Question about OCD medication I’m finally coming to the conclusion that I need to tell my doctor about my symptoms. I tell her I have anxiety and panic attacks but I truly think I have OCD instead. In the past she was quick to prescribe Xanax or Prozac but I know that medicine only masks the symptoms. Are you on any OCD medications? Do they make you feel better? I’m worried about starting medication because I don’t want to feel like a “zombie” or have no emotions anymore. What should I do?

Ive taken lot of medications, and none have masked my emotions. I would argue that they dont mask symptoms either, they just lower your over all level of anxiety. Technically, SSRIs allow you to absorb your naturally produced levels of seratonin better. People with anxiety disorder and depression "reuptake" their seratonin too fast, so it doesnt cycle through your system enough. SSRIs, when they work, allow your brain to function like someone without these disorders. Of course all medications can have side effects, including fatigue, which can make you feel dead. The good news is you can always stop taking medication if you dont like how it makes you feel (with the guidance of your doctor of course). Xanax and other benzodiazapenes are are little more dangerous. They can be very addictive, and should not be taken regularly for more than a few weeks. In the short term they can be very helpful in reducing panic attacks though. You should raise ALL your concerns with your doctor. Let them help you make your decision, but always remember it's your decision even if the doctor gives you a prescription. Take it as directed of course. And from experience I can tell you the first medication you try may not work or be the best one for you. It's a trial and error process.

Of course therapy (ERP) is the best way to deal with OCD, but medication helps a ton as well. I don’t think I would be able to do ERP (or honestly exist) without meds. My therapist also told me that the goal with therapy for OCD is to get it to be a hum in the background, and meds can help reduce that hum more. I don’t feel emotionally flat or like a zombie at all and I’m on Lexapro. Xanax is very different from Prozac, and it does make you feel like a zombie. It’s short acting and extremely addictive - aka not recommended for consistent usage for longer than 2 weeks. For long term anxiety problems such as OCD, SSRIs like Prozac/Celexa/Lexapro/Zoloft will be prescribed.

I would call Iapt if your in the uk

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to answer, hope you’re doing well! I think I’ll definitely bring it up to my doctor soon, im a little apprehensive about taking medication but I’ll also voice that to my doctor.

It’s important to be as open and honest with your doctor as possible. I take Paxil at a high dose that irks really well, but the best thing I ever did was start therapy. Therapy and medication can work really well together, but therapy is where I’ve seen the more significant improvements to my quality of life.