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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by BRC on June 11, 2004, at 14:14:20
Hi, I have OCD that manifest istself in the form of repeated unwanted intrusive thoughts. I currently take Lexapro and Remeron to try and combat the intrusive thoughts. I also take Klnopin to help with the anxiety the thoughts create.
I have tried virtually all of the SSRI's and Effexor to help with the thoughts, but they did little. I have read and researched on my own that the Drug Anafranil has been used for many years in treating intrusive ocd thoughts.
I was wonering if this older drug is superior in its ability to control intrusive thoughts as compared to my current medication. I was also wondering if anyone had any success with Anafranil? Because my current meds do not fully contain my ocd thoughts. Thanks for anyone that replies.
Posted by chemist on June 11, 2004, at 20:22:13
In reply to Anyone with knowledge about O.C.D. medications?, posted by BRC on June 11, 2004, at 14:14:20
> Hi, I have OCD that manifest istself in the form of repeated unwanted intrusive thoughts. I currently take Lexapro and Remeron to try and combat the intrusive thoughts. I also take Klnopin to help with the anxiety the thoughts create.
>
> I have tried virtually all of the SSRI's and Effexor to help with the thoughts, but they did little. I have read and researched on my own that the Drug Anafranil has been used for many years in treating intrusive ocd thoughts.
>
> I was wonering if this older drug is superior in its ability to control intrusive thoughts as compared to my current medication. I was also wondering if anyone had any success with Anafranil? Because my current meds do not fully contain my ocd thoughts. Thanks for anyone that replies.hello chemist here. have you tried luvox? FDA approved for OCD, not depression, and in my experience, it works just fine. please let me know...all the best, chemist
Posted by scatterbrained on June 11, 2004, at 21:19:23
In reply to Re: Anyone with knowledge about O.C.D. medications? » BRC, posted by chemist on June 11, 2004, at 20:22:13
I wouldn't say that I have OCD but I do have intrusive thoughts and obsessions that are virtually impossible for me to get passed;mainly hypochodriacal type obssesions.Anyway, I had tried all the ssri except Paxil and I was really skeptical that this would work since most people seem to believe,even the doctors, that they're all pretty much the same.They're wrong! It totally worked at as little a dose as 20mg.I don't know why a doctor would put you on lexapro, it's mainly for anxiety and depression while paxil is mainly for ocd and depression.All the ssri are different and not enough people realize that.sorry if you've already tried this drug. And also, there is hope, I've heard that adrafanil is supposed to be the most potent of the OCD meds.Also, luvox is supposed to be pretty good too.
Posted by chemist on June 11, 2004, at 21:32:33
In reply to Re: Anyone with knowledge about O.C.D. medications?, posted by scatterbrained on June 11, 2004, at 21:19:23
> I wouldn't say that I have OCD but I do have intrusive thoughts and obsessions that are virtually impossible for me to get passed;mainly hypochodriacal type obssesions.Anyway, I had tried all the ssri except Paxil and I was really skeptical that this would work since most people seem to believe,even the doctors, that they're all pretty much the same.They're wrong! It totally worked at as little a dose as 20mg.I don't know why a doctor would put you on lexapro, it's mainly for anxiety and depression while paxil is mainly for ocd and depression.All the ssri are different and not enough people realize that.sorry if you've already tried this drug. And also, there is hope, I've heard that adrafanil is supposed to be the most potent of the OCD meds.Also, luvox is supposed to be pretty good too.
hello there, chemist here.... i had great improvement with luvox, for what it's worth. it's been approved by the FDA for OCD - not depression - although it is routinely prescribed off-label for AD. all the best, chemist
Posted by zeugma on June 12, 2004, at 0:55:10
In reply to Re: Anyone with knowledge about O.C.D. medications?, posted by scatterbrained on June 11, 2004, at 21:19:23
> I wouldn't say that I have OCD but I do have intrusive thoughts and obsessions that are virtually impossible for me to get passed;mainly hypochodriacal type obssesions.Anyway, I had tried all the ssri except Paxil and I was really skeptical that this would work since most people seem to believe,even the doctors, that they're all pretty much the same.They're wrong! It totally worked at as little a dose as 20mg.I don't know why a doctor would put you on lexapro, it's mainly for anxiety and depression while paxil is mainly for ocd and depression.All the ssri are different and not enough people realize that.sorry if you've already tried this drug. And also, there is hope, I've heard that adrafanil is supposed to be the most potent of the OCD meds.Also, luvox is supposed to be pretty good too.
I think you mean Anafranil. It is the TCA most likely to work for OCD, and some claim it is the most potent AD, period. Nortriptyline has reduced my hypochondria, although it has not eliminated it completely. Klonopin is a useful med for anxiety although it might not work for severe OCD (does anyone know?).
Posted by krybrahaha on June 12, 2004, at 2:28:19
In reply to Re: Anyone with knowledge about O.C.D. medications? » scatterbrained, posted by zeugma on June 12, 2004, at 0:55:10
I would go with chemist and say Luvox. I also use Luvox and it works very well. I have taken every SSRI and this is the only one that does anything. However, i havent tried anafranil, my pdoc suggested it but I refused to try it because of all the side effects.
Posted by Sad Panda on June 12, 2004, at 4:07:26
In reply to Anyone with knowledge about O.C.D. medications?, posted by BRC on June 11, 2004, at 14:14:20
> Hi, I have OCD that manifest istself in the form of repeated unwanted intrusive thoughts. I currently take Lexapro and Remeron to try and combat the intrusive thoughts. I also take Klnopin to help with the anxiety the thoughts create.
>
> I have tried virtually all of the SSRI's and Effexor to help with the thoughts, but they did little. I have read and researched on my own that the Drug Anafranil has been used for many years in treating intrusive ocd thoughts.
>
> I was wonering if this older drug is superior in its ability to control intrusive thoughts as compared to my current medication. I was also wondering if anyone had any success with Anafranil? Because my current meds do not fully contain my ocd thoughts. Thanks for anyone that replies.
>
>I would try Anafranil, it's been used for OCD in Europe for many decades. Luvox & Paxil should be tried only after Anafranil has failed IMHO, no point saving the best for last.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by Temoigneur on June 12, 2004, at 5:05:34
In reply to Re: Anyone with knowledge about O.C.D. medications? » BRC, posted by Sad Panda on June 12, 2004, at 4:07:26
> > Hi, I have OCD that manifest istself in the form of repeated unwanted intrusive thoughts. I currently take Lexapro and Remeron to try and combat the intrusive thoughts. I also take Klnopin to help with the anxiety the thoughts create.
> >
> > I have tried virtually all of the SSRI's and Effexor to help with the thoughts, but they did little. I have read and researched on my own that the Drug Anafranil has been used for many years in treating intrusive ocd thoughts.
> >
> > I was wonering if this older drug is superior in its ability to control intrusive thoughts as compared to my current medication. I was also wondering if anyone had any success with Anafranil? Because my current meds do not fully contain my ocd thoughts. Thanks for anyone that replies.
> >
> >
>
> I would try Anafranil, it's been used for OCD in Europe for many decades. Luvox & Paxil should be tried only after Anafranil has failed IMHO, no point saving the best for last.
>
> Cheers,
> Panda.
>
>
> Hi I have fairly severe OCD, and tried nearly every conventional medication - SSRI's+-a typicals, TCA's, MAOI - Nardil, then on to opiates, - morphine, Tylenol, finally I was put on Tramadol, with 150 Effexor 15mg Remeron, 4mg Klonapin, and 5mg zyprexa +CBT, you can ask me about the specifics of that it does make a difference, I was always completely focussed on drugs, and still see them as the corner stone, but everyone has a little obsessive thinking, I think, and some thoughts seem to respond to CBT when the chemical component is brought under control. Anyway, I hope to increase the tramadol and decrease zyprexa as it makes me a zombie, but take heart, it's been a long battle but there's options. New things coming out... look up Tramadol and Nathan Shapira... hope this helps
Posted by BRC on June 12, 2004, at 8:52:05
In reply to Re: Anyone with knowledge about O.C.D. medications? » BRC, posted by chemist on June 11, 2004, at 20:22:13
Hi, Chemist thanks for your response. I did try Luvox years ago when this first began but I did not stay on it very long because I was forced to change pdocs and he changed my medication.
I thought that most SSRI's acted in the same way by targeting serotonin. How does Luvox being a SSRI differ if it to targets serotonin like the Lexapro I am currently taking?
Posted by don_bristol on June 12, 2004, at 9:02:25
In reply to Re: Anyone with knowledge about O.C.D. medications? » scatterbrained, posted by zeugma on June 12, 2004, at 0:55:10
>> think you mean Anafranil. It is the TCA most likely to work for OCD, and some claim it is the most potent AD, period.<<
Zeugma, do you have any refernces or links for suggestions that Anafranil is cponsidered by some to be the most potent AD. Thank you.
Posted by don_bristol on June 12, 2004, at 9:08:37
In reply to Anyone with knowledge about O.C.D. medications?, posted by BRC on June 11, 2004, at 14:14:20
Two recommended links:
Meds for adults with OCD
http://www.ocfoundation.org/ocf1050a.htmExpert Consensus Guidelines - OCD (meds)
http://www.psychguides.com/ocgl.html#Guideline 3Neither mention Lexapro as it is too new for the articles. It is perhaps the OCD med with the fewest side effects and might be a good starting point for you.
Posted by theo on June 12, 2004, at 10:57:46
In reply to Anyone with knowledge about O.C.D. medications?, posted by BRC on June 11, 2004, at 14:14:20
I have tried all SSRI's. Paxil was great overall but say goodbye to your penis if you are male.
I never tried Luvox(fluvoxamine) until last week. I never tried it simply because doctors don't have samples and it's not in the spotlight.
I've been very happy with it at just 50mg bedtime. It actually does what it is supposed to do, WORK! The only side effect I noticed at first was a little nausea, but it wasn't bad and only lasted a few days. I also started low and took 25mg for 4 days and then went to 50mg.
I have had NO sexual side effects on this med which has always been a problem with every SSRI I've tried. It does help with depression also, but my obssessive thoughts with this med have faded away and I don't have any side effects!
I wish I would have tried this 10 years ago instead of trying all of the hyped up new meds.
Posted by zeugma on June 12, 2004, at 10:57:51
In reply to Re: Anyone with knowledge about O.C.D. medications? » zeugma, posted by don_bristol on June 12, 2004, at 9:02:25
> >> think you mean Anafranil. It is the TCA most likely to work for OCD, and some claim it is the most potent AD, period.<<
>
> Zeugma, do you have any refernces or links for suggestions that Anafranil is cponsidered by some to be the most potent AD. Thank you.Hi Don, this is an excerpt from the site http://www.psychotropical.com
Antidepressants - Clomipramine
Date Created: 29/09/2000 Last Modified: 18/05/2002 Last Checked: 21/10/2002
It seems ironic that despite all the new drugs that have arrived in the last decade of the last millennium some of the best evidence for superior efficacy is for the older ones (especially clomipramine and clozapine).Clomipramine was the first, and for some while the only drug (till fluoxetine 1986), that was effective for obsessive compulsive disorder. This was first noted around 1966, the French take the credit for that. The French also were the first to observe the mood stabilising effect of anti-epileptic drugs as well as the anti-psychotic effect of chlorpromazine, to mention but some of their firsts; funny how infrequently those 'firsts' are referenced and quoted; it is an anglo-centric world. The Brits and others were several (that is being kind) years behind.
It is quite extraordinary to reflect that it took the USA and Australia (where clomipramine was not introduced until 1983) so long to appreciate the superiority of this drug. The implications that has for scientific progress in psychiatry hardly require elaboration and certainly do not reflect credit on the discipline.
Clomipramine is effective for obsessive compulsive disorder almost certainly because it is a potent serotonin reuptake inhibitor, indeed more potent (in vitro) than most of the new serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is metabolised into desmethyl-clomipramine which, like desipramine (which is desmethyl-imipramine), is a potent noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor. >>>
The author of this site is an clinician with a strong interest in psychopharmacology.
Another poster on this site, whom I consider a reliable source of info on medication, said that his pdoc considered CMI the most potent AD, and the poster's own experience bore this out.
I was planning to try CMI myself, when it seemed that I was experiencing a severe relapse lately. That has abated some, but I would have no hesitation in suggesting it to a pdoc should my symptoms return with the same virulence.
I researched CMI extensively during the period of my relapse, and uncovered some other interesting information pertaining to CMI's effectiveness. I will try to find some other of these references, and post them as soon as I can.
Posted by theo on June 12, 2004, at 11:02:27
In reply to Re: Anyone with knowledge about O.C.D. medications? » scatterbrained, posted by chemist on June 11, 2004, at 21:32:33
What dose and at what time did you take Luvox(fluvoxamine)? I'm taking 50mg now at bedtime and wondering if I'm "missing out" by not going up to 100mg, and if I do go to 100mg whether to take the whole dose at bedtime or take 50mg twice daily? Would appreciate some input.
Posted by chemist on June 12, 2004, at 17:38:23
In reply to Re: Respons to you question Chemist?, posted by BRC on June 12, 2004, at 8:52:05
> Hi, Chemist thanks for your response. I did try Luvox years ago when this first began but I did not stay on it very long because I was forced to change pdocs and he changed my medication.
>
> I thought that most SSRI's acted in the same way by targeting serotonin. How does Luvox being a SSRI differ if it to targets serotonin like the Lexapro I am currently taking?hi there...the best i could come upwith was that luvox is a very potent inhibitor of certain enzymes (CYP450) and that (R,S)-citalopram - you are taking (S)-citalopram, so i am not sure if this is true for (S)-citalopram - is not, and that apparently luvox ingestion raises melatonin levels, while (R,S)-citalopram (Celexa) does not. keep in mind that other liver enzymes are involved with melatonin, and that there is a balance between melatonin and serotonin that is indicated for mood. perhaps this is the difference, in that luvox modulates serotonin by both reuptake inhibition and the production of melatonin and/or inhibition of reuptake. sorry, i just don't know. anyone else? all the best, chemist
Posted by chemist on June 12, 2004, at 17:41:20
In reply to Re: Anyone with knowledge about O.C.D. medications? » chemist, posted by theo on June 12, 2004, at 11:02:27
> What dose and at what time did you take Luvox(fluvoxamine)? I'm taking 50mg now at bedtime and wondering if I'm "missing out" by not going up to 100mg, and if I do go to 100mg whether to take the whole dose at bedtime or take 50mg twice daily? Would appreciate some input.
hi there, i take 100 mg in the a.m. and 100 mg around 5 or 6 p.m. will be going up to 300 mg/day soon, as i have found that level to be best for me. you do have to spend some time playing with the dose for luvox, more so than for others, for reasons i cannot remember.....all the best, chemist
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