I’d love to hear any stories from anyone who has started or has been taking medication long term for ocd and if or how it has made things better for you. I am starting myself soon for the first time in a long time and I’m nervous. I’m doing okay-ish at the moment because I’ve been doing really good with my mental coping skills but medication will hopefully be the last hope to really get me back on track.
Iv been on and off meds pretty much since 13- I'm 33 now. January of 22' I decided I wanted to try to the med free lifestyle. It was fine, had a few slips, one big flare that I was able to white knuckle thru, but April of this year I had a "relapse" that simply would NOT go away, I had also ironically developed this INTENSE fear of the same medications I had been on for half my life ( DO NOT READ REDDIT OR INTERNET STORIES ABOUT MEDICATION) so I put off starting for 4 months. i gave therapy my everything but my baseline anxiety was unchecked and I simply couldn't get it under control enough to even give therapy a shot. In july I totally broke down and went to the hospital. Finally gave in and started meds. I was SHAKING like a leaf for that first dose I was SO SCARED of all the horrible things I had read.... but nothing happened, I didn't explode, I didn't go crazy, I actually experienced a euphoric sense of peace for that first week ( bit of a placebo) then it got really rough for about a month as I adjust up to the dose that worked but now? oh I'm SOOOO happy I got on it. a few side effects, upset stomach in the beginning. My libido took a hit but I was never super spicy anyway and when I'm doing the act I enjoy it just fine, ( more so actually because my mind is not racing) I might be on meds for the rest of my life and I'm TOTALLY ok with that. Therapy is still important! don't get complacent and think because you feel better that you don't still need to do work on yourself. it optimizes the medication. Long story short. yes it can be scary, it can also take a month-2 month ( sometimes more) to REALLY start to work, be PATIENT! take care of your body ( sleep, good food, exercise) and STAY OFF THE INTERNET and I think you will be very happy with your VERY BRAVE decision sooner rather than later.
@TexasOCD41 Wow thank you for sharing your story! ❤️
@TexasOCD41 Thank you for sharing your story. I love hearing people’s experiences. I miss being on meds. Particularly Lexapro. I hope to go back on them soon!
I was on paxil for 8 years but did not have therapy at that time. I still had episodes here and there but my anxiety levels were low and I was able to function well. After 8 years, I did erp and transitioned to zoloft (switched because paxil is not approved for pregnancy) and was doing well on a super low dose. Ocd came back two months ago and I am now on a larger dose (100 mg) and am finally feeling more relief after a month on this dose. I think meds take the edge off, but we still need to practice erp to feel well overtime. I have accepted that in my case, going off the meds is not an option because symptoms amplify. There is no shame in taking them.
@Lily Sh. Thank you for sharing your story! I think medication just taking the edge off sounds wonderful right now 😅
For those who have had success with medication for OCD/anxiety, how is your life different now compared to before starting medication?
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
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
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