Erlanger, KY – SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky, a local mental health rehab facility, recently published a blog post illustrating a comprehensive guide to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) medication. OCD is a mental health condition that includes symptoms of uncontrollable thoughts, known as obsessions, and impulsive behaviors called compulsions.These symptoms are time-consuming and interfere with a person’s ability to function. However, OCD treatment, which includes medications, can help people regain control and live a healthier life. These medications are prescribed and monitored by medical professionals and are combined with therapy. It is important to keep in mind that there is no magical medication that works for everyone and provides instant relief overnight. The process of finding the right medication can take several months of trial and error.
“Medications for OCD increase concentrations of chemical messengers in the brain known as neurotransmitters. Most commonly, the neurotransmitter that requires an increase for those with OCD is serotonin. Because of this, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first medications a doctor will prescribe to treat this condition since they increase this neurotransmitter. However, sometimes, those medications are not enough, and other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine also need to be increased for people to heal. In that case, other medicines that target those chemical messengers are combined with SSRIs,” the blog post states.
4 medications are the most common for doctors to prescribe to someone with OCD. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, and atypical antipsychotics. Common SSRIs include Prozac, Paxil, Lexapro, Zoloft, and Celexa, while common SNRIs might include Effexor or Cymbalta. Tricyclic antidepressants are the longest-used medication in OCD treatment and is commonly known as Anafranil. Atypical antipsychotics include Abilify, Risperdal, and Seroquel.
As with anything, there can be pros and cons to OCD medications and everyone has the choice of whether they want to take it or not. Some people can manage their symptoms with therapy. One of the pros of OCD medication is that it does work and is highly effective when it comes to reducing symptoms associated with the disorder. Not everyone is able to manage their symptoms solely from therapy and taking medication makes the process easier. It can even help some people focus more on their therapy and enhancing long-term coping skills where their obsessions and compulsions might have made it challenging without it. That said, there can also be some cons to taking medication for OCD. These might be sides effects like unusual dreams, dry mouth, anxiety, or decreased appetite. Additionally, OCD medication can take several adjustments and become a guessing game that takes months before someone is able to find relief. Some people get the right combination on the first try, others don’t. Both experiences are valid.
While taking OCD medication does not benefit everyone, 4 main signs indicate that it might be helpful for a specific person. These include not being able to control thoughts or behaviors, therapy and lifestyle changes haven’t helped, school, home, work, and relationships have been impacted by OCD, or symptoms used to be managed with therapy and lifestyle changes, but they are no longer effective. Before starting any new medication, including ones for OCD, it is important to ask one’s doctor any questions for clarification. These might include questions about duration of taking the medication, side effects, why they think this medication will help, if therapy is necessary, how long until they start to notice improvements, and what to do if they aren’t noticing improvement by then.
“You do not have to try and live with the debilitating symptoms of OCD on your own. Many people find healing through OCD treatment, whether it be through therapy, with the help of medications, or a combination of both. It is possible to live a life that is free from the obsessive thoughts and time-consuming compulsions that you are currently experiencing,” the blog post continues.
SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky solves unmet needs for adolescents and adults in the Erlanger area. The facility offers no-cost care assessments for potential patients to work with their team to determine what treatment plan would best help them when it comes to managing their OCD. Their crisis care center is also open 24/7, allowing a safe and secure place for people to go when they are in need of mental health stabilization. This means that they are open no matter the day or time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
To learn more about SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky and its services, call 859-429-5188 or visit the website today.
SUN solves unmet needs.
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For more information about SUN Behavioral Kentucky, contact the company here:
SUN Behavioral Kentucky
Cristi Mcalister
513-880-8217
info@sunkentucky.com
820 Dolwick Drive
Erlanger, Kentucky 41018
