I have OCD as well as GAD both mainly presenting as somatic symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. I got prescribed lexapro, but of course i’m terrified to take it because i think it will make my symptoms worse/do something “bad” to me. I just wanted to see if anyone else has felt like this, and what did they do in this situation? I’ve gotten advice from many people but none of them actually have OCD, so I thought i’d post on here for advice.
I’ve felt like this before too and have a hard time w meds in general. I’m on lexapro too. I think for those of us w OCD, it’s most effective to accept that maybe you’ll have side effects and maybe you won’t. Maybe it’ll exacerbate your symptoms and maybe it won’t. We have to live w the uncertainty and address side effects as they may or may not come up. Ofc I haven’t mastered this yet and struggle w it too. 😅 A perspective I sometimes take is that you already know how you feel NOT taking the meds: bad (presumably). But you don’t know how you’ll feel when you DO take the meds. Maybe bad (and therefore equal to your current situation) or maybe good (an improvement from your current situation), so what is there to lose truly?
@Awemni A lot of people have told me the same thing about how i feel horrible now there’s no way it could get worse, which doesn’t really help me, but hearing it from someone who also struggles with OCD it does help me because it is someone at least somewhat in the same boat. Did you struggle with somatic symptoms? Recently my focus has been on dizziness and nausea which has been pretty severe. Even if not, your reply has been very helpful and means a lot!!
@mady541 I don’t think I’d say “it can’t get worse” bc no one can say that for sure since meds affect everyone so differently. And that’s the paralyzing aspect for me. But it’s the gamble of uncertainty. I didn’t know what would happen if I took the meds, but I did know what would happen if I didn’t: I’d keep on the way I was, which was a dead end road. For me it reached a point where I was willing to take the risk because I thought, even the chance of getting better is worth reaching for. But that’s only me. I do have somatic symptoms, my gut stuff is a big one for me. I just recently connected how much of that is related to OCD and anxiety though bc I thought it was a physical thing. I’m pretty new in my recovery journey. ❤️ My experience w Lexapro so far is that it didn’t exacerbate my somatic symptoms but my anxiety did get worse. My depression got better though. I’m working on meds with my doctor actively to address the anxiety too. I think it also helps to have a good psychiatrist or doctor who you trust to help you through that process since you already know it makes you feel vulnerable. Anyway I’m sorry for rambling. 😊 Sending strength!
Hi!! Im in your boat, both disorders AND i take lexapro!! The first week was a bit rough on my stomach, but i cannot explain to you the mental relief ive felt since it has kicked in. If you are able to get past the obsession just for the 3 seconds it takes to have the medication, give it a try!! It doesnt work for everyone but it has completely changed my life! If it doesnt work, which it seems like you're worried about, there are other options! Healing is not linear and is different for everyone!!
@Anonymous Do you have somatic symptoms? I feel like that is my biggest struggle and i just focus on those symptoms constantly and I always worry uts something serious this time, so I try everything I can to avoid being in a vulnerable state and having to go to the doctor which is another reason i struggle with taking the meds for the slight chance of allergic reactions, serotonin syndrome, etc. Really appreciate your reply!! Very helpful for me!
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