OCD Medications

Medication may not be the first choice to treat OCD, but it’s a valuable tool in a therapist’s bag when other treatment methods haven’t produced the results you are looking for. It can be intimidating to consider taking medications every day to manage your OCD so today we are going to look at a few common medications and how they can help!

Is There Medication for OCD?

Yes! The most commonly prescribed medications for OCD symptoms are a specific category of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRI’s work by increasing the serotonin levels in your brain, which regulate a host of functions including your mood, memory, emotions, and sleep. It is not fully understood why these medications help OCD specifically but the increase in serotonin levels can lead to lessened symptoms and increased responsiveness to treatment.  

A few common ones are-

• Fluoxetine (Prozac) 

• Clomipramine (Anafranil)

• Fluvoxamine 

• Sertraline (Zoloft) 

• Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)

How do they help?

These meds lead to an improvement in symptoms that make daily life more manageable for some, but they are not a quick and sure fix. It can take a few weeks for the effects to become apparent and some people experience unpleasant side effects. Antidepressants are not a replacement for therapy. Nonetheless, medications can be a lifesaver for those with severe symptoms when paired with therapy, such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) or ERP (exposure and response prevention).

Are they right for you?

This is a question that only you and your doctor can decide for sure, but I hope this article has armed you with the information you need to start that conversation.