People taking fluoxetine may experience side effects such as: This is why the American Psychiatric Association recommends fluoxetine, along with other SSRIs, as one of the first-choice medications that can be used to treat OCD. Studies have shown that fluoxetine can be effective in improving OCD symptoms, with some research showing that it has long-lasting benefits - as long as 3 years. It is approved for adults and children 7 years and older for OCD. The medication comes as a capsule or tablet that is taken once daily, usually in the morning. Fluoxetineįluoxetine (Prozac) is an SSRI used to treat OCD and other mental health conditions including depression, certain eating disorders, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder. However, for most people, the more common side effects include nausea and upset stomach, lower sex drive, and feeling too sleepy or having trouble falling asleep.īelow we will review four SSRIs that have been FDA-approved to help treat OCD. In rare but serious cases, SSRIs can cause very high serotonin levels, leading to “ serotonin syndrome.” When serotonin levels become dangerously elevated, people may experience tremors or shakiness, high fevers, changes in heart rhythm, and seizures. By blocking transporters that lower serotonin levels, SSRIs enhance communication between brain cells by making serotonin more readily available.Īlthough SSRIs have fewer side effects compared to older antidepressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors ( MAOIs), they can sometimes cause dangerous reactions. Serotonin is an important chemical signal that brain cells use to communicate with each other, and it also impacts your emotion and mood. These medications work by raising serotonin levels in the brain. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs) were first developed to treat depression, but they can also be used to help treat OCD. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Tell your provider right away if you notice an unusual change in thinking or behavior. It’s important to know that FDA-approved OCD medications carry a boxed warning - the most serious FDA warning - because they may raise the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior, especially in younger people. Similar to medications used to treat anxiety and depression, these medications may take up to 12 weeks before people experience any improvements in OCD symptoms. These medications work by affecting different chemical messengers to help brain cells communicate better. What medications are used to treat OCD?ĭifferent medications have been researched to treat OCD. Medications can also be used to improve chemical signals within the brain and reduce OCD symptoms. CBT is a type of psychotherapy, or talk therapy, where mental health providers help people become more aware of their negative feelings through discussion and certain activities. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people change their mindsets and avoid disturbing thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. People may experience significant improvement with the appropriate therapies. However, there are several different treatments available to help you manage your symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for OCD. Although we don’t know the exact cause of OCD, researchers believe that poor communication between different parts of the brain may play a role. It’s estimated that approximately 2% to 3% of people have OCD. OCD often first appears in children and teenagers. People with OCD may experience great anxiety and distress if they break away from these routines. Having persistent thoughts that are disturbing or violent Repeatedly checking that things are done (e.g., doors are locked)īeing overly cautious that everything is clean However, people with OCD are not able to do the same - these thoughts linger.Įxamples of common thoughts and behaviors displayed in OCD cases include: OCD is a long-lasting mental health condition characterized by frequent thoughts or urges (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or actions (compulsions) that people feel like they have to continue doing over and over again.Īlthough people without OCD may sometimes have certain intrusive feelings, they are usually able to recognize and move on from these disturbances.
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