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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Medication 101: What You Need to Know

obsessive compulsive disorder medication

Can medication really make a difference for someone with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Everyone is different, but for many people with this condition, the severity of their symptoms is significantly reduced when they take medication as part of their treatment. In fact, up to 60% of patients with OCD experience improved social, occupational, and other functioning abilities after being prescribed medication. With 50,000 of people in the United States diagnosed with this condition, it’s important to look at all of the options for healing.

At SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky, we are committed to helping patients explore treatment options tailored to their OCD recovery needs. One option that we offer is the prescription and management of OCD medications, which we will discuss in depth below. 

The Ultimate Guide to OCD Medication: What You Should Know

OCD is a mental health condition categorized as having symptoms of uncontrollable and distressing thoughts known as obsessions and impulsive behaviors and urges known as compulsions. These symptoms are time-consuming and interfere with a person’s ability to live a life that feels like they are in control and able to function. The good news is that OCD treatment, which might include taking medications, helps many people regain that sense of control and live a healthier life.

OCD medications can only be prescribed and monitored by medical or mental health professionals. It is often combined with therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to ensure long-term results. CBT helps people learn how to recognize harmful thoughts like obsessions and replace them with ones that are helpful and less distressing. Sometimes, CBT alone is enough for someone with OCD to know how to manage symptoms, which might result in medication being added to their treatment plan. 

These medications are beneficial and effective for many people with this condition. With that said, it can take several months and trial and error before someone finds the proper medication that best helps them with the least amount of side effects. There is no magical medication that works for everyone and provides instant relief overnight. Discussing your concerns with your doctor and having an open conversation about any potential side effects, lingering OCD symptoms, and other experiences while also remaining patient as you wait for the medication to start to work helps make this process easier. 

How OCD Medication Helps With Symptoms

Medications for OCD increase concentrations of chemical messengers in the brain known as neurotransmitters. Most commonly, the neurotransmitter that requires an increase for those with OCD is serotonin. Because of this, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first medications a doctor will prescribe to treat this condition since they increase this neurotransmitter. 

However, sometimes, those medications are not enough, and other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine also need to be increased for people to heal. In that case, other medicines that target those chemical messengers are combined with SSRIs.  

Finding the Right Fit: The 4 Most Common Types of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Medication

There are several medications that a doctor might prescribe to someone who has OCD. Below is a chart that outlines the 4 most common, why they might be prescribed, and common brands that a doctor might consider.

OCD Medication Type Why It Is Prescribed for OCD Common Brands to Treat OCD
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) These are typically the medications that are used first when someone is diagnosed with OCD. They increase serotonin in the brain, which helps reduce symptoms of this condition. Fluoxetine (Prozac), Paroxetine (Paxil), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Sertraline (Zoloft), Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Citalopram (Celexa)
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) These are typically the next options used, typically alongside SSRIs. These increase the availability of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, which might provide additional support in reducing symptoms of OCD. Venlafaxine (Effexor), Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Tricyclic Antidepressants This medication is the longest-used to treat OCD, and has had the most extensive research that it is effective for this condition. However, it is not often the first choice doctors will go to due to the side effects that are possible with it. Clomipramine (Anafranil)
Atypical Antipsychotics These are typically used as a last resort and used as augmentation when the other medications do not work on their own. They increase dopamine in the brain, which when combined with another medication listed above often is effective in reducing the impact of symptoms. Aripiprazole (Abilify), Risperidone (Risperdal), Quetiapine (Seroquel)

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Medication

You have the choice of whether you want to take medication for OCD or not. It is not a requirement to find healing, as many people can recover through therapy alone. That doesn’t mean there aren’t benefits that can make that process easier. When coming to a decision on what path you want your OCD recovery journey to take, it is essential to consider both the benefits medication can bring and the drawbacks that you might face.

Understanding Why Someone Would Take OCD Medication

OCD medication does work and is highly effective when it comes to helping people reduce symptoms associated with this disorder. Not everyone will benefit solely from attending therapy, and taking medication makes the process easier. Some people find that after taking medication, they can spend more time focusing on their therapy and enhancing long-term coping skills. When they weren’t taking it, the thoughts and urges they had associated with their OCD made it challenging to concentrate on their treatment. 

The Common Drawbacks to OCD Medication to Consider

Even though OCD medication works well in managing symptoms, it does come with its drawbacks that might result in someone feeling hesitant to take it. For example, there are a few side effects that someone might experience from the medication. These could include, but are not limited to, unusual dreams, anxiety, dry mouth, and decreased appetite.

The exact side effects you might have depend on the specific medication you have been prescribed and will vary from person to person. It is also possible to not have any side effects from a medication. Discussing the potential side effects of a medication with your doctor can help you decide if you think it is best for you. It is also essential to report any side effects you experience to your doctor, as it can help them know if any adjustments need to be made or if this medication is the right one for you. 

Speaking of adjustments and knowing what medication is correct, this can be a guessing game that takes months to reach its full potential. Some people get the right combination on the first try, others don’t, and both experiences are valid. Everyone is different, which means everyone requires different combinations. 

Getting the right combination can also take a while because it takes several weeks to know if a medication works. OCD medications might take 8 to 12 weeks before someone starts to notice their symptoms improve. 

4 Signs You Might Benefit from OCD Medication

Taking OCD medication does not benefit everyone. Still, there are a few signs that might give you and your doctor an indication that it might help. The 4 most common signs are listed below.
  • You can’t control your thoughts or behaviors in a way that makes you comfortable
  • Your work, school, home, and relationship lives are impacted by OCD
  • Therapy and lifestyle changes haven’t eased your symptoms
  • Your OCD symptoms used to be managed with therapy and lifestyle changes, but are no longer working

OCD Medication: 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Starting Your New Prescription

When it comes to starting any medication, including ones for OCD, you and your doctor must be on the same page. Your doctor will know your specific situation best, and they can answer any questions you might have. Here are 10 of the most common questions that people ask their doctors before starting OCD medication:
  1. How long will I need to take this medication?
  2. Why do you think that this medication will help me the best?
  3. Are there any potential side effects that I might experience from this medication? How can they be managed?
  4. Should I attend therapy while taking this medication?
  5. How long will it take before I start to notice improvements? What is the plan if I don’t notice improvements by then?
  6. Will this medication negatively interact with my other medications?
  7. What should I do if I forget to take this medication one day?
  8. What if I can no longer afford this medication? Are there other options available?
  9. Are there any withdrawal symptoms I might experience if I forget a dose or suddenly stop taking this medication?
  10. What does the process of stopping this medication look like? Will I have to be weaned off of it, or can it be abruptly stopped?

OCD Treatment Is Available in Erlanger, KY

You do not have to try and live with the debilitating symptoms of OCD on your own. Many people find healing through OCD treatment, whether it be through therapy, with the help of medications, or a combination of both. It is possible to live a life that is free from the obsessive thoughts and time-consuming compulsions that you are currently experiencing. 

SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky solves unmet needs for adolescents and adults with OCD in Erlanger. Our no-cost care assessments allow us to work with your doctors and you to design a treatment plan that might include medication, therapy, or both that will improve your quality of life from this condition. To schedule a consultation, call us at 859-429-5188 today. 

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SUN Behavioral Kentucky

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