Clomipramine and Constipation: What Users Say

• hel...
• November 11, 2013

Clomipramine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "It has worked really well for my severe OCD, depression, anxiety, and panic. It stabilizes my mood too. The side effects are awful for me, though. Sexual side effects (like my genitals are numb) and severe constipation are the two side effects that keep me from being on a more therapeutic dose. At 100mg, the side effects are bad. At 50mg I'm OK in terms of side effects, but the benefits are minimal. I will be going up to 75mg and see how that goes. In the past, I had been on 150mg and then 200mg. I had never been happier. I think I may have been too happy rather than normally happy, though."

• Kar...
• August 17, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have tried all SSRIs for my OCD, but they made my condition worse and caused me suicidal thoughts, aggression, and depression. Taking those pills for several months (3 to 4 months on each SSRI), I had to quit them because I had several suicide attempts. Then I met with a doctor after years of struggling who gave me clomipramine! It stopped my suicidal thoughts and reduced my OCD by 90%. Now I have very few obsessions which are very easy to handle. They don't affect me. I started with a very low dose and raised it to 50mg within 3 weeks. Then I noticed a first small difference. After that, I slowly increased my dose to 150mg/day in week 5, and after week 7 (on 150mg/day), it reduced my symptoms by 90%. I am a 21-year-old guy and my weight is 50kg. Loss of libido, dry mouth, little constipation, and mild urinary retention can be a problem for you also, but this medicine is worth it, some of the side effects will go over time. It is old, that doesn't mean it won't work. This medicine is WORTH IT!!!"

• Bat...
• July 17, 2013

For Depression "This medicine saved my life. I have now been on it for 12 years for anxiety and depression. I tried a whole slew of SSRIs over a three-year period with minimal success prior to clomipramine. A week after starting clomipramine, I started to feel better but had some major side effects (dry mouth, constipation, and later weight gain). With the SSRIs, I had no or minimal side effects. I thought maybe these side effects mean the medicine is working. The side effects continued for about 5-6 weeks, but I started to feel like my old self. I gained about 15 pounds in the first 8 months, but I didn't really care because I could live again and enjoy my family and friends. The weight all came off after about a year with exercise and eating right. Awesome!"

• Liv...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 2, 2017

Clomipramine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been taking Anafranil 100mg for a year now and it has changed my life. I have battled with OCD, severe anxiety, panic disorders, and intrusive thoughts since I was young. While trying different drugs, finally at the age of 40, one drug works for me and this is it. I still have the 'thoughts' but instead of obsessing over them, they pass by like moving cars. The side effects are bothersome: dealing with constipation, bloating, sweating, insomnia, twitches. I don't believe I can ever function without this medication and instead maybe lower my dosage to see if it reduces the side effects."

• Tha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 10, 2016

Clomipramine for Panic Disorder "I had a break up and was suffering extreme anxiety and depression. I was not functioning at work, in life, and suffered for several months. I was getting worse and worse, not sleeping, and finally broke down and decided to take an antidepressant. After about 4 days, something changed a little. Within two weeks, my anxiety went away, and I began sleeping again as well. I weaned off of the Ativan I was taking, and this drug saved my life. I probably would have been hospitalized if I didn't go on it. Side effects: sweating (a lot), constipation, and of course, ejaculatory issues, but I could still have sex with my partner. These side effects were easy to deal with when compared to my anxiety. Saved my life!"

• Anonymous
• June 17, 2011

Clomipramine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I've been using Anafranil for 6 years. It has helped me a lot. On occasion, I still struggle with obsessive thoughts but have been able to bring it under control both times by myself. I rated this an 8 because of dry mouth and constipation problems. Eat your fiber big time. After several years, the dry mouth problem got better and only returns when I'm under stress. I sleep well on this drug and did not sleep as well on the SSRIs."

• ove...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 16, 2024

For Depression "This has to be the best medicine. I replaced it with my depression bad. As I stopped taking it without Dr. consent, I honestly was very bad. Went twice to the hospital. After being put on these meds for 5 weeks, I got my life back. Never been this happy. I'm really overwhelmed writing this review. No side effects, only constipation, but settled quick. My depression is gone and the bad anxiety, for which I was taking Ativan up to 3 times a day, also gone. I'm alive again, going for morning walks every day, as I found it helped me a lot. What can I say? The best med ever. I honestly thought nothing was gonna work on my depression and anxiety. Here I am writing a review on it. 10 out of 10. Please give it a try."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• RJR...
• August 4, 2016

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have tried many of the SSRIs with no success. I was on a tricyclic many years ago with great results. My doctor put me on Clomipramine, and the results were good. I saw a good improvement in racing thoughts with a decrease in anxiety. I should have asked for this drug in the first place. The side effects are rough, though. I experienced excessive sweating, dry mouth, blurry vision, constipation, postural hypotension, and impotence/ejaculatory issues. I remember these effects from years ago when I was on a tricyclic. I would rather live with it than be paralyzed with anxiety."

• Ale...
• June 4, 2016

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have terrible OCD, and I went on this drug after Celexa stopped working after about 10 years. This drug is a miracle. Within 3 days, my OCD was subsiding. It took about 2 months to really see the complete effects. With that being said, there are more side effects than anything I've ever taken. I get manic from this medicine, constipation, trouble swallowing occasionally, sexual anorgasmia, and insane weight gain. I eat an amazing plant-based, paleo, and grain-free diet, and I still gain weight if I eat any fruit. But if you want a drug that's incredibly effective, this is a great option."

• OCD...
• February 3, 2017

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I've been taking clomipramine for a year now. I started at 200 mg and went quickly up to 300 mg (the max you can take). It gives me a very dry mouth and constipation. Also remember that this drug needs to be given in very high dosages to work (200 mg-300 mg). If a doctor just gives you 10 or 50 mg, it's not going to work. Also, this is an older drug, you likely will have to ask for it by name. I have pure obsessive disorder (no compulsions) and tried Prozac before this with no success. A few days on this and I noticed a big difference. I've been maintaining on 300 mg for a year now. I don't like the side effects, but I won't go off of it because it's been an amazing drug that works for me. It took away about 90%, and now I can easily manage what's left."

• Pka...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 7, 2017

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have been on this drug for 16 years, and it has been a lifesaver. The side effects were pretty intense at the start, mainly constipation, dry mouth, and I gained 15 pounds. I persevered with the side effects for about 3 months because I just felt so damn normal. The side effects went away, and weight returned to normal. I believe the only long-term side effect is excessive sweating. Oh well, I can live with that! I tried about 9 different meds for anxiety and depression, and none of them gave me any side effects at all. 1 week on clomipramine, and I was constipated big time and had major dry mouth but had joy back in my life! Can't live without it! Cost has gone up in Canada because I believe there are no longer any generic manufacturers."

• mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 17, 2018

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "This really does help after suffering from depersonalization (DP), OCD, and panic attacks for decades. I finally begged my psychiatrist to let me try this drug. I had literally tried every antidepressant and even some antipsychotic medication. All the other drugs I tried were kind of useless, so when I tried this drug, I was a bit hesitant. Though it really does help with OCD and DP, the 'terrible' thoughts started to fade after a few weeks, so the domino effect is that this decreases anxiety. I am not totally OCD and anxiety-free, and I don't think I ever will be, but this drug really takes the edge off it. The side effects are a bit tough, yet again, lack of sex drive and also annoyingly constipation, but it is well worth it. If the standard SSRIs are not working, I would totally recommend this drug, for me, it has been a lifesaver."

• Leo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 3, 2017

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "One of the better drugs I have taken. It sure works - for me, 125 mg completely erased my OCD-related depression and anxiety, but there is a side effects price: excessive sweating, constipation, and reduced libido."

• moa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 7, 2018

For Depression "It's the best medication I've ever had for MDD and GAD. It initially came with sedation, tremor, constipation, urinary retention, body pain, and so on, but after being on it for a year (and thanks to some acupuncture), all the side effects are gone. If not for the side effects, I'd recommend it to everyone! Only current downside is it only comes in 25 mg tablets, apparently, and I take 150 mg, so that's 6 tablets, and that runs out quickly."

• Sai...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2015

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was prescribed clomipramine for my obsessive-compulsive disorder. I have found that the clomipramine has helped a tiny bit with the obsessive-compulsive disorder, but I am currently at a small dose (50mg). I find this drug causes drowsiness and insomnia at the same time, so if I take it in the daytime, I am drowsy and appear 'out of it'; yet in the nighttime, not only am I drowsy and appear 'out of it,' but I also can't sleep! And since I started taking these pills, I have been constipated; if I pass gas while in the bathroom, someone I live with would accuse me of using laxatives since the bathroom would stink when I came out - and I didn't even get to poo! If these issues do not improve soon, I might stop taking them."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 7, 2018

For Depression "Since finally demanding to wean off this drug, my life has improved dramatically. My docs always said I could not afford to stop this med, although I had 7 hospitalizations and 3 suicide attempts. After 25 years and 30 grand out of pocket, I started the weaning process from 200 mg to now 25 mg. Cerebral blood flow was inhibited, as well as blood flow to all other organs. Most noticeably, I now have the return of erections. Constipation, which took me to the ER for manual extraction, is now gone. Urinary inhibition, sometimes up to 1 to 2 hours, is gone. This med worsened my depression in many ways and cost me 20 years of a good life, as well as the loss of career, family, self-confidence, dignity, respect, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in income, medical bills, and more. Hopefully, this may help others who are on this drug or are considering it for treatment, as well as docs who prescribe, especially long term. That’s all. Good luck to all!"

• wen...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 7, 2024

For Depression "I have been depressed nearly 33 years. I've tried 24 different medications, Spravato, and TMS. My psychiatrist suggested starting this. I'll be honest, I did not have high hopes about it at all, but after one week, I started feeling better. I've been on it now for approximately 6 months, and I've got my motivation back, the dark cloud that followed me is gone. I do have some side effects such as constipation and talking in my sleep, but I can deal with those. I know everyone is different, but my hope is that if it doesn't work, to not give up. There's a medication out there for you, you just have to keep looking."