- Username
- chinarider
- Date posted
- 5y ago
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 ❤️
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?
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?
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.
Thanks for the answer. Have you noticed any negative side effects?
@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
@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!
It dials down the intensity of my symptoms so that I can be more successful in therapy
Thanks for your response, have you experienced any negative side effects?
@chinarider Some. But that's the case with any med
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
Can anyone share their experience with alternatives to pharmaceutical, eg naturopath et al. Cheers
Hi. I’m writing this post because I don’t know if I should be medicated again. Lexapro worked well for me, but I gained like 30 pounds. I quit because of that and honestly I thought I was able to manage my OCD well better. I was wrong, it got worse again. I wish I can do this without medication…that’s why I expose myself everyday, doesn’t matter how drained and exhausted I get. Are you guys medicated or trying to go without medicine. How is it going for you guys? Many hugs for all of you. We got this.
I try and read/post on this message board at least every now and then as a way to feel connected to people in the OCD community, and to offer whatever kind of advice my experience has taught me, because I don’t think any human should have to struggle with OCD. I wanted to share that since starting clomipramine, my symptoms have become a lot less severe. I was hesitant to try this medication even though my dr has suggested it because it’s an older antidepressant, so it comes with more side effects. For me, that’s been issues urinating and when I first started a really odd feeling when I yawned (like, the heck?). And then a specific spinal reflex that is not appropriate to mention was physically impossible for about a month, but I’ve regained some ability there…. But the side effects for me are 100% worth it given how much it’s helped me. I can walk away from obsessive thoughts / behaviors without going nuts or having to perform some other ritual just to walk away lol. I can put thoughts out of my mind more easily, let them go, and move on. It’s like a switch. I still struggle, but I still don’t think the medicine is fully effective just yet, and I just have a lot more hope for the potential of a normal life now. Or like, a functional one at the least. So if you’re currently out of luck and haven’t tried this medicine yet, I recommend giving it a shot. I take 75mg right now and think I may need to increase some, but even now it’s helping so much. Don’t let dosage increases scare you, the side effects will taper back down… I hope this helps someone.
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