How to Use Antidepressants for OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD, is a mental illness where a person has recurrent obsessions or compulsions that cause distress and disruption of daily life. Some OCD patients worry excessively about cleanliness. Others may constantly check their home to make sure the doors are locked and the oven is turned off. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants used to successfully treat OCD.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Get the correct diagnosis first. OCD is sometimes confused with depression or generalized anxiety disorder. A psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist can make a diagnosis. She will take a detailed history before recommending antidepressants to treat your OCD.

2. Decide with your doctor which antidepressant to try. Common SSRIs used to treat OCD include Zoloft, Prozac, ****, Celexa and Anafranil. Studies show a high dosage is usually needed to make a difference in OCD patients. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions, and take the drug as prescribed.

3. Deal with side effects. Antidepressants can cause nausea, headache, dry mouth, insomnia and dizziness. Some patients experience a loss of sexual desire. One SSRI may be easier for you to tolerate than another. If you have side effects which disrupt your daily life, let your doctor know. She can prescribe a different antidepressant.

4. Give the medication time to work. You may need to take it for several weeks before your OCD symptoms improve. Some patients have to try several antidepressants before they find the right one. Most doctors say it is important to combine medication with therapy for the best results.

Tips & Warnings

• A distinguishing feature of OCD in adults is that most patients realize they have a significant problem that needs to be changed. Children can have OCD, but don't have enough awareness to understand something is wrong.

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