Anyone else dealing with clomipramine side effects?

[peggy26]

My daughter takes 150 mg of clomipramine, plus gabapentin, Vyvanse and now a small dose of Lexapro. But we're pretty sure the clomipramine is the culprit on side effects. Her heartbeat races (resting is 100-110, minor exertion and she's over 140), she gets dizzy/faint when she stands up, has no physical stamina, and sweats excessively. (That last is especially hard to deal with as a 19-year-old girl.) Anyone else out there dealing with this? We tried reducing the clomipramine by 25 mg over the summer but she fell apart emotionally, with her OCD roaring back. But her side effects are so bad we're thinking of trying again, this time while gradually adding Lexapro as a support.

[Sallyskins]

I took clomipramine for many years before being switched to sertraline. Clomipramine is a really good medication for OCD. Having been hailed as a wonder drug when it first came out in around 1967, it has largely been superseded by newer drugs.

The main side effect I had with clomipramine was that it made me feel dopey. I actually occasionally dropped off to sleep at my desk at work. But on the whole it worked well. I took a relatively high dosage - 250 mg a day - but nothing else.

Is there any reason why your daughter is on clomipramine rather that a newer SSRI antidepressant? Clomipramine can still be prescribed for patients who don't tolerate SSRIs well, but it's relatively rare.

If she can tolerate SSRIs and they work for her, could she give sertraline or similar a go? They have fewer side effects and she might feel better on one.

It's often a trade off - good effects of the medication versus side effects - but it sounds as though these side effects are just too much for her. Perhaps have a word with both a psychiatrist and a pharmacist to try to sort this one out.

[peggy26 in reply to Sallyskins]

Thank you; appreciate your perspective. (And yes, I had resisted Clomipramine for years for her because of the side effects, but she had maxed out on 3 SSRIs and we needed another option.)

[Sallyskins in reply to peggy26]

It sounds as though your daughter is really struggling on clomipramine. There is another option, though it isn't a standard treatment. There have been studies on a natural substance called inositol that have had good results with really stubborn and drug resistant OCD. Side effects are rare and minimal and it appears to be safe to take. It doesn't need a prescription - it can be purchased over the counter in some health food shops and drug stores.

Large daily doses are necessary - about 18 g (that is g, not mg!)

Here are a few links that will give you some information about it:

greatplainslaboratory.com/a...

iocdf.org/expert-opinions/o...

One of these links is from the IOCDF who run this forum.

[peggy26 in reply to Sallyskins]

thank you! we had tried that too, but probably not at a high enough dose to give it a fair shot.

[Raghul007]

Idk. Medication does not work me . All i got is blurry vision and drowsiness due to medication. My suggestion for a teenager is to be with friends and people . Do your work. Never be alone. Keep yourself busy

[Hidden]

RN here. I remember learning years ago that every time you add a new medication you add 8 new potential medication interactions. I recommend consulting with a pharmacologist. Pharmacologists know much more about medications than anyone else.

[peggy26 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you -- good suggestion

[Adele62]

Increased heart rate is very common. Ask your prescriber about a low dose of propranolol. This drug also helps with anxiety.