Clomipramine

[alwaysscared]

I have severe OCD, phobia, depression and anxiety. I have been taking fluvoxamine for a couple of years, was on Citalopram for about 13 years before that. Neither really worked and I am getting worse and worse (been particularly bad since having my son 6 years ago)
I have now weaned down to the lowest dose of fluvoxamine and my psychiatrist has given me Clomipramine to start tonight to take in place of the fluvoxamine.
I'll admit, I'm terrified. I am so scared of side effects. My phobia is emetophobia (vomit) and I panic as soon as my tummy feels even slightly off (which is does a lot due to IBS and anxiety!)
Does anyone have any experience with this med? I know everyone is different but I'd like to know what might be in store for me.
I know I have to take them, because life has become unbearable for my son and husband as well as me, but I'm just so scared.

Bump

Hi OP

How are you feeling now?

Would you like to talk through what is 'the worst' thing that could happen? Maybe breaking it down into specific fears will feel easier than one big pot of scary x

I didn't take it, I was too scared. I'm going to see if I can speak to my psychiatrist today, or get a message to her, to see if I can start on a smaller dose.
I think my main fear is it making me feel sick or cause me to have a panic attack, especially in the middle of the night.
As an emetophobe, one of the scariest things is taking new meds. In most meds one of the most common side effects is feeling/being sick and the amount of fear/anxiety that thought alone conjures is unreal.

That's a good idea- then they will also get an understanding of how high your anxiety is. Perhaps you can break the tablet in half if you have no luck with getting a phone call.

Personally about 90% of the time when I feel sick I'm not actually sick. I don't suppose that helps but something to bear in mind.

Who do you live with?
Do you have a plan of what to do if you have a panic attack? Perhaps making a self sooth kit would make you feel prepared 'just incase'.

Unfortunately the tablet is one of the ones with powder inside so can't split it in half.
I have all the stuff I need if I have a panic attack (small dosage of diazepam, antiemetic meds) it's just plucking up the courage to put that small tablet in my mouth!

I was thinking more "holistic" things such as a lavender roll on, a incense burner, bath oils, crafts, distraction techniques unique to you etc.

Meds like diazepam for each panic attack are not ideal...

What do you think? X

I don't really have those things unfortunately. I have used diazepam for years, but literally split my 2mg tablet in half so more of a placebo affect.
I have tried other techniques with panic attacks but some are so bad that I literally just have to rock, watch something, sit in a fan and takes meds until they subside. I hate anxiety but unfortunately it's just the way I've always been.

Looks like I'm just going to bite the bullet tonight. I never got a call back