased sweating, a low sex drive, anxiousness, restlessness, dizziness and vomiting or nausea. Clomipramine also causes difficulty concentrating, nightmares, frequent urination, a sudden headache, confusion and muscle stiffness. Pale skin, easy bleeding or bruising, light-headedness and fainting are additional clomipramine side effects. Also, clomipramine can increase the chance for developing suicidal thinking or behavior.
Suffering from kidney or liver disease, heart disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, glaucoma or a thyroid problem may necessitate a change in clomipramine's dose.
Fluvoxamine
Fluvoxamine belongs to a class of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Like clomipramine, it works to balance the chemicals in the brain.
According to Drugs.com, fluvoxamine's side effects include seizures, dizziness, drowsiness, strange dreams, a decreased sex drive, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, impotence and anxiety. Fluvoxamine also causes lack of coordination, anxiety, an uneven heartbeat, stiff muscles and overactive reflexes. In some cases, fluvoxamine can cause rapid breathing, strange thoughts or behaviors and a fast heartbeat.
Suffering from seizures, epilepsy, suicidal thoughts and bipolar disorder may require a change in fluvoxamine's dose to prevent any of the aforementioned effects.
Combining fluvoxamine with such drugs as alosetron, tizandine, pimozidone and rasagaline may lead to potentially fatal drug interactions.
Sertraline
Sertraline, like fluvoxamine, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. According to MedlinePlus, its side effects include nervousness, a dry mouth, gas, a headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight changes, a sore throat, uncontrollable shaking, weight changes, loss of appetite, constipation and bloating. Sertraline also causes excessive sweating, hallucinations, fever, confusion, abnormal bleeding or bruising, muscle stiffness, an irregular heartbeat and a sore throat.
Sertraline may be combined with such drugs as imipramine, amitriptyline, amoxapine, sumatriptan, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, aspirin and warfarin. The combination may require dosage changes to prevent any side effects.
