Kaycay Posted July 14, 2021 Share Posted July 14, 2021 (edited) Hello, I decided to come off my OCD and anxiety medication with the support of my psychiatrist. I’m on clomipramine 25mg but the way my doctor has me tapering has me feeling really weird, is there a better way? this has been my schedule: 2 weeks - taking 25mg capsule every other day 2 weeks - taking 25mg capsule every third day now -stopping completely since it’s a capsule, it can’t be cut in half Edited July 14, 2021 by arbor Tapering from Clomipramine 25mg 2 weeks - taking 25mg capsule every other day 2 weeks - taking 25mg capsule every third day 7/13/20 - stopping completely klonopin 2mg as needed Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus arbor Posted July 14, 2021 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 14, 2021 Hello @Kaycay, Welcome to SA. I'm sorry you're feeling weird. These feelings are likely related to your taper. We recommend tapering at a rate of no more than 10% of your current dose every 4 weeks--no faster. A slow taper lessens the disruption withdrawal causes our nervous systems. You may also note that we discourage taking the medication every other day for the same reason. Here are 2 links that explain further: Why taper by 10% of my dosage? Tips for tapering off clomipramine (Anafranil) These 2 links explain what your nervous system is dealing with: How Psychiatric Drugs Remodel Your Brain What is Withdrawal Syndrome? To get you started and to give you pertinent information, we ask members to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements in a list format. This link can help you with that: Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature. This is your Introduction site where you can ask questions and connect with other members. I'm glad you found us. Arbor Zoloft: 1995 - 2015 Prozac: 2015 - 2018 (tapered from 40mg x day on July 31 to 30mg on August 31 to 20mg on September 31 to 10mg October 31 to 0mg on December 15, 2018 Gabapentin: 2016 to 2019 (tapered from 300mg x day to 150mg on August 31, 2019 to 75mg on September 15 to 50mg on September 31 to 25ishmg on October 15 to 0mg on December 1, 2019 Enalapril: 2010 - 2019 Lipitor: 2017 -2017 Metformin: 2000 - 2020 Liothyronine: 2007 - 2019 Levothyroxine: 2000 - 2022 Link to comment
Kaycay Posted July 14, 2021 Author Share Posted July 14, 2021 Thank you Arbor. Since I am on the lowest dose of clomipramine that’s sold and I’ve been taking it every other day and every third day, my psychiatrist told me to stop now. Does that sound right? my only other option I guess would be to dissolve it in water since it’s a capsule. This makes me a little nervous since I don’t know how to measure it. thanks for the resources. Tapering from Clomipramine 25mg 2 weeks - taking 25mg capsule every other day 2 weeks - taking 25mg capsule every third day 7/13/20 - stopping completely klonopin 2mg as needed Link to comment
Moderator Emeritus arbor Posted July 14, 2021 Moderator Emeritus Share Posted July 14, 2021 Dear @Kaycay, I recommend following the 10% method of tapering clomipramine from where you are at. With capsules there are different approaches to reduce the dose. I know the desire to get off these drugs can be justifiably strong. However, our nervous systems benefit from going very slowly. The Brassmonkey Slide Method of Micro-tapering Using an oral syringe and other tapering techniques In order to help you further, we need you to finish your signature. I will also bring your situation to the attention of the other moderators. It will help us further if you can be more specific about what makes your symptoms feel weird. Here is the link to our symptoms and self care section where you can find useful ideas to help manage symptoms you're having. Sending you best wishes, Arbor Zoloft: 1995 - 2015 Prozac: 2015 - 2018 (tapered from 40mg x day on July 31 to 30mg on August 31 to 20mg on September 31 to 10mg October 31 to 0mg on December 15, 2018 Gabapentin: 2016 to 2019 (tapered from 300mg x day to 150mg on August 31, 2019 to 75mg on September 15 to 50mg on September 31 to 25ishmg on October 15 to 0mg on December 1, 2019 Enalapril: 2010 - 2019 Lipitor: 2017 -2017 Metformin: 2000 - 2020 Liothyronine: 2007 - 2019 Levothyroxine: 2000 - 2022 Link to comment
Kaycay Posted July 14, 2021 Author Share Posted July 14, 2021 Thanks, I added a signature. My symptoms are feeling jittery, a strange buzzing feeling in my head when I move my eyes/head (almost as if my brain is lagging), irritability and increased anxiety. Tapering from Clomipramine 25mg 2 weeks - taking 25mg capsule every other day 2 weeks - taking 25mg capsule every third day 7/13/20 - stopping completely klonopin 2mg as needed Link to comment
Administrator Altostrata Posted July 14, 2021 Administrator Share Posted July 14, 2021 Welcome, @Kaycay Those are withdrawal symptoms, and may get worse if you quit. See Tips for tapering off clomipramine (Anafranil) If I were you, I'd go back to 25mg daily, and taper when these symptoms are well gone. When you next speak to your psychiatrist, you might inform him or her that the drug's half-life is too short for skipping doses to be a good way to taper, and you have gotten withdrawal symptoms as a result. You may discuss getting a prescription for compounded liquid so you can taper. (The doctor probably will not like the idea of you making your own liquid, but you might end up doing that.) This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner. "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein All postings © copyrighted. Link to comment
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