Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a specific type of anxiety disorder where frequent behaviors and thoughts can have a negative impact on daily life. While the cause for OCD isn’t totally understood, researchers think it’s ultimately the result of poor communication between various parts of the brain. OCD affects an estimated 2 – 3% of the population. Show
There are several types of treatment for OCD, including therapy, OCD medication, or a combination of the two as OCD is a hard anxiety disorder and most of the time it needs much higher doses or at times a combination of medications to clear up all the symptoms. OCD can often be most effectively treated with a specific type of therapy known as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and the combined use of medication. An antidepressant known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is typically the first type of medication prescribed to treat OCD. There are also some other off-label medications that your doctor may suggest if SSRIs prove ineffective. Read on to learn more about obsessive-compulsive disorder medication along with the risks and benefits of anything an online psychiatrist may prescribe you. Types of Medications Used to Treat OCDEven though medication isn’t always the first recommended form of treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, there are multiple OCD treatment medications available. And while SSRIs are typically the first line of treatment, there are a few other meds that might be suggested if SSRIs have failed to be effective. SSRIsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be a suggested treatment approach for OCD, often combined with a therapy technique known as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). SSRIs are an antidepressant that can alleviate symptoms of OCD. They work in the brain to up serotonin levels. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that impacts and stabilizes mood, happiness, and a general sense of well-being. While it is understood what SSRIs do, it is not completely understood why or how they’re helpful for people who have OCD. What is known is that they can reduce the severity of OCD symptoms while also helping to relieve some anxiety that people with OCD often experience. Popular SSRIs to treat OCD include:
*Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use to treat OCD Possible side effects of SSRIs to treat OCD:
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)Similar to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were also originally developed as a treatment for depression. If SSRIs haven’t been effective in relieving symptoms of OCD, a TCA may be prescribed. TCAs work like SSRIs in that they also increase serotonin levels, but additionally, they also affect norepinephrine levels in the brain to help with communication between brain cells. Norepinephrine is a chemical signal that works to control stress response, improve attention, and stabilize emotions and behaviors. Though TCAs might be effective in treating OCD, they’re typically not the first OCD medication that’s tried because of their side effects. TCA prescribed to treat OCD:
Possible side effects of Clomipramine to treat OCD:
BenzodiazepinesOccasionally a medication type known as benzodiazepines is prescribed to treat OCD. This class of medication works fast to relieve anxiety, but in general, it’s not widely considered to be effective on its own in treating OCD. For one thing, there’s great potential to develop tolerance to benzodiazepines. Addiction is another concern. As a result, these drugs must be taken very cautiously. A final worry with the use of benzodiazepines as an OCD medication is that they often create powerful and extreme withdrawal symptoms when people discontinue them. They’re typically not meant to be taken long-term, but they might be prescribed in addition to an SSRI until the antidepressant takes full effect. Benzodiazepines are a central nervous system depressant that works by increasing the effect of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which can give a relaxed, almost sedative effect. Popular benzodiazepines to treat OCD include:
Possible side effects of benzodiazepines to treat OCD:
Medications Commonly Prescribed for OCDThe following OCD medication list isn’t complete, but it can give you an idea of the types of obsessive-compulsive disorder medication available.
Talk to your psychiatrist or healthcare professional about the possible risks and benefits associated with the above medications before starting treatment. How to Get OCD MedicationIf you’re wondering what the right OCD medication is for yi, talking to your doctor can be a good place to start. Together, you can come up with a treatment plan that gives you the best hope for managing your type of OCD. You can obtain OCD medication by following the steps below:
Should You Treat OCD with Medication?Obsessive-compulsive disorder medication might help you manage OCD in the most beneficial way possible. Of course, deciding to take a meditation is an important decision that you need to make for yourself, but understanding the positives and negatives will allow you to come to an informed decision. Reaching out to your doctor or licensed provider and asking for help is a great way to begin the process. Together, you can decide which, if any, medication is right for you. While treatment may not result in a cure, it can help you manage your symptoms so that you can live the fullest life possible. In fact, studies show that up to 70% of people with OCD find their symptoms reduced once they opted for various treatment options. If you decide to talk to your doctor or psychiatrist about OCD treatment medication, you may want to ask the following questions. Questions to ask your doctor:
If you’re ready to start managing your OCD, seek out a licensed provider.
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Which medications are commonly used to treat OCD?Medications. Clomipramine (Anafranil) for adults and children 10 years and older.. Fluoxetine (Prozac) for adults and children 7 years and older.. Fluvoxamine for adults and children 8 years and older.. Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) for adults only.. Sertraline (Zoloft) for adults and children 6 years and older.. What is the most effective drug for OCD?Which medication works best for OCD? SSRIs, especially when combined with CBT, work best in lessening OCD symptoms. The American Psychiatric Association suggests switching to a different SSRI if the one you're using isn't helping. TCAs such as clomipramine may be used if SSRIs do not help improve OCD.
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