OCD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Chat Support Group

Medications

Clinical trials in recent years have shown that drugs that affect the
neurotransmitter serotonin can significantly decrease the symptoms of
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The first of these serotonin
reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) specifically approved for the use in the
treatment of OCD was the tricyclic antidepressant. It was followed by
other SRIs that are called "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors"
(SSRIs). Large studies have shown that more than three-quarters of
patients are helped by these medications at least a little. And in more
than half of patients, medications relieve symptoms of Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder by diminishing the frequency and intensity of the
obsessions and compulsions.

Noticable improvement usually takes about three to four weeks. If a
patient does not respond well to one medications, or has unacceptable
side effects, another SRI may give a better response. For patients who
are only partially responsive to these medications, research is being
conducted on the use of an SRI as the primary medication and one of a
variety of medications as an additional drug (an augmenter). Medications
are of help in controlling the symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder, but often, if the medication is discontinued, relapse will
follow. Unfortunately, even though the symptoms have subsided,
medication will still have to be taken to alleviate the symptoms and
will most likely need to be taken indefinitely but maybe in smaller
dosages.