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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by linkadge on August 21, 2018, at 14:47:21
In reply to Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by Hordak on August 21, 2018, at 11:51:06
Clomipramine really is a kick *ss antidepressant.
It is fairly rapid acting, but might take a few weeks for full effect. In terms of side effects, elevated heart rate at the higher doses.
It's great for sleep, depression and OCD.
Linkadge
Posted by SLS on August 21, 2018, at 15:31:53
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by linkadge on August 21, 2018, at 14:47:21
Clomipramine has significant anticholinergic side effects. I found them to be as potent, if not more potent, than imipramine. However, of the tricyclics, clomipramine will help the most people when treating depression. For treating OCD, it is more potent than the SSRIs. However, given its side effects, it might be better to try fluvoxamine first.
Anticholinergic side effects include:
dry mouth, dry nose, blurry vision, lowered gastrointestinal motility or constipation, urinary retention, cognitive and/or memory impairment, increased body temperature
- Scott
Posted by Hordak on August 21, 2018, at 16:49:36
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by linkadge on August 21, 2018, at 14:47:21
> Clomipramine really is a kick *ss antidepressant.
>
> It is fairly rapid acting, but might take a few weeks for full effect. In terms of side effects, elevated heart rate at the higher doses.
>
> It's great for sleep, depression and OCD.
>
> LinkadgeMy Depression & SAD is characterized by agitation, loss of appetite and sleep disturbances, among other things.
So Sertraline works quite well for me, but agitation and appetite didn't get better on Sertraline, but rather worse. And in addition Sertraline induced some of the notorious "Zombie-flatness" in me...
So I am wondering if a TCA like Clomipramine (Imipramine, Amitriptyline) might be better suited for that kind of symptoms and side effects?
Posted by Christ_empowered on August 21, 2018, at 17:28:44
In reply to Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by Hordak on August 21, 2018, at 11:51:06
hi. have you tried tofranil or the newer one, tofranil-pm? i did OK on tofranil-pm w/ additional stuff years ago. old school imipramine, on the other hand...well, didn't go so well.
on a side note...I do Orthomolecular, and the old school Orthomolecular doctors really liked anafranil for depression in people with 'severe mental ilness.' true story.
Posted by Hordak on August 22, 2018, at 7:27:10
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by Christ_empowered on August 21, 2018, at 17:28:44
> hi. have you tried tofranil or the newer one, tofranil-pm? i did OK on tofranil-pm w/ additional stuff years ago. old school imipramine, on the other hand...well, didn't go so well.
>
> on a side note...I do Orthomolecular, and the old school Orthomolecular doctors really liked anafranil for depression in people with 'severe mental ilness.' true story.No, didn't try that one.
I've tried Mirtazapine, which gave me Hair Loss and the compulsive urge to move my toes and feet.
Posted by Hordak on August 22, 2018, at 7:28:55
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by SLS on August 21, 2018, at 15:31:53
> Clomipramine has significant anticholinergic side effects. I found them to be as potent, if not more potent, than imipramine. However, of the tricyclics, clomipramine will help the most people when treating depression. For treating OCD, it is more potent than the SSRIs. However, given its side effects, it might be better to try fluvoxamine first.
>
> Anticholinergic side effects include:
>
> dry mouth, dry nose, blurry vision, lowered gastrointestinal motility or constipation, urinary retention, cognitive and/or memory impairment, increased body temperature
>
>
> - Scott
>
>
>Do anticholinergic properties help to lessen agitation?
Posted by linkadge on August 22, 2018, at 7:53:59
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')? » linkadge, posted by Hordak on August 21, 2018, at 16:49:36
It's difficult to say whether agitation will be better or worse on clomipramine. I would say that apathy / anhedonia (for me) were much better on clomipramine than sertraline.
Clomipramine was better for sleep. The noradrenergic effects can give you more energy, but for some, may increase agitation.
You'd have to try it to know for sure. However, I would say it's feel is only remotely similar to an SSRI. There are many other targets which give it a very distinctive effect.
Linkadge
Posted by Hordak on August 22, 2018, at 15:59:44
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by linkadge on August 22, 2018, at 7:53:59
> It's difficult to say whether agitation will be better or worse on clomipramine. I would say that apathy / anhedonia (for me) were much better on clomipramine than sertraline.
>
> Clomipramine was better for sleep. The noradrenergic effects can give you more energy, but for some, may increase agitation.
>
> You'd have to try it to know for sure. However, I would say it's feel is only remotely similar to an SSRI. There are many other targets which give it a very distinctive effect.
>
>
> Linkadge
>My first idea was to augment Sertraline with Nortriptyline, but those f*ck*rs have withdrawn it from the German Market.
Clomipramine seems like a multi-talent: strong SRI, strong NRI, moderate antihistamine, 5HT2-antagonist, antagonist of the alpha1-adrenergic-recpetors, strong neuro-regenerative features, all rolled into one pill.
SSRIs alone make me indifferent and apathetic. I need something in addition to boost my "motivation" & "hedonia"...
Posted by Christ_empowered on August 22, 2018, at 17:14:12
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by Hordak on August 22, 2018, at 15:59:44
i think wellbutrin is a more common add-on. people with extra nice doctors can get stimulants...ritalin, focalin, perhaps an amphetamine.
Posted by Hordak on August 22, 2018, at 17:40:47
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by Christ_empowered on August 22, 2018, at 17:14:12
> i think wellbutrin is a more common add-on. people with extra nice doctors can get stimulants...ritalin, focalin, perhaps an amphetamine.
>
>Problem is: I am quite skinny! I probably would loose some weight on Wellbutrin. Stuff that puts weight on me is welcomed ^^ :=D
Posted by linkadge on August 23, 2018, at 12:57:00
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by Hordak on August 22, 2018, at 15:59:44
Yeah,
I have taken SSRI + Nortriptyline combinations but can say that clomipramine is better. It has strong anti-OCD actions but doesn't leave you in the couch.
Initially, it might feel like an SSRI, but the metabolite is mainly an NRI. As the metabolite leves build, the drug has a totally different (complimentary) effect.Linkadge
Posted by Hordak on August 23, 2018, at 18:39:07
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')? » Hordak, posted by linkadge on August 23, 2018, at 12:57:00
> Yeah,
>
> I have taken SSRI + Nortriptyline combinations but can say that clomipramine is better. It has strong anti-OCD actions but doesn't leave you in the couch.
>
>
> Initially, it might feel like an SSRI, but the metabolite is mainly an NRI. As the metabolite leves build, the drug has a totally different (complimentary) effect.
>
> Linkadge
>Sounds nice. Thanks for your input :=))
Seems like it is the way to go (now I need to find a doctor who won't be afraid of prescribing it. Most doctors are solely focused on SSRIs & SSNRIs and go berserk if you even mention stuff like TCAs and - even worse - MAOI *lol*)
I tried augmenting Sertraline with Mirtazapine, and in some respects it was nice, but gave me terrible agitation in my feet & toes. I presume that is the notorious RLS?
Posted by Hordak on August 24, 2018, at 12:09:07
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')? » Hordak, posted by linkadge on August 23, 2018, at 12:57:00
> Yeah,
>
> I have taken SSRI + Nortriptyline combinations but can say that clomipramine is better. It has strong anti-OCD actions but doesn't leave you in the couch.
>
>
> Initially, it might feel like an SSRI, but the metabolite is mainly an NRI. As the metabolite leves build, the drug has a totally different (complimentary) effect.
>
> Linkadge
>
Did you experience "hot flashes" and "loss of appetite" with Clomipramine?
Posted by linkadge on August 24, 2018, at 16:25:30
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')? » linkadge, posted by Hordak on August 23, 2018, at 18:39:07
It's interesting. Some doctors know about 'Anafranil' (clomipramine), but they don't know this is a TCA!
If you have a doctor who has treated OCD for any length of time, they should have had a patient who was on anafranil.
Anafranil really is the gold standard for treating OCD.
Linkadge
Posted by linkadge on August 24, 2018, at 16:27:09
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')? » linkadge, posted by Hordak on August 24, 2018, at 12:09:07
>Did you experience "hot flashes" and "loss of
>appetite" with Clomipramine?I did not. For appetite, it was fairly neutral for me (actually increasing appetite to a normal level as I was very depressed)
Linkadge
Posted by Hordak on August 24, 2018, at 17:09:07
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by linkadge on August 24, 2018, at 16:25:30
> It's interesting. Some doctors know about 'Anafranil' (clomipramine), but they don't know this is a TCA!
>
> If you have a doctor who has treated OCD for any length of time, they should have had a patient who was on anafranil.
>
> Anafranil really is the gold standard for treating OCD.
>
> Linkadge
>
>According to Gillman it's also very good for depression, but surprisingly is not really acknowledged als antidepressant...
Posted by Lamdage22 on August 25, 2018, at 2:03:40
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by Hordak on August 22, 2018, at 15:59:44
Where u from Hordak? I am close to Frankfurt am Main
Posted by Lamdage22 on August 25, 2018, at 2:19:44
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by Lamdage22 on August 25, 2018, at 2:03:40
Why did they discontinue Nortrilen? Thats insane!
Posted by bleauberry on August 25, 2018, at 18:20:48
In reply to Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by Hordak on August 21, 2018, at 11:51:06
It was way too dirty for me. I mean, wow, I barely made it through a single day on a tiny dose. That stuff could make an elephant drunk. I think the med has good potential for anyone who can tolerate titrating up on dosage.
There's a drug with a similar name - adrafinil - overseas - which is related to modafinil - and I just mentioned that for grins. It happens to be a way better antidepressant with far fewer side effects than Anafranil, in my opinion.
Posted by Hordak on August 25, 2018, at 18:55:32
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by Lamdage22 on August 25, 2018, at 2:03:40
> Where u from Hordak? I am close to Frankfurt am Main
Hamburg ;=)
Posted by Hordak on August 26, 2018, at 12:01:59
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by bleauberry on August 25, 2018, at 18:20:48
> It was way too dirty for me. I mean, wow, I barely made it through a single day on a tiny dose. That stuff could make an elephant drunk. I think the med has good potential for anyone who can tolerate titrating up on dosage.
> There's a drug with a similar name - adrafinil - overseas - which is related to modafinil - and I just mentioned that for grins. It happens to be a way better antidepressant with far fewer side effects than Anafranil, in my opinion.How long were you taking it?
Posted by Hordak on August 27, 2018, at 11:57:07
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by Lamdage22 on August 25, 2018, at 2:19:44
> Why did they discontinue Nortrilen? Thats insane!
It is...
http://www.lundbeck.com/de/service/nortrilen-truxal
https://ptbs.blog/2017/05/05/nortrilen-gibts-nicht-mehr/
Posted by bleauberry on August 31, 2018, at 7:28:44
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')? » bleauberry, posted by Hordak on August 26, 2018, at 12:01:59
I think I lasted 3 days. It was tough. I mean, I couldn't even function. Exhaustion - much worse. Brain fog - much worse. Depression - mildly worse. Headache - gone.
I was trying to hold a job to pay bills for my family, while being psychiatrically sick at the same time. So heavy side effects like that were just not going to work.
I think if someone had the luxury of just laying around or being in seclusion for a few months to get acclimated to the side effects then maybe. A fast metabolizer, maybe. A heavyweight person, maybe. But me, no way. :-)
> > It was way too dirty for me. I mean, wow, I barely made it through a single day on a tiny dose. That stuff could make an elephant drunk. I think the med has good potential for anyone who can tolerate titrating up on dosage.
> > There's a drug with a similar name - adrafinil - overseas - which is related to modafinil - and I just mentioned that for grins. It happens to be a way better antidepressant with far fewer side effects than Anafranil, in my opinion.
>
> How long were you taking it?
Posted by Hordak on December 3, 2018, at 15:20:59
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')?, posted by bleauberry on August 31, 2018, at 7:28:44
3 days? ^^
Man, that sounds brutal. Maybe you are a slow metabolizer and had a toxic reaction?> I think I lasted 3 days. It was tough. I mean, I couldn't even function. Exhaustion - much worse. Brain fog - much worse. Depression - mildly worse. Headache - gone.
>
> I was trying to hold a job to pay bills for my family, while being psychiatrically sick at the same time. So heavy side effects like that were just not going to work.
>
> I think if someone had the luxury of just laying around or being in seclusion for a few months to get acclimated to the side effects then maybe. A fast metabolizer, maybe. A heavyweight person, maybe. But me, no way. :-)
>
>
> > > It was way too dirty for me. I mean, wow, I barely made it through a single day on a tiny dose. That stuff could make an elephant drunk. I think the med has good potential for anyone who can tolerate titrating up on dosage.
> > > There's a drug with a similar name - adrafinil - overseas - which is related to modafinil - and I just mentioned that for grins. It happens to be a way better antidepressant with far fewer side effects than Anafranil, in my opinion.
> >
> > How long were you taking it?
>
Posted by Skeletor on March 12, 2020, at 17:58:37
In reply to Re: Experiences with Clomipramine ('Anafranil')? » Hordak, posted by linkadge on August 23, 2018, at 12:57:00
> Yeah,
>
> I have taken SSRI + Nortriptyline combinations but can say that clomipramine is better. It has strong anti-OCD actions but doesn't leave you in the couch.
>
>
> Initially, it might feel like an SSRI, but the metabolite is mainly an NRI. As the metabolite leves build, the drug has a totally different (complimentary) effect.
>
> Linkadge
>
>
>
>How did the SSRI + Nortriptyline combination feel?
This is the end of the thread.
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