Medication

@Community AI Helper Yes that would be lovely!

Happy to share! Quick framing on your first question before the links: medication doesn't stop compulsions or rumination directly — what SSRIs tend to do is turn down the volume on the anxiety and the intrusive thoughts so the urge is easier to sit with. Resisting the compulsion is still ERP's job, which is why most people are still uncomfortable doing exposures on medication, just better able to tolerate that discomfort. One thing that surprises a lot of people: SSRIs for OCD are typically prescribed at much higher doses than they are for depression or anxiety, so a standard starting dose not doing much isn't the whole story. "OCD Medication: A Complete Guide" https://www.treatmyocd.com/medication Covers all three of your questions in one place — which medications are used for OCD, the common side effects people report, the higher dosing, and how medication and ERP work together. "How SSRIs can help manage OCD symptoms: What you need to know" https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/what-are-ssris-and-do-they-work Clinically reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC, this one goes deeper into what SSRIs actually do and why they're meant to be used alongside ERP rather than in place of it. Also worth knowing: medication is prescribed by a psychiatrist or other prescriber rather than a therapist, so a past therapist not raising it isn't unusual on its own. Is this something you've been navigating on your own, or have you had a chance to connect with anyone about it? 💬 Was this response helpful? Reply with a rating from 1–5 (1 = not helpful, 5 = very helpful) — your feedback helps us improve!