Clomipramine-Induced Diabetes

Background: Clomipramine is a tricyclic agent with both antidepressant and antiobsessional properties. Like other tricyclics, clomipramine inhibits uptake of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. Clomipramine has anticholinergic side effects: retention of urine, reduced intestinal motility, increased eye pressure, orthostatic hypotension, and heart rhythm disturbance. Other side effects reported include weight gain, vomiting, diarrhea, and sedation.

Objective: To describe an 84-year-old woman who developed diabetes during treatment with clomipramine for depression.

Case Report: The patient was admitted to our hospital in December 2006 because of polyuria, dehydration, and obtunded sensorium 5 months after starting treatment with clomipramine, 25 mg/d, to control depression episodes. Her medical history was notable for well-controlled hypertension and atrial fibrillation; her medications were aspirin and irbesartan. …