If so could you let me know how it’s worked for you? I might be prescribed that by my psychiatrist soon and I’m a little anxious about taking it, but if it helps with the intrusive thoughts then I’m all for it.
Hi! Medication works differently for everyone. I took Zoloft and unfortunately didn’t work for me. But don’t be discouraged by that! It really depends! Nothing to be nervous about! Doctors start you on a low dose to see how you manage the med and if there are any side effects. After they up the dosage until you get to an effective dosage for you. I know this isn’t what you want to hear but please have patience with meds. I tried like 5 different ones before I found the right combination. Don’t give up and keep your doctor updated. Most meds take a few weeks to start being effective so remember to continue to take care of yourself and try to be patient :)
@NOCD Advocate - Greg J. ^^ very good advice! I agree!! I am on a different medication than Zoloft so I can’t speak on that, but give meds a fair shot, I think, if you think they could help you :)
@NOCD Advocate - Greg J. Thanks for the advice!! I really need it because rn the thoughts I feel like are never ending and I sometimes feel as if I’m gonna lose control ): really hope medication does help me be able to focus less on those thoughts
@Natalia27 I know it feels like the thoughts are never ending but through medication and ERP things have gotten a lot better. And that’s coming from someone who thought they had 0 chance of getting better
I’m on sertaline. Been on it for a while. Low dose to start then up to the recommended therapeutic dose for OCD. I took lexapro prior to sertaline. Message me if you want to chat. I’ve had good luck with sertaline.
@breckw39 Ahh wells they are recommending maybe sertraline but we’ll see I hope it helps! Has it helped you? I’m trying not to be so nervous about it
I am currently on sertraline and have intrusive thoughts feel free to message me if you need to talk
@Strongmomma25 Hi! How does it work for you in stopping the intrusive thoughts? Do you feel like it helps?
@Natalia27 Im only on day 4 and they have not stopped yet no but when i was on it a year ago yes it helped alot! What intrusive thoughts do you have? I am dealing with them right now! Its so hard and so tough but i know gods got us
@Strongmomma25 How long does it usually take to work? Ahh and mostly harm thoughts about my family members and my boyfriend and I honestly can’t take anymore ): it keeps making me feel like a bad person scared to be around my family and friends and my bf
@Natalia27 I understand completely!! Mines bout my child who i love oh so much and its driving me crazy and they say almost all ssri’s take 2-6 weeks to start working
Hi Natalia! I also have harm and relationship OCD and was fed up. I am on a low dose sertraline and I have never taken medication before. I was also nervous but it is working so well for me! I had some side effects in the first 2 weeks, but now feel completely normal. Please chat me if you would like to talk. :) Also, my positive experience does not mean you will definitely have a positive experience, but I can talk about the process and hopefully provide some comfort!
Sertraline worked wonders for me for years. For me, it took 8+ weeks to really work. But I noticed a huge reduction in the intrusive thoughts and when I got them, I was able to dismiss them easily. Hoping the same for you! There is also a test called genesight that can tell which medication will work best for you.
I have a question for everyone as well though does the thoughts often feel like urges that you have to or want to do it??? Cause idk if its the medicine but instead of being all upset its like a urge like feeling to do it
I do and the urges are the scariest for me. From what I understand, these are common in OCD.
@Overworried Its like its urging me to do it and i dont want to ugh how do i fight it off
Thank you
That’s the very hard part. You have to feel all that anxiety and fear. Don’t fight back with the thoughts. Accept that they are there and don’t engage/fight back. It will feel so irresponsible and scary and takes soooooo much practice. But slowly, slowly, you will start to break through the fear.
@Overworried So i have to let them be there? Why does it feel like ill give in to the urge when i know i dont want to
Yes. Let the thoughts be there. And when we expose ourself to situations in daily life (being around others, cooking and using knives, etc.) we feel the fear and stay in the situation until the anxiety comes down on its own. That’s the hard part of ERP. Are you working with a therapist? These exposures should be done gradually.
No i dont have the money at the moment see mine are urges to hit as well as objects and its stressful cause i would never hurt anyone And everyone says i need to go away or I’ll do it and im crazy and this and that
I understand. That’s so hard. Katie D’Ath has some excellent videos on YouTube about ERP and how to create a hierarchy so you can do things gradually. Nathan Peterson has some great videos as well. I hope these help and big big hugs to you!
Ok
Has medication helped anyone with severe intrusive thoughts. I am considering starting and wanted to know what worked best for people.
What are everyone’s experiences using SSRIs for OCD? I’m not currently medicated and was curious if they actually help.
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond
