- Date posted
- 5y
- Date posted
- 5y
Opening up takes a lot of courage. I felt the same exact way before my boyfriend encouraged me to see someone. I think most offices require that you see a therapist IF you want pharamacolgic help. That’s how it works for me. I seen a therapist for a few weeks once a week, and then she made the call to the psychiatrist to evaluate me, then I was recommended to take an SSRI. I wasn’t sure which was the best one, but I heard a few that were common in the market. Lexapro is what I take and I have been on it for about 6 months. I’m still kinda testing out the dose but so far it’s been boosting my mood. I went from having no motivation at all because of how much my OCD was affecting me to finally seeing the teeniest light at the end of the tunnel. It got better with time for me. I started focusing on what I needed to focus on and by that I don’t meant to say my OCD went away. I mean that it allowed me to see a different perspective and allow me to holistically solve my problem. Cons- so far I’ve been noticing a little bit of weight gain, but that could be related to other factors for me as well. I hope this helps ❤️
- Date posted
- 5y
Thanks for your answer. That’s what I struggle with right now is my focus. I know that I need to focus on the uncertainty and act towards accepting it but I can’t get my focus off of the content of the thoughts. It seems like no matter how hard I try I end up locked back into the content without even realizing it. Given your experience would you say that medication would help me shift my focus in this way?
- Date posted
- 5y
I think it’s different for everyone. I know for me, I was at a state of fight or flight mode and constant panic because I had so many tests to study for and my compulsions were taking over my life. I think the Lexapro took away that panic. It doesn’t necesarily take away the contant thoughts but I am able to manage it better. My heart no longer races. It kinda allows me to take a step back and tell myself “hey, It’s happening and it’s ok. I can get through this calmly” but like I said, it may affect everyone differently, ya know?
- Date posted
- 5y
The goal of medication in OCD therapy is to get you to a place where you’re mentally ready to do the exposure therapy. I take 20mg/day of Viibryd and it really helps with anxiety/depression symptoms in general. When you don’t have the added stress of unpredictable emotions it’s much more manageable to practice exposure.
- Date posted
- 5y
Thanks for the answer. Have you noticed any negative side effects?
- Date posted
- 5y
@chinarider I’ve been on it for a few years. I have vivid dreams (but these are kind of fun!) and maybe am prone to having to go to the bathroom more, but that’s about it! My anxiety and depression symptoms are definitely better being on it
- Date posted
- 5y
@chinarider You may also consider asking your dr. about a saliva test that tests how you matabolizw different meds. This may help you find the right one for you sooner!
- Date posted
- 5y
It dials down the intensity of my symptoms so that I can be more successful in therapy
- Date posted
- 5y
Thanks for your response, have you experienced any negative side effects?
- Date posted
- 5y
@chinarider Some. But that's the case with any med
- Date posted
- 5y
Awesome that’s what I’m hoping for. Just something to dull the panic so I can actually deal with the situation but not remove the situation. Thanks so much for you answers
Related posts
- Date posted
- 22w
Hey friends, I hope you all are well. I just wanted to check in and ask people's experiences about being on medication. I have had OCD pretty much my whole life, just got recently diagnosed 4 months ago and my therapist recommended that I get on meds for it so I have a psychiatrist appointment set up. I'm a little apprehensive about getting on them, but I've realized that I do have some sort of chemical imbalance in my brain that plays a part in my OCD and anxiety. I would love to hear anyones experiences or words of encouragement. Thank you, I hope you all are well.
- Date posted
- 9w
At this point I feel like I need to get on something ASAP. I know that therapy is a long road and hard work and I am totally down to do it but in the short term (I just started this journey) I think I need pharmaceutical help. Some of the people closest to me agree. I have never been on meds before and it's scary AF but the road I am going down is scarier. Advice?
- Date posted
- 8w
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
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