Dissociative identity disorders (DID) from vicious childhood abuse

Hi AJ @falcon27, and Welcome! 30 years is definitely a significant time on one medication. I am happy it worked for you for so many years and I am pleased to hear that you are coming off of your medication in an appropriate way with the help of your doctor.

I would like to invite members like @fighter, @ellens, @rivergirl8243, @marye2, and @basslakebabe19 who have also discussed OCD and certain medications. Perhaps their experience can lend some clarity on how far out withdrawal will last.

@falcon27 May I ask why you decided to taper off the medication? Was it no longer working or you just feel it is no longer necessary?

I was diagnosed with OCD back in 1995 and was put on clomipramine (Anafrinal). I took this for several years (maybe 2 decades) and liked it well enough. Around 2015, Teva, the manufacturer for the generic clomipramine, raised the price tremendously (my cost went from about $60/month to about $780/month). I called Teva and complained and about a month later I received a letter from them that was no more than BS. My psychiatrist put me on amitriptyline (Elavil) which was cheap and close in chemical makeup to my old drug. I have been OK with that but would like to return to my old friend clomipramine which is cheaper in Canada but still too expensive. I haven't tapered off from an OCD med and don't intend to do so unless I start having memory issues. The transition from clomipramine to amitriptyline was a tad iffy (I think I got seratonin syndrome one night) but overall wasn't too bad.

My doctor suggested it, just in terms of where I was in my life as well as some of the long term affects it could have on other aspects of my physical health. It was working but I do feel that when I started taking it life was hectic(still hectic) and I didn't really look at any other supports to compliment the meds ie therapy. It was a quick fix......He wants me off it for a while, and I concurr, and if needed he will look at more modern meds, maybe in the fall, possibly SSRI's.
Thanks for your concern.

I've also been on meds for over 20 years; it is worth taking a second look at what is now available to manage your OCD/other condition. For me, non-processed diet and movement help, along with the drugs I am taking.