OCD Treatment: Medication

Curing obsessive compulsive disorder through medication is good only when combined with the proper therapy and only when you find the right mix of medications for you.

Many studies have concluded that OCD patients need to increase the level of a neurotransmitter called serotonin. As such, the most common medications for obsessive compulsive disorder are SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). SSRIs are antidepressants and they also help treat depression. It is tought that over 75% of OCD patients can be helped by prescribing SSRIs.

Some of the common known SSRIs are Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox, Celexa, Paxil and Anafranil. Celexa is the newest of the bunch and scientists are yet to prove the effectiveness of it. On the oppsite site there’s Anafranil, which is the oldest of them and is actually known as a SRI (Serotonin Reputake Inhibitor). Case studies have shown that Anafranil is the most effective serotonin medication because it had a positive impact on the most OCD sufferers (up to 80%) in reducing their symptoms. However, the same case studies have concluded that Anafranil has the most side effects.

Usually SSRI medication starts by taking doses daily. If things go smooth with little to no side effects then the doctor can prescribe an increase in dosage. Treatment of OCD through medication should continue for at least three months to get the best results out of it. It is considered that the positive effect of SSRI medication comes gradually with a decrease in the intensity of both obsessions and compulsions. However, cases are rare when an OCD patient gets rid entirely of the disorder only through medication.

If positive results from the SSRI prescribed don’t show up after three months, then the doctor usually prescribes another SSRI as some people might respond considerably better to some SSRIs and considerably worse to other SSRIs. When the proper SSRI is found treatment using it should be continued for at least 6 to 12 months. These meds don’t cause addiction so one shouldn’t worry about the long period one has to use them.

If medication is cut at an improper moment then obsessive compulsive disorder symptomps might relapse. Thus, it is quite obvious that you should always consult with a quality doctor when it comes to the best strategy related to medication.

As for side-effects:

1. They usually come before the improvement in symptoms.

2. They seem to fade in time.

3. Side-effects aren’t permanent so once medication is cut they disappear.

4. You can get rid of side-effects by either adjusting dosage or changing the time of the day you take your meds.

5. Some of the better known side effects are constipation, excess sweat, dry mouth, headaches, insomnia or a low need of wanting to have sex.

In case you’re using other types of drugs or will start to use during medication with SSRIs either prescribed or over the counter it is best to notify the doctor about it so he can tell you whether that’s OK or not.

Other than SSRIs, other types of meds can be used in the treatment of OCD such as:

1. Benzodiazepines, such as Rivotril, Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Serax and Restoril. These help reduce anxiety and are prescribed in combination with an SSRI. However, it has not yet been shown that they help much with OCD and they do affect short term memory and impair short term learning so it’s better not to take them if you want to treat your OCD through cognitive-behavioral therapy. Other than what we’ve said so far, they also have some other nasty effects: combined with alcohol they are very dangerous and prolonged use can cause dependence.

2. Antipsychotics. These drugs, when combined with SSRIs, might have a moderate effect on OCD symptoms. As a side effect, if such meds are taken for months or years they can generate involuntary movements for a patients. Such a condition is known as tardive dyskinesia. Some of the better known drugs from this category are Orap and Haldol.

3. Others. These include Buspirone (in combination with SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors and newer antidepressants.

Before we finish we have one more thing to say: always consult your doctor before trying to cure OCD!

This concludes our article on the treatment of OCD through medication. If you want to add on top of what we wrote here or if you’d like to share your experience regarding treating obsessive compulsive disorder through medication then don’t hesitate to post a comment.

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1. OCD Treatment: Alternative Drugs