A question about Anafranil and its side effects

[vannpire]

Hello, to whomever reads this. I have a question regarding Anafranil's side effects.

I will recap the info from my previous posts as I am aware no one (nor anyone should) remembers what the side effects were... so here goes: Ever since I started taking Anafranil I've experienced severe constipation, problems starting urinating, total inability to ejaculate, mouth dryness and sleepiness (at my work place).

As of couple of days ago I have noticed that I no longer fall asleep at work, nor do I feel the need to take a nap - before that I used to fall asleep at my desk for 15 to 20 minutes at a time (usually once or twice a day). But as of last Thursday (I believe?) I have not once fallen asleep at work. I used to take two coffees a day and coke, but now I can go on with my day with just one cup of coffee in the morning and no need to take naps.

I also started noticing that slowly, but surely I hope, I started urinating more easily. I used to stay for 2 to 3 minutes before starting to urinate as I am feeling that I have troubles "pushing" it out (same goes for number 2, too). Last couple of days I feel like I get to pee easier and have to wait not longer than 30 seconds to 1 minute. So I guess there's an improvement in that area, too.

However, the other stated above side effects are still present. I still suffer from sever constipation - going to the toilet once a week (at best)... and, mind you, only after I have taken a few laxative chocolates and a suppository. And still experience troubles...

Also, my ejaculation troubles are still there, as is mouth dryness.

***

So the question is - are those going to get away eventually, will my body get used to them and will I ever stop experiencing the side effects?

I've been taking Anafranil (also Siranalen and Fluanxol) since May, 16th. I am not convinced I see any significant changes to my OCD. Maybe it's helped with my anxiety a bit, also I feel lighter in terms of my underlying depression. At least the latter two are not bothering me at the moment.

My next appointment with my psychiatrist is late September, so I just wanted to ask the folks who've taken Anafranil if they've noticed those side effects go away after some time. I don't want to change my meds again, as I'm afraid that doing so, I will start getting the side effects anew... which I'm not sure I want to happen, but at the same time I am not completely sure as to whether those meds I am taking now work as much, either. I can definitely say I feel more relaxed, I rarely put hands on my beard and pull hairs significantly rarer. I don't check on the stove and oven more than once (I sometimes even forget to do so!) etc.

Thanks for reading my ramblings, I'd appreciate if someone responds to this.

[Sallyskins]

I don't think they do go away - at least not in my experience. I took clomipramine (Anafranil) for quite a number of years. The mouth dryness I found went away after a few weeks, but the constantly feeling dopey didn't. I found myself dropping off on my desk at work!

I can't say anything about ejaculatory problems, being female, but it must be an unpleasant problem for you.

I took 250 mg daily, 100 in the morning, 50 midday and 100 before bed. I briefly had the dose upped to 400 daily - eight tablets, but the dry mouth returned, and I didn't notice any improvement in my OCD.

I totally get why you don't want to go on another medication - apart from the kicking in period, which can go on for 6-8 weeks, it might turn out not to be the one for you.

Perhaps consider taking inositol - a naturally occurring substance that can be bought over the counter in some health food stores and pharmacies. It's apparently safe and side effects are few. Large doses - around 18 g (that's g, not mg!) daily - are needed. It hasn't so far been give the go-ahead as a standard treatment, but trials have been promising - particularly in cases of hard-to-treat OCD.

I haven't tried it myself - I'm on sertraline, supplemented by a low dose of aripiprazole, and it's currently working for me, but I'd certainly consider it.

I think it can be taken alongside current medication, which would mean you wouldn't have to go cold turkey on the Anafranil.

[vannpire in reply to Sallyskins]

Thank you, Sally! Side effects not going away is rather discouraging, I will have to wait and see till September, I guess... But for some reason my sleepiness really did go away, I feel way fresher and energized than last week. But constipation is really bothering me. Did you have problems with that and if so - how'd you manage to negate them?

[Sallyskins in reply to vannpire]

Good that you no longer feel so dopey. That really affected me most of all. On being 'bunged' - it did affect me, and I suppose I really just put up with it! Go easy on the laxatives - I should think that taking them too regularly could be problematic.

[vannpire in reply to Sallyskins]

Thanks, Sally! I try not to take too much - it says half a chocolate, but it does nothing, so I eat the whole thing... and then again. I'm afraid the constipation could lead to another problem. I will definitely talk with my doctor when I see her next time, it causes a huge discomfort for me.

Thank you for your input.

[Coffeelove4444]

Hi, I have been taking Anafranil for thirty years. You are correct it can cause constipation, dry mouth, sweating, increased heart rate etc. I do find that it helps the OCD thoughts. It is important to get lots of fibre in your diet. You don’t say how much you are taking but a lower dose may be a possibility. Anafranil is a good drug but like all drugs it has side effects. Unfortunately it can take time to find what drug works for you with the most tolerable side effects. My doctor recently added a very small dose of Rexulti to my Anafranil because I started feeling more OCD thoughts. Be patient and good luck with your meds.

[vannpire in reply to Coffeelove4444]

Hello, thanks for your reply.

I'm currently taking 150 mg daily. 3 x 25 mg in the morning and 3 x 25 mg in the evening. I guess it's considered a lower dosage.

[Coffeelove4444 in reply to vannpire]

When I take my medication I take it before bed. Maybe that would help the drowsiness. There is no doubt meds make you sleepy. It is always a trade off as to what side effects you can manage. 150 mgs is not a high dose but as you know each individual can be effected differently by side effects.

[Natureloverpeace]

A licensed prescriber who is familiar with medications and their dosing for OCD would be qualified to answer this question. Many prescribers don’t have the knowledge for this. Anafranil is not recommended as a first try medication for OCD because of its side effects profile. It can be prescribed if certain SSRI medications were not a good fit. Some SNRIs have been used as well as low dosages of certain antipsychotics if the SSRIs weren’t a good fit. Many side effects lessen to the point of not being a problem but people can react to medications differently. Other conditions, medications, supplements, food, the way you metabolize medications in this medication classification, can be factors too. Someone mentioned a caution about using laxatives for more than just short-term. Using laxatives long-term can affect the way your bowels work.