Managing OCD without SSRIs

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.

Horselover34

Date posted: 8w

Also adrenal health is big too. Supporting adrenal health is helpful too.

Anonymous

Date posted: 8w

@Horselover34 Agreed! Will read more about that.

OCD_girly

Date posted: 8w

I've heard wellbutrin helps a lot of people with libido issues but I've only read them taking it with an sori.

Anonymous

Date posted: 8w

@OCD_girly I’m apprehensive as I’ve heard Wellbutrin causing libido issues in some people too

wafflemonster

Date posted: 8w

I did TMS for my OCD, I could not tolerate medications. I did the TMS about a year ago and while I have had flare ups, I have been able to manage them with exposures and non engagement strategies. I am aware that I may need to re do TMS in the future, but it gives me a lot of freedom with zero side effects after treatment

Anonymous

Date posted: 8w

@wafflemonster Interesting! thanks for sharing. from a quick google search - seems like a FDA-approved reliable procedure - my paranoia def makes it intimidating treatment option. I’m happy to hear it worked well for you. On a scale of 1-10, how effective was it in relieving your symptoms.

wafflemonster

Date posted: 8w

@Anonymous 10/10. I felt super clear for like 3 months and then some obsessions returned but I have been able to manage

healingagain

Date posted: 8w

Also here trying to manage without SSRIs. Been on a few, none really worked but still got side effects:( I wouldn't say mine is managed (starting therapy soon) but I recently started taking L-Theanine in the morning and I will say I feel like I have noticed a difference with that, just feeling more calm and like some thoughts were less sticky than usual

Anonymous

Date posted: 8w

@healingagain I second L-theanine. Great calming agent. Not a super pill by any measure but a good tool for sure. I mix it in my coffee on most days. Currently out, need to order more.

Horselover34

Date posted: 8w

In case it is helpful at all the supplements I am taking for a parasite cleanse is just two supplements. I am taking mimosa supreme and Melia supreme from I think it’s call supreme nutrition supplement and I am just taking 1 day day of each, twice a day. The naturopathic doctor said to take it for 2-3 months to make sure you get it all. I know it sounds a little weird but it helped me in the past. I just haven’t done a parasite cleanse in a while and the naturopathic doctor said it is good to detox/ do a cleanse regularly like each changing season.

lemon tears

Date posted: 24w

Looking for insight on OCD/depression medications

(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?

Zoey@0422

Date posted: 22w

Meds

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)

sarah_kate

Date posted: 11w

Treating OCD without medication

Has anyone had success treating their OCD without medication and solely ERP or non-medicinal methods. I have pretty severe OCD and just about every sub-type, but I’ve been on various meds (SSRI & SNRIs) for going on 8 years and have never found one that truly relieves me of symptoms. I’m looking to see if it’s worth continuing with the side effects I experience (mostly mild) or if there are alternatives that could work for me. Low key tired of constantly changing meds in an attempt to find something that works when maybe medicine isn’t the route for me…

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Managing OCD without SSRIs

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