Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 9/29/2009

Question
Hello, i had been taking clomipramine for seven years and have recently weaned myself off.  I have now read that clomipramine can impair your liver, i was not aware of this. I was on 75mg for 7 years and i did still drink whilst taking it (not like an alcoholic but i did get drunk at times and i did have a glass of wine or a shot of brandy most nights).  I am now very concerned that the combination would have caused damage or simply how long i took it for.  What do you think? Thankyou for your time.

Answer
Dear Sarah

Clomipramine can occasionally cause some liver damage but it is reversible, so nothing really to worry about. The amount of alcohol you were drinking was very low and I doubt very much if it would have contributed to causing any more liver damage which the clomipramine may have caused. It is unlikely that you would have any liver damage at all but if you really are worried a simple blood test can be done which assesses liver function. Do not be alarmed by me saying this as I have already said it is reversible if indeed there is any.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith