Posted by zeugma on March 28, 2003, at 15:14:02
In reply to Re: Clomipramine (Anafranil) question., posted by lawrence S. on March 28, 2003, at 14:02:16
> I thought Anafranil was a TCA?
Anafranil(clomipramine) is a TCA, but an atypical one in that it is more serotonergic than noradrenergic in its reuptake inhibition capacities. Its major metabolite, though, desmethylclomipramine, is a potent norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
I'm a little puzzled by the fact that clomipramine is only marketed for OCD in the US. Effexor, which is much less potent as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor AND as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (compared to clomipramine's metabolite) is apparently the treatment du jour for Treatement Resistant Depression, but clomipramine is reserved for OCD... the only (tenuous) advantage I can think of for Effexor is that it might cause less weight gain. But just from reading the numerous posts here over the years I defy anyone to say Effexor is a benign drug in terms of side effects and withdrawals.
poster:zeugma
thread:213332
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030325/msgs/213837.html