Can anyone advise me about this ? I have been referred for CBT for OCD (a long standing condition - I have previously had CBT) and they are recommending that I try taking clomipramine - I am really not happy about taking anything - it was hard enough for me to get started on tamoxifen because I was worried about that. Any advice or ideas really would help.xxchipperxx
Hi chipper,I take amytriptyline (same drug group as clopramine) and was told they were ok to take with tamoxifen (which i also take). I am also on duloxetine. Both of these were thought to be safe with tamoxifen and I have had no problems with both of them and taking tamoxfien too. i would rather not take anything too ! but cannot function at all if i don’t. Clopramine will have its own side effects regardless of tamoxifen and depending on the dosage they vary in severity. The trick is to be on the drug long enough so it has a chance to work! Hope this helps
R xx
thanks Rachy - was hoping you might see this ! I do function but could obviously make my life a lot easier if I didn’t have to put so much effort into it. I am worried that they wont agree to my having CBT unless I take the anti-ds - I am just scared of anything making me feel different (I had huge issues with tamoxifen before starting it because I was afraid of not feeling like myself - actually that has been perfectly fine !) I am afraid of change,even for the better. It sounds as though I’m biting the hand that feeds me but I just do feel strongly about it. I have taken clomipramine in the long distant past and more recently, but still a long time ago,fluvoxamine.
Rachy -sorry forgot to ask…do you have side effects from the drugs you are on ?
There are some side effects but tend to improve with time. I tended to have them when I was first on the tablets. My main ones have been constipation, dry mouth and some blurred vision (only at night as amytriptyline is very sedative) but tamoxifen makes my vision blurry anyway !! Nothing I can’t handle as would not take them if the side effects were too bad. I know what you mean about change - it is something I am very bad at and I deal with change worse now since bc. Its the lack of control i think that is so frightening.
Rachy xx
that’s the thing -control - it’s what OCD demands and I can’t bear not to be in control . I guess I could compromise an ask for something with fewer poss. side effects -clomipramine seems to have more than others (from what I’ve read)All I can remember from taking it before was that I was not really feeling any better on them - it was a wretched time. Thanks for your advice - much appreciated and hope we do get to meet up for coffee with KatieF
to update - looks as though I’m going to be giving clomipramine a try - have spoken to the psychologist who did my assessment - I think that they aren’t willing to go ahead with CBT until I’ve given antidepressants a go - to make CBT more effective- but even then I have to be assessed again to see if they feel CBT would be an option. I asked about efexor as others here take it and it is good for OCD and fine with tamox. but the doctor says it’s not so suitable for women (side effects I think she meant - as in excess sweating !) All I can do is go by their advice.
Hi Chipper
hope you are ok ?
I am on venlafaxine ( i think that’s the chemical name of Effexor) and don’t suffer from any side effects at all, esp. not excessive sweating LOL!!!
Good luck with sorting out your treatments/meds
Anna xx
hi Annalou - thanks for asking…am ok ! I have to see my GP to get my prescription - am not thrilled to be taking anything but feel I must. I will mention again about effexor !