OCD medication

Do you have personal experience with OCD medication, and do you would recommend one over another? Up until 2.5 years ago, I thought I had general anxiety with OCD thrown in. Then I determined that it's actually OCPD and OCD calling the shots, and they cause me general anxiety. I've been taking Citalopram for GAD the past 11 years, and I don't think it's as effective anymore. I would also like to try something that's prescribed for OCD. I've done my research and have come across a couple I want to talk to my doctor about, but it's always good to hear others' experiences too.

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 15h

You can also type the name of the medication into this community to see what other people’s experiences are. But a lot of times even with the same medication one person loves it another person hates it.

kt.kate

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 14h

That's a good idea! I'm very aware of differing opinions and reactions. I feel like it's common sense. 😂 Just like one medication I took for a sleep disorder once didn't work...and apparently it doesn't for 25% of people. That's why you research, talk to your doctor, and try things until you find the right fit. 🤷🏼‍♀️

miriamlovesJ...

Date posted: 3d

Zoloft has been helping me! The first week was pretty rough. I experienced insomnia, two anxiety attacks (I don’t normally have them), & nausea. After a week I started to feel back to my normal! I noticed my thoughts starting to quiet down and emotions were more regulated. I just recently went from 25mg to 50mg, which is the lowest recommended dose for noticeable effects! I didn’t have any noticeable side effects from this last increase. I still get anxious and have intrusive thoughts, but it’s in a better place to where I feel like I can manage most of the time with ocd specific therapy and practicing techniques.

kt.kate

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 16h

Thank you! This is helpful, especially the timeline and side effect info! Zoloft hasn't been on my radar since it's primarily used for depression, I think? I've always kind of thought anxiety is the other side of the same coin, though. I'm really glad you're doing better!

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 3d

What are the ones you want to talk to your doctor about?

kt.kate

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 16h

Paroxetine and Fluoxetine. Maybe Lexapro, though it isn't specifically prescribed for OCD.

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 15h

From the research I’ve done, paroxetine is known for the most side effects. I have heard good things about fluoxetine. I have personally tried Lexapro twice and didn’t care for the sexual side effects. All three of these as well as sertraline and citalopram are SSRIs and are frequently used for both depression and OCD. Another is fluvoxamine, which was FDA approved for OCD specifically, but they say that doesn’t make it any better than any of the other ones. In any event, I am not a psychiatrist, and everyone reacts differently to different medications, just wanted to relay what I’ve heard.

kt.kate

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 15h

Thank you! And, yeah, this exactly the kind of information I'm looking for. I can only read so many drug pages. Anecdotal helps point me in one direction over another, or like what you've done, adds another medication to the list I hadn't considered and can research.

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