OCD Medication: Know The Different Types And How Do They Work?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic mental health condition that affects an estimated one in 50 people. People who have OCD can feel bad. They might get depressed and anxious. One of the most common ways to manage OCD is with medication; however, there are many different types of medication that work for different people with various symptoms. In this article, we will discuss how these medications work and 8 ways they can help you manage your OCD!

What Is OCD?

OCD is an anxiety disorder where people have thoughts and behaviors that they don’t want. It is when the person has an obsession and does a compulsion to make it go away. Some people are able to manage their obsessions with the use of medication. If you have OCD, here is a list of medications that help. This will tell you what medicines work for people like you.

OCD Medication

There are a few different types of OCD medication. The most common type is called SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This type of medication helps increase the amount of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical that is responsible for mood.

OCD medications can be very helpful, but there are a number of different side effects. If you are not feeling right in your brain, there are different medicines that can help. Some of these medicines might make you feel bad.

Different Types Of OCD Medications

• Wellbutrin XL 300mg – This drug is used to treat depression. It can also help with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This medicine might not help everyone. The effect wears off over time.
• Zoloft 50mg – This was an anti-depressant that helped with my anxiety. This helped a lot, but the side effects began to get worse after about a year and I had to stop taking it.
• Paxil 40mg – Paxil is an anti-depressant that helps with OCD symptoms like depression too. It was helpful at first, but then it stopped working since other medicines were taken.
• Prozac 20mg – Prozac is also used for treating depression along with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The pills didn’t really help me fight off any of my obsessions because they just weren’t strong enough on their own without having another medication or drug available to them.

There are other types of OCD medication like tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors. If you have more questions about these medications, ask your doctor.

Your doctor will be able to help you find the best way to manage your OCD symptoms. There are many different types of OCD medication that work for different people. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about trying a new medicine if the one you’re taking isn’t working well.

If you aren’t feeling right or if the side effects are too much, there are other medicines that can help. Be sure to talk to your doctor so they can help you find the best way to manage your OCD symptoms.

How Does OCD Medication Work?

OCD medication works in the medicine for OCD works the same way as medicine for depression and anxiety. It helps you feel better by correcting any problems with your brain chemistry. Many different types of drugs have been shown to be effective at treating OCD: antidepressants like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) — a popular option is fluoxetine (Prozac); antipsychotic medications like risperidone (Risperdal); and mood stabilizers such as divalproex sodium/valproic acid, also called Depakote.

Here are some ways that OCD medication helps:

• It balances chemicals in the brain to help you feel less anxious or depressed. One of its effects is to increase serotonin, a neurotransmitter believed to be involved in OCD.
• OCD medication helps with obsessions and compulsions. It calms down strong emotions that can lead to symptoms, like depression or anxiety. It also “evens out” the brain so it’s easier for patients to resist their impulses. SSRIs can help people fight the urge to wash their hands over and over again. That will make it easier for them.
• OCD medication is also used with other treatments, such as psychotherapy (also called talk therapy), behavior therapy, or both. It’s important for patients to work closely with doctors so together they can find the best treatment plan for them.

How Effective Is OCD Medication?

Studies have shown that OCD medication can be effective in reducing symptoms in about 60 to 70% of patients. The drugs don’t help everyone. Some people need to try more than one type of drug before they find one that works well for them.

What Are the Side Effects of OCD Medication?

Like all medications, there are some potential side effects associated with taking OCD medication. However, most people don’t experience any side effects at all. The most common ones include:

• Nausea: In some cases, taking medication may cause nausea. This feeling usually goes away after a few days or once the body adjusts to the new medicine. If your problem is very bad and doesn’t go away, talk to a doctor about switching medicines or lowering the dose of what you’re already on.
• Headache: A headache is another common side effect, especially when starting a new medication. Again, this usually goes away with time. If your headache is not going away, talk to your doctor. They might change your medications or adjust the dose.
• Drowsiness: Feeling sleepy is another common side effect of OCD medication. Sometimes, when you first start taking the medicine, it can happen. This usually goes away after a while though. Be sure to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel drowsy while on your medication.
• Sexual problems: OCD medication can cause some people to have sexual problems, such as a decrease in sex drive or difficulty getting aroused. If this happens, talk to your doctor. They might suggest changing the dose or switching medicines to see if that improves your sexual function.
• Weight gain: If you take OCD medication, you might gain weight. Weight is a risk when the dose of the medicine is higher or if someone has been on it for a long time. However, weight gain can happen with any antidepressant, so ask your doctor how much this will affect you if they think it’s a problem.
• Anxiety: Some people may feel more anxious or nervous when starting OCD medication, but this feeling should go away with time. If your anxiety doesn’t go away and keeps getting worse, talk to your doctor about changing the dose or switching medicines.
• Dizziness: Dizziness is another common side effect of OCD medication. It may happen when you are starting the medicine, or it could be a sign that your dose isn’t high enough. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or trying a different type of medication if possible.
• Insomnia (difficulty sleeping): Some people have difficulty sleeping when they start taking OCD medication. If you have a problem with this, talk to your doctor. You might need a different dose of medicine or a different type of medicine.

Dosage Of OCD Medication

Sometimes, when people start taking OCD medication, they might need to start with a smaller dose. The doctor will then slowly increase the dose until the person feels better. It’s important to take your medication as prescribed and not to change the dosage without consulting your doctor.

8 Ways to Manage Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Here are eight ways to manage OCD symptoms:

• Take your medication as prescribed: People with OCD who don’t take their medication as prescribed are not getting any relief from the symptoms. This can lead to frustration and a worsening of the condition. The best way to get better is by being patient, following your doctor’s instructions carefully, and taking your medicine consistently. The side effects will gradually subside once you are used to the medication.
• Accept that you have OCD: Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder try to hide their symptoms so they do not get help. Trying to hide your condition will make it worse because you are always stressed and anxious about being found out. To manage your anxiety better, learn how to accept yourself for who you are and that you have OCD.
• Educate yourself about OCD: The more you know about OCD, the better equipped you will be to manage it. There is a lot of information available online, in books, and form support groups. Educating yourself will help you understand your condition better and realize that you are not alone.
• Stay on your medication: It is very important to stay on your medication once you start feeling better. If you stop taking the medication, the symptoms will come back.
• Challenge your thoughts: OCD causes people to have intrusive thoughts that they cannot get rid of no matter how hard they try. To manage these thoughts, you need to learn how to challenge them. This means that you need to ask yourself whether the thought is logical and realistic. If it’s not, then you can safely ignore it.
• Develop a support system: A support system is very important for people with OCD. It can be your family, friends, or a therapist. Talking about your thoughts and feelings with other people will help reduce the stress and anxiety you are feeling.
• Create a routine: People with OCD often have trouble with routines. To help with this, try to create a routine for yourself that includes regular activities such as eating, sleeping, and exercise. This will help reduce the stress in your life and make it easier for you to stick to a routine.
• Take breaks from your treatment plan: Taking breaks from your treatment plan is a good way to manage OCD. This means that you will take a break from your medication, therapy, or both for a certain amount of time. When you are depressed, try to do your normal activities even though it might be hard. You should keep trying to think good thoughts.

These are some ways that you can manage OCD symptoms. If you find that these methods don’t work, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.

How Long Does OCD Medication Last?

OCD medication can last from a few weeks to several months. It all depends on the type of drug, your body, and how you respond to it. If you are taking an SSRI for OCD, then it will take about four to six weeks before you feel any change in your symptoms.

Drugs like Zyprexa can last for up to a year or even longer. Your doctor will watch you closely, especially if they prescribe you long-term treatment options.

To make the medication last longer, take it until we’re told to. Don’t miss any doses.

Who Should Not Take OCD Medication?

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of seizures, then you should not take OCD medication. It is also not recommended for people who are taking Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression. If you are unsure if it is safe for you to take the medication, talk to your doctor.

When should I expect to see improvement in my symptoms?

OCD medication does not work for everyone. It can take a few weeks before you start to notice any improvement in your symptoms. If you don’t feel better after taking the medicine, tell your doctor. They will prescribe another medicine or give you some tips for managing OCD by yourself.

Your best chance of getting better is by taking the medication as prescribed, attending therapy sessions, and practicing the skills you learn in therapy.

Can I Take OCD Medication With Other Medicines?

It is important to talk to your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Some OCD medications can interact with other drugs, which can cause serious side effects.

Your doctor will help you find a medication that works well for you and won’t interact with any of the other medicines you are taking.

What If I Stop Taking OCD Medication?

If you stop taking the medication, the symptoms will come back. This is why it is important to talk to your doctor before you decide to stop taking the medication. They might be able to give you a lower dose of the drug so that you can wean yourself off it slowly.

Withdrawal

Some people experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking OCD medication. This includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headaches. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor immediately.

People with OCD often have trouble with routines. To keep from being sad, do things that make you happy. For example, eat good food and sleep a lot. This will help reduce the stress in your life and make it easier for you to stick to a routine.

Conclusion

If you suffer from OCD and need help, we can offer treatment. We want to make sure you know your options. We want you to get the best care when it comes to yourself or when caring for someone you love. There are many different treatments for mental health problems. Make sure you find a treatment that is best for you. Contact us today if this article has prompted any questions about how our team at Mantra Care can help with OCD treatment!

A Word From Mantra Care

Your mental health — your psychological, emotional, and social well-being — has an impact on every aspect of your life. Positive mental health essentially allows you to effectively deal with life’s everyday challenges.

Also, at Mantra Care, we have a team of therapists who provide affordable online therapy to assist you with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, relationship, OCD, LGBTQ, and PTSD. You can take our mental health test. You can also book a free therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.