Hi, for years I was on 10 mg of chloripramine, which suited me . Then 4 years ago, I went up to 20mg after some stress. It’s been fine. Then I was feeling so much better earlier this year, I started occasionally taking 10 mg again. Then I was told they don’t make 10mg anymore, the lowest dose is 25mg. It was far too strong, and made me too fuzzy headed. The doctor said as I was feeling better, maybe I could try weaning myself off them. I did this, and was ok, then started getting dreadful withdrawal symptoms, and th depression which I hadn’t had for so long was coming back. So 3 weeks ago, doctor gave me imipramine 10mg to try. I’ve felt dreadful on them. Anxiety, depression worse, headaches, haven’t even been able to go to work. So phoned doctor Friday, who said she didn’t know which pill to prescribe, and suggested coming off them.and she would get a specialist to phone me to decide what to do. I didn’t take one Friday, and Saturday I felt so much better, much clearer headed and brighter. Didn’t take one Saturday, and yesterday felt dreadful! So took one last night. Doctor said to wean off every other night.
I’ve gone in a month from feeling completely normal, to depression and anxiety again. Has anyone found an alternative to chloripramine?
Written by
Patsymae
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I didn't know this, but apparently it's a more powerful serotonin reuptake inhibitor than any other medicine used, including all of the SSRIs. So unusually for a tricyclic, it gets used for OCD.
Yes , I read that, but I don’t have ocd, but was prescribed it 20 years ago for anxiety and depression. I live in south east, nowhere has 10 mg chloripramine
I think the replacement they already gave you, is maybe the closest thing there is in terms of chemical structure, (?), and so if that didn't work, then anything else is probably just going to be a guess as to whether it works for you / can be tolerated.
If other tricyclic don't work for you, then consider the tetracyclic mirtazapine. Not difficult to get a prescription for it, and the side effects may be way less than for tricyclics. (After the initial tiredness anyway.)
We are sorry to hear how you are feeling. It's a shame that the dosage which suited you now appears to have been discontinued.
Have you spoken to the specialist mentioned by your doctor yet? He/She will be best placed to advise you on other medication and on the best way to wean yourself off your existing medication.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.