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Valerie , 29 Aug 2011

Anafranil?

My doctor has suggested for me to take Anafranil...the reviews sound pretty great..over all it seems to work. However, I am a bit concerned about the side effects such as weight gain, dry mouth, blurry vision etc...I'm not sure I'm ready for that. But for some the side effects are temporary.I want to stop picking sooo badly.
9 Answers
janet
August 29, 2011
Can you tell me what Anafanil is? Is it an SSRI? Thanks
Valerie
August 29, 2011

In reply to by janet

Yes, it is. Skin picking is considered an OCD habit...Anafranil treats OCD habits like skin picking etc. It can also be used as an antidepressant.
bas
September 05, 2011

In reply to by Valerie

It will not fix the problem, SSRI's only work when you combine them with CBT and habit reforming exercises. By themselves SSRI's might as well be sugar pills when treating OCD ( this has been established as common medical knowledge in this field a while ago I still do not understand why some doctors insisting and overprescribing useless medicines) In fact, last I read the math on OCD cases with SSRI's alone improved 10 to 15%, with CBT alone 45-55% and with both 55-65%, so do not look for a quick fix it simply does not work and If your therapist wants to pursue a medicine only approach then you need to get a new therapist (I won't be licensed for another 2 years haha) as always, stay strong friends
Valerie
September 05, 2011

In reply to by bas

Although it can be used for an antidepressant, it does treat OCD. My psychiatrist recommended this medicine because he had previously raised my dosage of zoloft and it did not work. Therefore, he recommended something to knock the OCD habit specifically..many say it works very well..but I am not going to use it. I just really don't want to gain weight..that would be a big issue for me.
phmdgr
September 12, 2011

In reply to by Valerie

I have none of the typical ocd symtoms other than skin picking. I have been presscribed anafranil and have yet to see any positive improvements. I startes off with 25mg and he kept uping the dose til I'm now up to 225 mg a day and have noticed no difference in my desire to pick so I have to agree with a earilar person saying you should combine taking it while practicing habit reveral. Practices. That's what I believe I need to focus on. I was dieting before going on anafranil. And while. On I continued to lose weight at the same not even being aware u could. Gain weight. I have lost 25 pouns while orn itpace and was us on. Imm
phmdgr
September 12, 2011

In reply to by phmdgr

Not sure what happened to my last sentence?. Bottom line if u want to really lose weight u can on or off anafranil. I never knew weight gain was a side effect and continued to lose weight while taking the drug.
ConnieR
August 30, 2011
HI Valerie, what is anafranil?I would have a really hard time with the weight gain thing :-/ Is it an anti-anxiety med?
Valerie
August 30, 2011

In reply to by ConnieR

It's an antidepressant/treatment of OCD habits like skin picking. It is not an anti-anxiety med though. And yeah, that's a total turn off for me.
missyjz
December 02, 2011
I wan on Anafranil for about a year and it didn't help me as much as Luvox does. Although, nothing is going to stop the habit except you. This is really difficult but it's the only lasting thing that will work. I think the medicine assists in letting you feel calmer as you try to break the habit.

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