Has anyone found any supplements to be helpful for their OCD? I am on medication but I also take Zinc, Vitamin D and CBD oil. I have tried Magnesium and Ashwaghanda but didn't think they helped much.
I have tried them all I think! I just started on CBD and so far nothing. The only two I have had (some) success with is L-Theanine, but only at high doses and it was mostly helping me with falling asleep. Inositol really does work for me…but…you have to take a TON of it, it’s powder so you’re always having to mix it in something, and it can’t be like just in the morning, you have to break it up throughout the day and you have to build up slowly because it will give most people gas and loose stool at first. I just find I take it in the morning and then never again the rest of the day. I am going to try to be better in the new year because I know how much it helped me. I’ve also been on NAC in addition to the ones you’ve listed above. I’ve only gotten up to 1500mg a day, it’s supposed to be higher for OCD, same thing with the stomach issues and building up but so far I haven’t noticed anything
@OCDMM Lol I feel like most drugs and supplements should come with a third section to dosage for adults and children “recommended dosage for those with OCD” ;)
@OCDMM My friend swore by Inositol and I bought some years back. It didn’t do anything for me but like you said maybe the dosage. How did you figure out to take a high dosage that worked for you? Typically if I don’t see much of any difference while taking a drug or supplement at a certain dosage, I have no incentive to try taking higher. Only time usually is if I notice a slight difference and feels like taking more would help more
@OCDMM Have you tried Saffron?
@englerscott I actually found a dosing schedule online on how much to take to start and how high to go for OCD. It took about 6 weeks but around that time I started noticing a big difference. The only reason I stopped is because it was becoming to hard, back then I was in office and sneaking white powder around all day to dump in my drinks. The good news is that it actually is sweet and goes well with coffee. I’ll see if I can find that dosing schedule, I need to find it anyways to start again, I’ll respond when I find it. It takes about 6 weeks for me to feel an SSRI work also so maybe I just take a long time to be affected
@OCDMM Too hard
@dimples4christ1 No, I saw someone else post on here, have you tried it? Any success? I was looking into it
@OCDMM Thanks- yes I’d love to see that dosing schedule!
@englerscott https://primarycare.ementalhealth.ca/Toronto/Inositol/index.php?m=article&ID=73585 This isn’t the one I used but it’s close. They do have a typo, though. It’s 18g a day to work up to. I went about 5-7 days before increasing
@OCDMM Thanks so much!
NAC (n-acetyl cysteine) has been the most promisingly researched supplement for OCD. https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/over-the-counter-supplements-in-the-treatment-of-ocd/
I have heard of this and was the next thing I was planning on trying!
@Anonymous I mean unless I missed something, the word “promising” for NAC based on the articles content is a stretch lol. But that is a very interesting article. I wish there were more promising results or research on supplements and OCD but like they said theres a lot of factors as to why that isn’t the case.
@englerscott The pharmaceutical companies do not want research done on supplements. There might actually be something out there that could help someone that isn't a drug and they'd make less money.
@kmfields Oh of course! I understand how that works. And after speaking more in depth to someone who owns a “alternative” treatment wellness center, it also helped me understand on a deeper level the other issues become lack of funding or funding opportunities for adequate research
@englerscott NAC became a very hot topic during COVID. It was supposed to be an effective preventative/ treatment. There’s speculation that’s why they fought to have it removed as an OTC supplement. I got COVID while I was on it so can say it isn’t 100% effecting at preventing it. I was taking for OCD per my psychiatrist but she mentioned that was why it was hard to get. I get it from iHerb
@OCDMM I have heard one doctor say NAC is very drying and he didn’t recommend taking long term because it dries out mucous membranes. I saw several research studies about saffron being as effective as Luvox and Prozac
@dimples4christ1 Interesting! I may stop taking it, it hasn’t been helping anyways and it’s been months now. I have seen Saffron at the health food store by me, I should just try it!
Hi! Vitamin d is a great one, but just like yourself magnesium didn't agree with me nor did Ashwaghanda which upset me as thats supposed to be really good (everyone's bodies are different etc). On a positive note: b12 is amazing for energy, omega 3,6&9, iron liquid satchets (make sure you hold your nose as it stinks). 😀
@Stillalive11 I have tried several kinds of magnesium. I was taking one and had no issues, and then my neurologist switched me to another and I notice stomach issues. I do think it helps, not a ton but I do feel better when I’m taking it
Because of my OCD.. ha..ha... I over research everything and I take 2000iu in the winter and 1000iu in the summer... I've never been tested though just going on how I feel
Has anyone tried saffron?
Hey what’s up y’all Does anyone else have generalized anxiety along with OCD and is taking a low dose medication? I wanted to try something I’m not big on meidcation but it’s getting to a point that it’s really affecting my day to day even though I’ve been dealing with it for years and years
Hey everyone, I’m curious if anyone here is managing their OCD without SSRIs. I’ve personally struggled with side effects in the past such as low libido and emotional numbness. I have plans to have a family and kids in the future, so SSRIs don’t feel like a long-term solution for me—I’m especially afraid of PSSD (post-SSRI sexual dysfunction). Are any of you managing OCD with alternatives like Wellbutrin, SNRIs, Adderall, NAC, Myo-inositol or any other supplements. Even approaches like the ketogenic diet or other functional methods? I read some studies about how Keto diet has helped some people put their OCD in remission. I’d love to hear what’s actually working for you. Trigger Warning: Sometimes hearing that people can’t manage OCD without SSRIs can be discouraging, but I’m staying hopeful that there are sustainable alternatives out there. Thanks in advance for sharing.
Can people please share their experiences on very low dose medications for their OCD? Maybe ones that have worked well with little side effects? Anything is helpful & thank you
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