Tricyclic antidepressant medications are available since late-1950s. These meds are prescribed for the case management of mood-related conditions like generalized social anxieties, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), etc. Since launch, these drugs were taken as first-line treatment for treating depression. However, with availability of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibiting (SNRIs) meds, etc. use of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) has sizably come down. But, TCAs like clomipramine continue to be used for depression. But, how long does clomipramine take to work for OCD? It is an essential thing to know more about this.
Antidepressants are administered for treating chronic spells of pain, depression-related disorders, anxieties, etc. There are different genres of antidepressants. Each genre helps fight depression in unique ways; for example, SSRIs work by increasing the availability of serotonin. On the other hand, SNRIs function to enhance the presence of norepinephrine.
Most neurotransmitters are directly linked to your moods and mental wellbeing. Use of antidepressants is on the rise in many countries. For instance, the number of prescriptions of antidepressants has doubled in recent times. In the US, more than 7% of the population took meds of this genre to elevate their mental health.
In this light, what is clomipramine?
This med belongs to a category called tricyclic antidepressants. It is prescribed for treating mental disorders. Its use is pronounced for treating OCD, panic and pains. As an extended application, clomipramine is used for narcolepsy and male impotence.
Of the above, OCD makes you to perform some tasks repeatedly. You tend to repeat some activities so much that you may lose focus on other essential activities. In general, ‘being obsessive’ is about nursing unwanted ideas, mental pictures and feelings of disgust. Symptoms can show up as washing your hands more often (than is needed), counting too many times, looking for external assurance, etc.
Clomipramine
How long does clomipramine take to work for OCD?
It takes between 7 to 10 weeks for clomipramine to work for OCD. Key ingredients of this med are readily absorbed in the intestinal system. You may need about 3 hours’ time for the drug to achieve maximum level of concentration in your bloodstream. Traces of this med is likely to remain for nearly 40 hours from the time of your last dose.
This not an over the counter (OTC) drug. You are advised to take it as per the instructions of your caregiving team. Intake of an excessive dose can lead a few severe side effects. It is unsafe to take juice of grapefruit or grapefruit while you are using clomipramine. Moreover, it is unsafe to stop taking this med all of a sudden. Those who stopped the doses in an abrupt manner experienced drowsiness, abdominal discomforts like nausea, vomiting, etc.
In general, it may take a few weeks’ dosing for the drug to start functioning. If you are unable to witness any positive effects, talk to your caregiving team on a top priority mode.
Safety measures needed while taking clomipramine for OCD
Those who have prior allergies or hypersensitivity to clomipramine or other antidepressants must inform their caregiver of all such conditions. On a related note, tell your doctor of medical problems such as respiratory disorders (bronchitis or asthma), cardiac conditions (such as arrythmia, recent episode of cardiac arrest), renal dysfunction, etc.
This med may lead to QT prolongation, and thus can affect the rhythm of your heartbeats. So, if you observe signs like erratic beating of heart or rapid rate of heartbeat, tell your treating physician without any further delay. Users in the US can call 911 and those living in Canada can reach out to Health Canada. Lastly, if you aim to have more details about how long does clomipramine take to work for OCD, talk to your caregiver prior to starting your medication plan.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other
Education: Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from the University of Michigan. Experience: Over 8 years of experience writing for health and wellness websites, including WebMD and Healthline, specializing in women’s health and nutrition.
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