Anybody feel ashamed or frustrated that you need to take meds for OCD? I’ve struggled with this off and on for years. I envy people who can do without meds. I’ve tried a few times to wean but felt awful and tried to just accept it that’s it’s a medical condition like diabetes etc. I don’t know I was just curious what others thought if they go through the same dilemma.
i todly understand this your not alone in this thought, but like you said you need this for you health
If its of any help, the times ive tried to quit antidepressants i wasnt deeply engaged in erp. I would allow the panic attacks to make me start taking the medication again. I didnt understand erp, i wasnt being honest with my therapist, and i wasnt pushing through the panic attacks. I lost two jobs because of the panic attacks. I was on paxil and have recently been off it for several weeks and i can feel the depression and anxiety come back but ive just told myself i dont give a shit if i have a panic attack or if im not all super cheerful. I cant stand the side effects and im just gonna keep staying off the paxil and see what happens. Im gonna live with the uncertainty.
@jhbishop80@gmail.com What kind of side effects were you experiencing?
@Madlexy - Weight gain, sexual side effects, sleepiness, dry mouth. Typical stuff with ssri. You can manage em but its just such a hassle. Plus i wasnt doing erp. I had been taking paxil for years before i even knew i had ocd and how to treat it. Antidepressants are fine if you dont care about the commom side effects.
@jhbishop80@gmail.com I’ve been fortunate not to have to harsh of side effects. I mostly have the dry mouth and sweating. I’m getting started with ERP again but also have body image/dysmorphia as well. I’m hoping to wean off a few of my meds and just be on one and try natural alternatives. I’ve been on SSRI’s for over 20 years so not sure if I’ll ever just be off completely.
@Madlexy - Yeah me too. Im 43. Started at 20. I was never on more than one. The dry mouth and sweating can be bad.
@jhbishop80@gmail.com Yeah I was just on one Zoloft for many years. Recently just had a real bad OCD/Depression episode. I’ll eventually get back to just one hopefully and go from there.
@Madlexy - May i ask what type of obsessions and compulsions you have?
@jhbishop80@gmail.com Suicidal OCD/Pure O, Somatic OCD mental compulsions and rumination. Obsessions surrounding body image. Reassurance seeking googling on medications, side effects and reviews from others.
@Madlexy - Have you been through intense erp?
@jhbishop80@gmail.com I did for a year but couldn’t get really triggered during sessions. Then they pretty much ended therapy because they felt I have body dysmorphic disorder which is treated differently I guess. However, the therapist I started working with at NOCD says they are going to start treating BDD in the near future.
(25f) Before I was diagnosed with OCD I tried Lexapro (wasn’t bad but wasn’t great) and Citalopram (partially think it was a part of what caused me to develop severe anxiety that ignited my once not so active OCD.) After diagnosis tried Effexor and didn’t see an improvement. Was on Adderall for a good amount of my life and mentally did good on it, stopped about 2 years ago because the physical side effects started to become more noticeable. Maybe I go back on Adderall? Maybe SSRI’s and I aren’t a great fit? Anyone taking other medications that helped?
Does anyone who has OCD NOT TAKE MEDS? Is it possible to not take them and manage life in a way that is productive. (Not really sure what word to use here but I think you all get the idea)
I understand that everyone is different but lately I have been debating on medication just because of past experiences but does anyone have any good experiences with medication that has helped them with their OCD as well as therapy or treatment? As of now I’m dealing with it by myself but it feels like it may be getting worse
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