I just got diagnosed with OCD and anxiety today and prescribed Prozac. I’m feeling happy I’m finally getting help but a little cautious about moving forward with medications but I think it’s very necessary for me.
Hi, I felt very cautious when I first started medication for OCD. Your doctor is an expert and starts you out on a small dose to make sure your body handles it well and slowly increases the dosage from there while monitoring you. Medication has helped me tremendously! Please don’t get discouraged if Prozac doesn’t work for you. Prozac actually works the best for me but I tried 4 other medications before that. Make sure to give the medication some time to work. Most SSRIs take 4-6 weeks to start having benefits so try to be patient. I know how much you want to be better now but trust me the wait will be worth it. Keep your doctor updated. Good luck to you!
I know medication can definitely help people! Many I speak with will do it in conjunction with therapy, as ERP is most effective for OCD. I highly recommend ERP if you're starting to think about therapy!
@meredith Thank you for sharing what you are going through. I think that is great that you are taking steps to address your OCD. Remember OCD is the doubting disease. therefore as you begin the process of recovery it is not surprising that questions are going to come up. Are you also in therapy in addition to the medication? ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) therapy is a treatment method for OCD. It has been a very helpful tool for me with addressing my OCD. If not in therapy, please consider reaching out to the NOCD care team for a free consultation.
Totally understandable to be nervous about taking medication. I know I was when I first started it. But I am so thankful I did! Be kind + compassionate with yourself regarding your diagnosis and starting medication. And I second what Lisa + Kyle said about doing ERP therapy, it really does help!
I am glad that you are being thoughtful as you navigate your diagnosis. It is important to have erp therapy to coincide with the medications, but take it step by step. Knowing what you have is an important piece and it will come together for you. I wish you all the best.
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?
After many years of thinking I might have ocd, it’s official. It is nice to feel seen and to have an answer finally but it’s also really scary, mostly because I’m about to start Prozac and I’ve never taken any mental health medications. Anyone have experiences to share? I’m so scared of the side effects but I know I need to start something. My provider suggested finding a support group as I have no family and friends to support me during this time, right now I’m feeling very scared and alone 😔
I was recently diagnosed with OCD last month, and my new psychiatrist started me on two new medications. I have not been put in any therapies yet, (talk therapy has always proved ineffective for me) but I am open to it in the future.) For the past 16 years, I’ve been living my life diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. My new psychiatrist has “undiagnosed” me with those two disorders, and diagnosed me with OCD. She said my “anxiety” has actually been caused by severe untreated OCD. I particularly struggle with suicidal thoughts/ideation and have been hospitalized multiple times for severe depression episodes; including Catatonia and Existential Crises. Being treated for those other disorders my entire life (starting age 12) many of the medications they put me on always made my symptoms worse. This new revelation has caused me to experience feelings of confusion and loss of self-identity. This new diagnosis is scary to me, even if it makes so much sense. I’d appreciate any advice on navigating this time in my life. I appreciate this app finding its way to me in this time. ❤️
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond
