Clomipramine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• Cur...
• March 15, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I've read so many scary reports about clomipramine and wanted to say to anyone feeling desperate that it has worked for me for panic disorder. Drugs respond differently to each individual; we aren't a textbook, and you must trust your gut instinct as to whether it's suiting you. Having tried multiple tricyclics and SSRI medications, it is the only one I can take. I'm very sensitive to medication and start on a slow titration of 10 mg for 2 weeks, then 20 mg for 4 weeks, and to 25 mg. It isn't easy at the beginning; I feel tired and my moods are all over the shop, but as the weeks go by, I feel more myself. The feelings of derealization and terror are overwhelming; clomipramine has allowed me to function. I was recently advised to stop clomipramine as there was a shortage and have been dealing with the awful effects of taking a medication that just didn't suit me. I'm now slowly returning to clomipramine (hoping stocks will continue). Chemicals are unpredictable, so be your best advocate of how you feel."

• per...
• September 24, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I first started suffering with OCD (intrusive bad thoughts) in my early twenties. I continued without seeking help but eventually, I was seen by a psychiatrist. The drugs prescribed were of no use, and I continued in pain and anxiety for many years, suffering the most horrendous headaches. At the age of 41, I again sought help. The new, brilliant, young female psychiatrist put me on clomipramine. I cannot thank her enough. I am now 73, still taking 25 mg clomipramine daily, if I can find them. Every 28 days, before asking for a repeat prescription, I have to call numerous pharmacies to see if they have any in stock. Sometimes, very rarely, I find 25 mg clomipramine tablets, but mostly 10 mg. I have a supply of 70 x 10 mg tablets for 28 days, taking 20 one day and 30 the next and so on. I cannot recommend clomipramine highly enough, it has been my lifesaver."

• vmr...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 7, 2016

For Panic Disorder "I have had anxiety and depression since childhood and self-medicated with alcohol and street drugs. I got sober 29 years ago, but after being sober for 2 years, I had a nervous breakdown. My doctor put me on Xanax and Clomipramine, I got better. Years passed, and I have had setbacks, and doctors prescribed all SSRIs and continued to increase benzodiazepines to an unsafe level. The doctors took me off the benzodiazepines and Clomipramine. My anxiety and depression have returned. I went back to my Clomipramine a week ago, and I already have my life back."

• Enj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2017

For Panic Disorder "Anafranil is really a wonderful drug. It helps people like me who have generalized anxiety and obsessions. Before this, I used Lexapro, it also did help but not that much and took longer, like about 5-6 weeks, to benefit from it. However, with Anafranil, it took only about one week to 10 days to feel positive results, which made me much calmer and saved me from terrible morning anxiety attacks. I only used 50 mg, and now I've been using 75 mg, and I felt great! Yes, side effects, especially sexual dysfunction, upset me, but it rather turned out to be delayed ejaculation, which is not so bad, especially for my partner. :) To cut a long story short, I really advise you to try this medication if you didn't have relief from SSRIs."

• UK ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 9, 2016

Clomipramine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have severe early onset OCD. I have found that clomipramine (Anafranil) has taken the edge off of it. I've been taking it for 4.5 years, SLOWLY building up to 200 mg, but have found that the side effects of this medication to be too much, in particular the excessive sweating. I am regularly dripping with sweat to the point I have been asked if it is raining outside because I'm soaked. I'm thinking of coming off of it because the sweating is exacerbating the OCD as I now have obsessions about it, and I'm constantly worried about people looking at me because I'm sweating so much, which isn't very feminine. I've tried to come off of it a few times, but every time I do, my OCD regresses into overdrive-highlighting how effective it is for OCD."

• Cal...
• April 13, 2009

Clomipramine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "From reading the medical literature, this is probably the most effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, but the side effects led me to change. After a year of use, I switched to a less taxing medication. The weight gain was too much, and it made me more confrontational with others. However, for bringing my initial problem down to a manageable level before switching, Anafranil was a lifesaver."

• JGh...
• June 4, 2020

For Depression "I was in SSRIs for 17 years, and it only helped the OCD. I was still pretty miserable with depression. No doctor mentioned it until I ended up in a psychiatric hospital, where they started putting me on clomipramine back in January of 2013. The first dosage of 25 milligrams gave me an acute anxiety attack. But I got over it. I went up to 50 mg in a few days and felt better. However, 100 mg made the symptoms worse, so I went back down to 50 mg, and I was happy as a clam within 2 weeks. I’ve never been this happy or optimistic in my life. The only side effect that has become a problem is a significant amount of weight gain, at least 40-50 lbs. I’m making every effort to reverse it."

• BeF...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2020

Clomipramine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I took Anafranil for 5 months at a dose of 25 mgs. Definitely took some power away from the intrusive thoughts, but not fully. Had a hard time with being tired in the morning, terrible dreams, mild constipation. On a positive note, I did not gain any weight and was able to work out regularly. Tried to go up to 50 mg, but that got rid of my libido. Felt like taking an upper and downer at the same time. Some of the time, I felt good, other times, I felt depressed. Unfortunately, couldn’t tolerate a higher dose. But if you really need to shut off the noise, this may be the way to go. Best of luck."

• Sha...
• August 31, 2017

Clomipramine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was on Effexor for 3 months, and I really liked it besides the fact it didn't help with my obsessive/intrusive thoughts. I did quite a bit of research on medications and decided to ask my doctor if I could try Anafranil. I have been on Anafranil for a month now, and it has really helped with the obsessing over intrusive, meaningless thoughts. In the beginning, it did spike my anxiety, which I used a benzodiazepine to help with until the anxiety calmed down. After that, I noticed I started to feel dizzy when I stood up fast, and it was another side effect. At this point, I began to get nervous, but I heard so many good reviews about this drug I really wanted it to work. After making it through my first month with it, the side effects began to lessen."

• Ste...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2023

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "This medication saved my life. I was dealing with intrusive thoughts every moment of my waking day, as well as horrible nightmares. From the first dose, I got some relief, and now the thoughts are gone entirely. It made me groggy at first and led to some insomnia, but it's gotten better. Sexual dysfunction, though, but having my mind back is the most important thing to me."

• Ady...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 30, 2015

For Depression "I had roller coaster episodes of depression that did not seem to be cured from multiple SSRIs that I tried. I'm struggling against depression for 6 years. The only miracle drug that worked is only clomipramine. Whenever I feel depression, I just have to adjust its dose, and it starts working again."

• Sam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 19, 2021

Clomipramine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Anafranil helped my OCD symptoms a little bit and helped me sleep at night. However, as my doctor increased my dosage, I started gaining weight, having horrible acne, and severe constipation. It also made me crave junk food like some kind of addict. I was on Anafranil for about 10 months and gained 40 lbs. I haven't taken Anafranil in about 8 months. I've lost the 40 lbs. I didn't have to go on a diet or anything, as soon as I was off the drug, my appetite went back to normal. However, 8 months later, and my colon is still not healthy. I still have major issues with constipation and bloating. My doctor had me try Zyliss, a drug for IBS, and it helps a little. I feel like Anafranil may have ruined my gut. I have a hard time leaving the house because I am so uncomfortable in my gut. I wish I had never taken this drug. I was much better off before."

• Ema...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 27, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "This drug has completely changed my life. I’m now 28 and have been suffering with OCD since I was a young child. I wasn’t prescribed anything until I was 18 and shifted through medications until I had a complete breakdown at 26. I was prescribed clomipramine by a psychiatrist for my OCD, and while it took many weeks to take full effect, I’m so thankful I stuck out the process. The side effects at first were not so nice, but looking back, it was NOTHING in comparison to the mental anguish of OCD. I highly recommend giving clomipramine a try if you’ve been prescribed it for OCD. I obviously still have occasional intrusive thoughts, but they are much, much easier to brush off now. I actually go through my day with maybe only five compulsions as opposed to the hundreds (not joking) I used to have."

• Lua...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 18, 2013

Clomipramine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "This drug was a miracle for me! My problem was that I was always late for any and every little thing I attempted to do, and it was ruining my life. It is very baffling for me because I started with only 25 mg, and within four days, I was automatically, not just on time, but early for everything, without any thought or effort! I was ecstatic. This phase lasted 3 weeks. The doc said I'd be a superwoman when she amped me up to 50 mg. Well, that made it stop working! I began to slowly regress, and then started to be extremely drowsy to the point of even falling asleep at the wheel -- and worse, it wasn't even working! We experimented with it, but it never worked again, and I am super sad about that."

• Phi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 5, 2023

Clomipramine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "So far, I have been on 25 mg for about 2 weeks. It has given me much more headspace than other antidepressants I've tried so far. Sometimes I can now redirect my attention and not fixate on the thoughts. Obsessive thoughts do still come, though, but I need to put in the work in ERP anyways. I am having good hopes for increasing the dose now. The only issue is it makes me really constipated right now. But compared to every other antidepressant, I believe this is one of the best for OCD."

• Sam...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 1, 2021

For Depression "Awesome drug! After trying almost all SSRIs with no improvement at all, then the combination of mixing Anafranil and lithium (I'm not bipolar) worked wonders for my depression. Have been on it for a couple of years now and still great. However, sadly did not notice its full effects until probably 6 months. Felt pretty yuk for the first 6 weeks, but then slowly got better, and about 12 months felt great. When nothing else worked, it pretty much saved my life!"

• Inf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2022

Clomipramine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "My experience with Anafranil over the past 3 months is as follows: severely chronic constipation, urinary retention that hospitalized me the other day, a 60 percent increase in my depression, a 90 percent increase in my overall anxiety, and at best a 15 percent decrease in my OCD symptoms. Not to mention the sexual dysfunction that includes painful orgasms and low libido, and then there's the constant dry mouth. I cannot for the life of me recommend this medication to anyone. I'm currently 5 days away from discontinuing this medication and replacing it with Prozac."

• Muz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 22, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I started using this drug, clomipramine, 5 weeks ago. I had been on Lexapro, which didn't help. After 3 months, my doctor put me on clomipramine as he diagnosed me with OCD. I had bad anxiety, depression, and major intrusive thoughts continuously all day long. I'm now up to 100 mg, four tablets at night just before bed. I also have to use sleeping tablets to get to sleep at the moment, but the intrusive thoughts have calmed down a lot. In the mornings, I wake up a little tired. I get mild constipation and dry mouth. Is 100 mg too big of a dose? Also, is it best to take this medication at night or morning? How long does it take to get the full benefit of this medication? Muzz"

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2024

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Started on clomipramine after being on SSRIs for 20 years. Weaned off Lexapro 40 mg and started on 25 mg of clomipramine. The first month has been rough, no sleep, extreme constipation, dry mouth, and anxiety, but 5 weeks in it’s getting easier and helping my OCD more than anything ever has. It’s also helped with my depression and irritability. I am now on 100 mg 5 weeks in, and things are looking better. Only side effects now are dry mouth and constipation."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2015

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been taking this drug for almost 3 months. It has helped significantly with intrusive thoughts and therefore decreased compulsions and being stuck on rituals. More than significant, actually. It is saving me, and I'm able to function better. The problem is I've gained 13 pounds. My hunger is never satisfied! It is always on my mind. I know my mental health is worth gaining some weight; however, it shows no stopping. I am not a thin woman; gaining too much weight makes me unhappy in terms of how I look. I have some joint problems too. Thanks for listening. I do not plan on quitting this med, for, as I said, it works great."

• Anonymous
• March 5, 2013

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I had suffered debilitating OCD from the age of six, and Clomipramine has improved my condition 95%. It also handles my chronic sciatica beautifully. Diminishes pain by about 70%! Constipation and sweating are my only side effects. And that's not much of a problem. I'm 45 and finally enjoy life."

• Mr ...
• March 9, 2016

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Clomipramine began improving my OCD symptoms within a couple of weeks and seems to have all but eliminated my intrusive, repetitive thinking at this point. I still have off days from time to time, but my therapist and doctor both agree that's to be expected. This stuff has taken me from not being able to function to getting back to my life. The only downside is I have experienced some difficulty reaching orgasm. Not every time, but from time to time. Erections are fine and libido is actually increased - due to just feeling so much better. All in all, that's a small price to pay for what feels like a restoration of my basic sanity."

• Dod...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 19, 2013

For Panic Disorder "I've been on clomipramine 15 years now, and it basically saved my life. I suffer terrible panic attacks, but they stopped straight away. I came off my 25 mg tablets for 9 months, felt good, but slowly my panic attacks came back, now back on 25 mg and feel good again."

• Sta...
• March 4, 2019

For Panic Disorder "Was put on 30 mg of clomipramine 6 years ago for intrusive suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, and agoraphobia. Can no longer get them in the UK, I don't know what the problem is. But worryingly, going to have to switch to something else. Initially, when I first started it, I almost came off the drug after 3 days, even at 3 weeks, as the dose was slowly increased, I was even more suicidal than ever, and the panic increased by 10. Glad I stuck with them, as they really ended up helping me so much. For those of you who are starting clomipramine and feel your symptoms get a lot worse, try and stay with it, because initially, it can get worse before it starts helping you, and clomipramine does seem to be a drug that initially can make things worse for a few weeks. But obviously, stay safe, and if you feel suicidal, speak to your doctor immediately. Not everyone will suffer bad initial side effects, so don't let that put you off. We are all very different, with different problems."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 30, 2019

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I’m 44. Have been living with terrible obsessive thoughts my whole life. Yes, I have depression and anxiety, but even when I felt “happy” and “free” from those, the thoughts wouldn’t stop. I thought I was just a negative person. Started researching and asked my dr if I could try Anafranil. Best decision I ever made. The thoughts were almost gone! Then I switched jobs and had to wait for new insurance to kick in. Anafranil was about $1,100 without insurance. I’m about to start again. The only thing I hate is the terrible dry mouth. Otherwise, it’s amazing!"