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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ceebee on July 17, 2012, at 5:30:25
So about a month ago I started taking Namenda (memantine) for OCD. Started out @ 5mg. Increased to 10mg then to 15mg then to 20mg. Side effects were initially some feelings of derealization/depersonalization, dizziness, and increased anxiety (as a result of all of the above). In addition to OCD, I have also have pretty well controlled panic disorder.
Unfortunately it has been 16 days on 20mg, and the side effects are still hanging around. I've even had two full-blown panic attacks since the increase, something I haven't had in many months. My anxiety and OCD symptoms are much worse right now, and I think I've pushed it too far. I'm pretty sure the next logical step for me is to decrease back down to 15mg. What do you all think?
Posted by SLS on July 17, 2012, at 6:13:04
In reply to Namenda (memantine) for OCD, posted by ceebee on July 17, 2012, at 5:30:25
> So about a month ago I started taking Namenda (memantine) for OCD. Started out @ 5mg. Increased to 10mg then to 15mg then to 20mg. Side effects were initially some feelings of derealization/depersonalization, dizziness, and increased anxiety (as a result of all of the above). In addition to OCD, I have also have pretty well controlled panic disorder.
What other drugs are you taking? Do you take an atypical antipsychotic (AAP)? What about Anafranil (clomipramine)?
Clomipramine might treat OCD and panic disorder at the same time. Abilify can help further to reduce OCD and anxiety if you can make it past the startup anxiety that can last a week or two. Start low and go slow.
- Scott
Posted by novelagent on July 17, 2012, at 10:06:54
In reply to Namenda (memantine) for OCD, posted by ceebee on July 17, 2012, at 5:30:25
Are you taking it at the same time of day each day? Because if you're off by even an hour, the side effects will be far worse than if you are consistently taking it at the same time of day. Memantine is sensitive to that, just like wth antipsychotics...
> So about a month ago I started taking Namenda (memantine) for OCD. Started out @ 5mg. Increased to 10mg then to 15mg then to 20mg. Side effects were initially some feelings of derealization/depersonalization, dizziness, and increased anxiety (as a result of all of the above). In addition to OCD, I have also have pretty well controlled panic disorder.
>
> Unfortunately it has been 16 days on 20mg, and the side effects are still hanging around. I've even had two full-blown panic attacks since the increase, something I haven't had in many months. My anxiety and OCD symptoms are much worse right now, and I think I've pushed it too far. I'm pretty sure the next logical step for me is to decrease back down to 15mg. What do you all think?
>
>
Posted by ceebee on July 17, 2012, at 10:25:19
In reply to Re: Namenda (memantine) for OCD » ceebee, posted by novelagent on July 17, 2012, at 10:06:54
To SLS - Can't tolerate SSRIs or Tricyclics.
To novelagent - Yes sir (or ma'am) I'm taking it at exactly the same time (plus or minus 5 minutes at the very most) each day. I have an alarm set on my phone.
Posted by Phillipa on July 17, 2012, at 11:01:30
In reply to Re: Namenda (memantine) for OCD, posted by ceebee on July 17, 2012, at 10:25:19
Maybe it just isn't the right med for you? Phillipa
Posted by ceebee on July 17, 2012, at 11:16:14
In reply to Re: Namenda (memantine) for OCD » ceebee, posted by Phillipa on July 17, 2012, at 11:01:30
Phillipa - Possibly. Although I should note that I did not have as severe side effects at the lower doses.
This is the end of the thread.
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