OCD isn’t just about being overly neat or particular. It’s a condition that can take over daily life, affecting work, relationships, and overall well-being. The constant need to check, clean, arrange, or seek reassurance can make even the simplest tasks feel exhausting. What’s important to know is that OCD is treatable.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP)—a type of talk therapy—is usually the first type of treatment someone with OCD will experience. They may or may not also be prescribed a medication, usually an antidepressant, to help manage symptoms alongside ERP.
Goals of OCD Treatment
Treatment for OCD aims to reduce the impact it has on your life. Intrusive thoughts, compulsions, anxiety, depression—and unhealthy coping mechanisms you use, like substance use—can all be addressed during treatment. Your treatment plan will be tailored to you to allow you to find ways to reduce stress, cope with triggering situations and obsessive thoughts, and break the cycle of OCD. It might include talk therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
The Best Medication for OCD
Medication can be an effective tool in treating OCD, especially for people who deal with co-occurring depression and/or anxiety. That’s because the primary class of medications prescribed for OCD are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications help regulate serotonin levels in the brain, which play a key role in regulating mood and anxiety.
- Fluoxetine (Prozac): Often used at higher doses than for depression, Fluoxetine has been shown to significantly reduce OCD symptoms.
- Sertraline (Zoloft): One of the most frequently prescribed SSRIs, it helps many individuals manage intrusive thoughts and compulsions.
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox): Specifically approved for OCD, this medication is particularly effective for individuals who experience severe compulsions.
- Paroxetine (Paxil): Though effective, it may have more side effects compared to other SSRIs.
- Escitalopram (Lexapro): Sometimes used off-label for OCD, it is generally well-tolerated.
If SSRIs aren’t effective, clomipramine (Anafranil), a tricyclic antidepressant, is another option. While effective, it often has more side effects than SSRIs. Finding the right medication can take time. Dosages for OCD are often higher than those used for depression or anxiety, and it may take 8–12 weeks to see full effects. Some people have to try multiple medications before they find one that works and has tolerable side effects.
Possible Side Effects of OCD Medications
While these medications can be life-changing for many, they also come with potential side effects. Some individuals experience nausea, dizziness, fatigue, or headaches, especially in the first few weeks of treatment. Sexual dysfunction, weight changes, and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea or constipation are also common. In some cases, SSRIs can increase feelings of restlessness or agitation before they begin to take full effect.
Many people stop taking their OCD medication because they experience side effects. Be open with the mental health professional you’re working with about any side effects you experience. They may be able to adjust your dosage, prescription, or form of the medication you’re taking to make it more tolerable and effective.
What Dosage Is Best?
It depends. People with OCD typically require higher doses of SSRIs for them to be effective, but some people need to start with low doses and work their way up to the effective dose slowly, sometimes over weeks or months.
Prescriptions, when monitored by a mental health professional, can be safe and effective, but everyone will have a different experience. You might find that you don’t tolerate one SSRI or a specific dosage. Your provider can adjust your medication and/or dosage to find a balance between symptom relief and side effects.
You should never adjust your dosage, how you take your medication, or the type of prescription without talking to your provider. Additionally, you shouldn’t just stop taking your medication because you feel okay unless your doctor tells you to; SSRIs work by constantly affecting the serotonin levels in your brain—they’re not “rescue” medications that stop you from feeling stressed in specific situations.
OCD Treatment for Men at Red Oak Recovery®
Medication can be a crucial step in managing OCD, but true recovery comes from a comprehensive, whole-person approach. At Red Oak Recovery®, we offer specialized OCD treatment for men that focuses on symptom management so you can reclaim your life. Our program integrates clinically proven therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication management, to address OCD and substance use at the same time.
Healing at Red Oak Recovery® isn’t confined to a clinical setting. Our approach allows clients to step away from daily distractions and engage in experiential therapies that build resilience, confidence, and mindfulness—all in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The connection between nature and mental health is powerful. At our campus in North Carolina, clients learn new ways to cope with stress, regulate emotions, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness. Take the first step toward recovery today by calling us at 828.382.9699 or using the online form.
