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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by GOLFER1983 on March 6, 2012, at 20:35:14
Hi All -
I am a 28 year old male on 20mg Anafranil for OCD. I've been on it for 5 months now with GLORIOUS relief to depression/OCD/anxiety and everything in between. Has been my wonder drug. My confidence has increased and my daily life has become "easier" without so many catastrophes every day.
One side effect I am having now is a bit of apathy....towards my friends and towards everything. Sort of a who cares mentality, which I don't like.
But, the biggest thing is it ANNIHILATES my sex drive. It is GONE. I am not turned on anymore by girls and this makes falling in love next to impossible.
Due to the wonderful effects towards my mental state, I have kept taking it BUT I am wondering if there are any solutions to this that you all could help me with. Would be SOOOOOO much appreciated. I'd love to get over this side effect if there is a way. If there is nothing to be done, I'll have to get off the medicine.
Any help is appreciated.
Posted by SLS on March 7, 2012, at 6:07:56
In reply to Anafranil and Sex Drive, posted by GOLFER1983 on March 6, 2012, at 20:35:14
The side effects you experience are not uncommon for Anafranil (clomipramine). They are similar to those seen with the SSRIs. This is not unexpected since Anafranil is a potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Anafranil had the same effects on me.
It might not hurt to try adding Wellbutrin (bupropion). It is sometimes used to help remedy the sexual side effects of SSRIs. It very well might give you more energy. Some people react negatively to Welbutrin. It can cause irritability and anger.
Buspar (buspirone) is claimed to be of some help, and would not cause the behavioral side effects of Wellbutrin. It may help by exerting 5-HT1a partial agonism. I would still try the Wellbutrin first, though.
Another option is to try taking Viibryd (vilazodone) instead of Anafranil. It is a potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor with 5-HT1a receptor partial agonism (similar to Buspar). Sexual side effects seem to be absent with this drug. Someone on Psycho-Babble is currently having success with Viibryd in the treatment of OCD. I found it to exert potent antidepressant effects. I experienced no sexual side effects with Viibryd. My libido actually increased. This was probably a consequence of an improvement in depression.
Good luck.
- Scott
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