Posted by natg on December 6, 2000, at 10:05:59
In reply to Re: Need info on Anafranil, posted by SLS on December 5, 2000, at 22:23:39
> > I am bipolar/ADD and currently take lithium, zyprexa, and dexadrine. For various reasons, I have been unable to take most ADs. The SSRIs caused mania, Serzone didn't touch my depression, and Effexor caused sexual dysfunction. Tonight, my MD suggested Anafranil. It is one of the only drugs that I know nothing at all about. CAn anyone here enlighten me? Thanks a lot! Lin
>
Hello, Lin:
I tried Anafranil and the side- effects were very difficult to endure. I turned into a total zombie.
I was not too impressed with this med.
As Scott suggested, Lamictal is a good choice so is Depakote or Tegretol.
I personally prefer Lamictal or Neurontin-- they are both mood stabilizers and have AD properties.Just some thoughts.
All the best to you,
Nat
>
> Hi Lin.
>
> Anafranil (clomipramine) is a tricyclic antidepressant and belongs to the family that includes Tofranil (imipramine), Elavil (amitriptyline), Pamelor (nortriptyline), Norpramin (desipramine), and Sinequan (doxepin). Any side effects you may have experienced with these drugs are potentials of Anafranil. In addition to the tricyclic-type side effects it produces some SSRI-like side effects, including sexual dysfunction. Anafranil is considered to be a very "dirty" drug in that it does so many things other than what it is "supposed" to do.
>
> Aside from the MAOIs, Anafranil has shown itself as being perhaps the most effecacious antidepressant available. Because there is so much variability in the way any two individuals react to the same medication, I would not discourage you from trying it. I would only suggest that you discuss with your doctor the potential for Anafranil to produce mania. Seeing as how lithium and Zyprexa do not prevent the SSRIs from inducing mania, I would also suggest that you explore other mood stabilizers while keeping your existing ones. Depakote or Lamictal might help. Lamictal alone possesses antidepressant properties. If you have not yet tried it, you may want to give it a try prior to beginning Anafranil.
>
> Again, Anafranil is a very powerful antidepressant and antiobsessional drug that often works when many others have not.
>
> Good luck.
>
> Sincerely,
> Scott
poster:natg
thread:49993
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001130/msgs/50050.html