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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by bulldog2 on May 24, 2010, at 16:15:17
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing? » bulldog2, posted by Phillipa on May 24, 2010, at 16:02:47
> Bulldog congrats glad to hear your're doing so well. Phillipa
Thank you. Are you still in remission?
Posted by linkadge on May 24, 2010, at 16:42:59
In reply to Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing?, posted by bulldog2 on May 24, 2010, at 14:18:56
Bulldog, Clomipramine is just a damn good antidepressant period. For your mental health, I would find a way to continue taking it. Tackle the prolactin with other routes if you like, but stick with it.
Linkadge
Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 24, 2010, at 17:45:53
In reply to Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing?, posted by bulldog2 on May 24, 2010, at 14:18:56
>I have started singing and dancing at spontaneous moments...........Is there any reason for concern?
I suppose that depends on whether or not you are any good at singing and dancing.
Posted by bulldog2 on May 24, 2010, at 17:56:29
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing?, posted by linkadge on May 24, 2010, at 16:42:59
> Bulldog, Clomipramine is just a damn good antidepressant period. For your mental health, I would find a way to continue taking it. Tackle the prolactin with other routes if you like, but stick with it.
>
> LinkadgeYes of course. Have you ever had the experience where you felt like you have awaken from a dream and you're someone else? I can feel the sun on my face. My senses have awakened. Can't wait to try the requip. Nothing like a bit of dopamine!
Posted by Phillipa on May 24, 2010, at 19:30:39
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing?, posted by ed_uk2010 on May 24, 2010, at 17:45:53
Ed that's so funny well Bulldog are you? Phillipa
Posted by Roslynn on May 24, 2010, at 19:35:22
In reply to Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing?, posted by bulldog2 on May 24, 2010, at 14:18:56
Hi everyone,
How does clomipramine compare to the other TCA's in terms of side effects and which neurotransmitters it targets?
I have been on a brief trial of protriptyline, but I'm not pleased at all with it...looking for a new TCA to talk to my doctor about.
Thank you for any help./
Roslynn
Posted by Justherself54 on May 24, 2010, at 21:09:17
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing?, posted by Roslynn on May 24, 2010, at 19:35:22
I don't know which neurotransmitters it hits, but I'm able to tolerate it to date, whereas I wasn't able to tolerate amitriptaline, nortriptaline or desipramine. I can't handle any of the SNRI's, so I'm thinking it must not tamper too much with the norepinephrine thing-a-ma-bobs in my brain.
A month and a half ago I was just about ready for a stay at the psych ward. I'm not in remission yet, but at least I have some hope of getting closer. I've been able to socialize, have my grandkids sleep over and had a family dinner on mother's day. Major improvement. Side effects are dry mouth and a bit of weight gain, but the craving for sweets seems to have abated.
I have some breakthrough back pain, but I also have been driving quite a bit, so that may explain it. I hope it's not pooping out on me so soon. At least I have some room to increase my dosage.
It's a completely different feeling from SSRI's. I'm still amazed I can tolerate a TCA. Who knew!
Posted by floatingbridge on May 24, 2010, at 23:31:10
In reply to Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing?, posted by bulldog2 on May 24, 2010, at 14:18:56
Bulldog, how wonderful :) Your pain level must be way down, too.
Enjoy!
Posted by bulldog2 on May 25, 2010, at 7:20:37
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing?, posted by Roslynn on May 24, 2010, at 19:35:22
> Hi everyone,
>
> How does clomipramine compare to the other TCA's in terms of side effects and which neurotransmitters it targets?
>
> I have been on a brief trial of protriptyline, but I'm not pleased at all with it...looking for a new TCA to talk to my doctor about.
>
> Thank you for any help./
>
> RoslynnIt targets serotonin strongly and also norepinephrine strongly. Much smoother than other tcas. At least in my opinion.
Posted by bulldog2 on May 25, 2010, at 7:24:29
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing? » bulldog2, posted by floatingbridge on May 24, 2010, at 23:31:10
> Bulldog, how wonderful :) Your pain level must be way down, too.
>
> Enjoy!Unfortunately did not help in that department.Still on opiates. But feeling well mentally. Not in remission but still a lot better.
How are you doing with your pain and otherwise?
Posted by bulldog2 on May 25, 2010, at 7:25:30
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing?, posted by ed_uk2010 on May 24, 2010, at 17:45:53
> >I have started singing and dancing at spontaneous moments...........Is there any reason for concern?
>
> I suppose that depends on whether or not you are any good at singing and dancing.
>
>I believe I sound the best in the shower but no dancing there.
Posted by Brainbeard on May 25, 2010, at 8:32:46
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing?, posted by Roslynn on May 24, 2010, at 19:35:22
> How does clomipramine compare to the other TCA's in terms of side effects and which neurotransmitters it targets?
In my experience and those of others, clomipramine can be a bit rough as far as anticholinergic side-effects go. It is an excellent med though. About as strong an SRI as Zoloft. Plus strong NRI and all the benefits (and drawbacks..) of a TCA.
Unfortunately, it gave me severe photophobia=sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight, to the point of giving me bouts of pain in the eyeballs when exposed to sunlight.
Posted by floatingbridge on May 25, 2010, at 9:19:41
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing?, posted by bulldog2 on May 25, 2010, at 7:25:30
>
> I believe I sound the best in the shower but no dancing there.:-)
Posted by Roslynn on May 25, 2010, at 16:30:09
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing?, posted by Brainbeard on May 25, 2010, at 8:32:46
Hi everyone,
Thanks to all who answered my question about this med. Very helpful!
I might have a hard time convincing my pdoc to put me on clomipramine--I just went through a trial of protriptyline and I had major problems with it. (dizziness, confusion, nervous, edgy)
Does anyone know if you can combine clomipramine with prozac?
Thank you,
Roslynn
> > How does clomipramine compare to the other TCA's in terms of side effects and which neurotransmitters it targets?
>
> In my experience and those of others, clomipramine can be a bit rough as far as anticholinergic side-effects go. It is an excellent med though. About as strong an SRI as Zoloft. Plus strong NRI and all the benefits (and drawbacks..) of a TCA.
>
> Unfortunately, it gave me severe photophobia=sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight, to the point of giving me bouts of pain in the eyeballs when exposed to sunlight.
>
>
Posted by ed_uk2010 on May 25, 2010, at 16:38:46
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - thanks for answers, posted by Roslynn on May 25, 2010, at 16:30:09
>Does anyone know if you can combine clomipramine with Prozac?
That wouldn't be recommended.
Posted by bulldog2 on May 25, 2010, at 17:15:03
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - thanks for answers, posted by Roslynn on May 25, 2010, at 16:30:09
> Hi everyone,
>
> Thanks to all who answered my question about this med. Very helpful!
>
> I might have a hard time convincing my pdoc to put me on clomipramine--I just went through a trial of protriptyline and I had major problems with it. (dizziness, confusion, nervous, edgy)
>
> Does anyone know if you can combine clomipramine with prozac?
>
> Thank you,
> Roslynn
>
>
> > > How does clomipramine compare to the other TCA's in terms of side effects and which neurotransmitters it targets?
> >
> > In my experience and those of others, clomipramine can be a bit rough as far as anticholinergic side-effects go. It is an excellent med though. About as strong an SRI as Zoloft. Plus strong NRI and all the benefits (and drawbacks..) of a TCA.
> >
> > Unfortunately, it gave me severe photophobia=sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight, to the point of giving me bouts of pain in the eyeballs when exposed to sunlight.
> >
> >
>
>As said before clomipramime has been the easiest tca for me to tolerate. Good news about clomipramine. It has the strongest serotonin reuptake of all the tcas. So strong it is almost like an ssri. It also has strong action as an norepinephrine reuptake blocker. So you get the best of both worlds.
Posted by Phillipa on May 25, 2010, at 18:59:02
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - thanks for answers » Roslynn, posted by bulldog2 on May 25, 2010, at 17:15:03
Seriously think it's a combo of the opiods and the clomipramine? Are you on percocet forget but that must help the pain. Phillipa
Posted by hyperfocus on May 25, 2010, at 20:15:05
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing? » linkadge, posted by bulldog2 on May 24, 2010, at 17:56:29
I'm glad you're feeling better bulldog - I hope you continue to improve. I know what you mean about feeling like you're waking up from a dream. The sensations - things feel different don't they? I remember drinking some cold orange juice and finding myself sort of shocked by the sensation - like it was something new or a hifidelity version of what I'm used to feeling. Only downside is that it's at times like these you realize how sick you were previously were. Good luck to you.
> > Bulldog, Clomipramine is just a damn good antidepressant period. For your mental health, I would find a way to continue taking it. Tackle the prolactin with other routes if you like, but stick with it.
> >
> > Linkadge
>
> Yes of course. Have you ever had the experience where you felt like you have awaken from a dream and you're someone else? I can feel the sun on my face. My senses have awakened. Can't wait to try the requip. Nothing like a bit of dopamine!
Posted by Brainbeard on May 26, 2010, at 6:20:46
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - thanks for answers, posted by Roslynn on May 25, 2010, at 16:30:09
>
> Does anyone know if you can combine clomipramine with prozac?
>
> Thank you,
> Roslynn
>It's possible, but Prozac inhibits the clearance of clomipramine noradrenergic metabolite severely, so you have to dose low and titrate up in very small steps. Initially, I wouldn't go much higher than 25mg, and it would be good to have your blood checked for plasma levels.
Posted by bulldog2 on May 26, 2010, at 15:16:57
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - Singing and Dancing? » bulldog2, posted by hyperfocus on May 25, 2010, at 20:15:05
> I'm glad you're feeling better bulldog - I hope you continue to improve. I know what you mean about feeling like you're waking up from a dream. The sensations - things feel different don't they? I remember drinking some cold orange juice and finding myself sort of shocked by the sensation - like it was something new or a hifidelity version of what I'm used to feeling. Only downside is that it's at times like these you realize how sick you were previously were. Good luck to you.
>
> > > Bulldog, Clomipramine is just a damn good antidepressant period. For your mental health, I would find a way to continue taking it. Tackle the prolactin with other routes if you like, but stick with it.
> > >
> > > Linkadge
> >
> > Yes of course. Have you ever had the experience where you felt like you have awaken from a dream and you're someone else? I can feel the sun on my face. My senses have awakened. Can't wait to try the requip. Nothing like a bit of dopamine!
>
>Interesting that medicinals can lead us to the truth. They take us to a part of the mind we haven't visited. That's why I like ad with a strong serotonin component. Indians used mushrooms for that purpose. Once you explore a part of the mind it stays with you. I think you need serotonin for that. Thank you for your well wishes.
Posted by bulldog2 on May 26, 2010, at 15:22:11
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - thanks for answers » bulldog2, posted by Phillipa on May 25, 2010, at 18:59:02
> Seriously think it's a combo of the opiods and the clomipramine? Are you on percocet forget but that must help the pain. Phillipa
Yes still on the percocet for pain. I won't deny that it has a feel good component to it. Probably touches dopamine. But I can tell the difference between clomipramine and percocet. When I wake up in the morning my immediate release percocet is out of me. I take my whole dose of clomipramine at night. I can feel heaven at my fingertips.
Posted by Phillipa on May 26, 2010, at 20:06:35
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - thanks for answers » Phillipa, posted by bulldog2 on May 26, 2010, at 15:22:11
In all seriousness I used to correspond with someone who took clomipramine which is anafranil right? For OCD. He said the side effects were horrible. He no longer is on any meds and has earned two degrees. So why do people say once on a med it's forever? Phillipa
Posted by floatingbridge on May 26, 2010, at 20:48:01
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - thanks for answers » bulldog2, posted by Phillipa on May 26, 2010, at 20:06:35
Phillipa, I'm wondering if tca's are easier to transition between or discontinue than an snri?
And I do know people (lucky ducks) who have taken ad's for 3 months, six months, a year, and stop. Guess they are not treatment resistant.
Bulldog, glad you're enjoying yourself. What do you like to sing?
Posted by Phillipa on May 26, 2010, at 21:58:17
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - thanks for answers » Phillipa, posted by floatingbridge on May 26, 2010, at 20:48:01
I don't feel it has anything to do with treatment resistant. Some go through a bad time and then things get better in their lives and no longer need them. Well weight gain is pretty notorious with TCA's and cardiac side effects. I'd go for the SSRI's and SSRI's first. Love Phillipa
Posted by hyperfocus on May 27, 2010, at 0:28:34
In reply to Re: Clomipramine - thanks for answers » Phillipa, posted by floatingbridge on May 26, 2010, at 20:48:01
Based on what I read here, people find TCA side effects to be moderate-to severe, but discontinuation is much easier. I've never read of somebody having horrible withdrawals from TCAs like the ones you get from the Cymbaltas and Effexors of the world. I've never heard of TCA poopout either, and they seem to work as well as or better that the SxRIs. If you have TRD and you can tolerate the SEs then a TCA is worth a shot.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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