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People with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have persistent fears and unwanted thoughts. Intrusive thoughts often lead to compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors designed to reduce anxiety or prevent something bad from happening. Unfortunately, compulsions provide little to no relief for the anxiety caused by OCD, creating a need for ongoing OCD treatment.
OCD medication controls the symptoms associated with the condition, making it easier to focus on other aspects of your life. Learn how to treat OCD with medications and professional therapy.
Medications Typically Prescribed for OCD
Medication is one of the most common forms of OCD treatment. Healthcare professionals usually prescribe a specific type of antidepressant, but some individuals need antipsychotics to keep their symptoms in check.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are one of the FDA-approved treatments for OCD. If a medical professional believes you’ll benefit from an SSRI, they may prescribe one of the following medications:
- Sertraline
- Fluoxetine
- Vilazodone
- Citalopram
- Fluvoxamine
- Escitalopram
- Paroxetine
Antipsychotics
Some individuals don’t respond well to SSRIs alone, making it necessary to add a second medication. If you have a partial response to an SSRI, your healthcare professional may recommend an antipsychotic. Despite their name, antipsychotics do more than treat psychosis. They can make your SSRI more effective, maximizing the benefits of OCD treatment. Risperidone, haloperidol and aripiprazole are three antipsychotics used to control the symptoms of OCD.
How SSRIs and Other Medications Help Manage Symptoms
Your nervous system relies on several chemicals to communicate. These chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, control several important functions:
- Stress response
- Hormone regulation
- Feelings
- Memory
- Muscle movements
- Breathing
In some people, the cells in the nervous system absorb neurotransmitters shortly after producing them, a process known as reuptake. SSRIs prevent serotonin reuptake, leaving more serotonin in the brain. Because serotonin plays an important role in regulating your moods and feelings, increasing the amount of serotonin available relieves some of the symptoms of OCD.
Scientists don’t know exactly why antipsychotics help with OCD symptoms. However, antipsychotic medications may block dopamine receptors in the brain. Like serotonin, dopamine is a neurotransmitter, so it helps the nerve cells communicate with each other. Blocking dopamine receptors slows down the transmission of some messages, making OCD symptoms more manageable.
Potential Side Effects and Long-Term Use Considerations
Although SSRIs have been tested thoroughly, they’re still associated with some unpleasant side effects. Talk to your healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sleep disturbances
- Dry mouth
- Sexual dysfunction
- Worsening anxiety
SSRI usage has also been linked to these serious complications:
- Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. If you stop taking your SSRI suddenly, you may experience antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, which causes nausea, fatigue, body aches and insomnia. It’s also common for OCD or depression symptoms to return once your body clears any remaining OCD medication. Some people even experience severe nightmares or shock-like sensations while withdrawing from SSRIs. To reduce the risk of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, don’t stop taking your SSRI until you speak with your doctor.
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Suicidal behavior refers to any action that can cause someone to die. For example, someone who purposely swerves off the road may be trying to end their life due to depression, anxiety, loneliness or feelings of guilt and shame. Symptoms include difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in your usual activities, sudden changes in your eating habits, difficulty sleeping and engaging in self-destructive behaviors. If you have suicidal thoughts, contact your healthcare provider immediately. If you can’t get in touch with your doctor, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
- Serotonin syndrome. Although an increase in serotonin makes it easier to manage OCD symptoms, too much serotonin can be dangerous. Some people who use SSRIs develop a complication known as serotonin syndrome, which occurs when too much serotonin remains in the brain. If you develop serotonin syndrome, you may experience agitation, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, loss of coordination and other concerning symptoms. Seek medical attention if you have any signs of this complication.
SSRIs can also enhance the effects of other medications, increasing the risk for serious complications. You shouldn’t take SSRIs if you already take St. John’s wort, clomipramine or any drug classified as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).
Before taking medication to manage your OCD symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider about the potential side effects. Let them know if you plan to become pregnant, as some medications have harmful effects on a developing baby.
Combining Medication With Therapy for Best Results
Although medication is effective on its own, it’s even more effective when you combine it with OCD therapy. Many therapists use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals with OCD manage their symptoms. Exposure and response prevention has also been shown to help people with OCD gain control of their compulsions.
CBT is a structured type of therapy based on the idea that psychological problems are partially caused by unhelpful thoughts, feelings and/or behaviors. During a CBT session, your therapist will help you explore your thoughts and emotions. You’ll also work on changing harmful ways of thinking and behaving, making it easier to manage your symptoms.
Exposure and response prevention is a specific type of CBT used for individuals with OCD. During the exposure phase, you confront your intrusive thoughts, also known as triggers. The response prevention phase allows you to choose not to engage in compulsions. At first, exposure to your triggers may cause your anxiety to get worse. Over time, however, you learn to stop fighting your intrusive thoughts. This makes it easier to stop performing compulsive behaviors.
Get Professional OCD Treatment
Taking medication and attending therapy sessions can help you get your OCD symptoms under control. However, you need a professional to guide you through each aspect of OCD treatment.
If obsessive-compulsive disorder is making it difficult to work, attend school or enjoy your usual activities, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Contact FHE Health to speak with a trained professional who understands how to help individuals with OCD manage their intrusive thoughts. With professional guidance, it’s possible to begin your recovery today.
