Even though medication isn’t always the first recommended form of treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, there are multiple OCD treatment medications available. And while SSRIs are typically the first line of treatment, there are a few other meds that might be suggested if SSRIs have failed to be effective.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be a suggested treatment approach for OCD, often combined with a therapy technique known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
SSRIs are an antidepressant that can alleviate symptoms of OCD. They work in the brain to up serotonin levels. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that impacts and stabilizes mood, happiness, and a general sense of well-being.
While it is understood what SSRIs do, it is not completely understood why or how they’re helpful for people who have OCD. What is known is that they can reduce the severity of each OCD symptom while also helping to relieve some anxiety that people with OCD often experience.
*Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use to treat OCD
Similar to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were also originally developed as a treatment for depression. If SSRIs haven’t been effective in relieving symptoms of severe OCD, a TCA may be prescribed.
TCAs work like SSRIs in that they also increase serotonin levels, but additionally, they also affect norepinephrine levels in the brain to help with communication between brain cells. Norepinephrine is a chemical signal that works to control stress response, improve attention, and stabilize emotions and behaviors.
Though TCAs might be effective in treating OCD, they’re typically not the first OCD medication that’s tried because of their side effects.
Occasionally a medication type known as benzodiazepines is prescribed to treat OCD. This class of medication works fast to relieve anxiety, but in general, it’s not widely considered to be effective on its own in treating OCD.
For one thing, there’s great potential to develop tolerance to benzodiazepines. Addiction is another concern. As a result, these drugs must be taken very cautiously. A final worry with the use of benzodiazepines as an OCD medication is that they often create powerful and extreme withdrawal symptoms when people discontinue them. They’re typically not meant to be taken long-term, but they might be prescribed in addition to an SSRI until the antidepressant takes full effect.
Benzodiazepines are a central nervous system depressant that works by increasing the effect of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which can give a relaxed, almost sedative effect.
The following OCD medication list isn’t complete, but it can give you an idea of the types of obsessive compulsive disorder medication available. Talk to your psychiatrist or healthcare professional about the possible risks and benefits associated with the above medications before starting treatment.
Name Brand | Generic | Type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Zoloft | Sertraline | SSRI | Shown to reduce OCD symptoms in both children and adults. One of the most common medications to treat OCD. Increases serotonin levels in the brain. |
Paxil | Paroxetine | SSRI | Antidepressant used to treat adults with OCD. Increases the mood enhancing chemical serotonin. |
Prozac | Fluoxetine | SSRI | Can alleviate depressive symptoms by reducing suicidal ideation and impulsiveness in OCD patients. |
Luvox | Fluvoxamine | SSRI | Works in the brain to decrease unwanted, persistent, and intrusive thoughts that encourage repeated tasks by those who have OCD. |
Anafranil | Clomipramine | TCA | TCA that can treat recurrent feelings and repetitive actions. |
Xanax | Alprazolam | Benzodiazepine | Not usually prescribed for OCD unless other medications haven’t been effective. Warning: may exacerbate OCD symptoms. |
Ativan | Lorazepam | Benzodiazepine | Might help reduce anxiety for people with OCD but has a high risk of abuse and addiction. |
If you’re wondering what the right OCD medication is for you, talking to your doctor can be a good place to start. Together, you can come up with a treatment plan that gives you the best hope for managing your type of OCD.
You can obtain OCD medication by following the steps below:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder medication might help you manage OCD in the most beneficial way possible. Of course, deciding to take a meditation is an important decision that you need to make for yourself, but understanding the positives and negatives will allow you to come to an informed decision.
Reaching out to your doctor or licensed provider and asking for help is a great way to begin the process. Together, you can decide which, if any, medication is right for you. While treatment may not result in a cure, it can help you manage even a severe OCD symptom so that you can live the fullest life possible. In fact, studies show that up to 70% of people with OCD find their symptoms reduced once they opted for various treatment options.
If you decide to talk to your doctor or psychiatrist about OCD treatment medication, you may want to ask the following questions.
Questions to ask your doctor:
If you’re ready to start managing your OCD, seek out a licensed provider. At Talkspace, you can get connected to an online psychiatrist after a brief assessment. Once connected, your psychiatrist will be able to work with you and prescribe a personalized treatment plan for OCD. Get connected today.
Dr. Muhammad Munir, MD, DFAPA, has over 20 years of clinical experience specializing in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD, panic disorder, and ADHD. Dr. Munir believes in “back to basics” the therapeutic alliance between the physician and patients. The hallmark of this alliance is the emphatic process whereby the patient is not only enabled, but educated and encouraged, to take an active role in their psychiatric care and wellbeing.
Retirement isnt just a milestone its the start of something truly meaningful. After decades of hard work, youve earned the right to slow down, pursue your passions, and live life on your terms.But stepping into this exciting new chapter often comes with big decisions, and one of the biggest is this:Does your current home still match the lifestyle and budget you want for this next phase?Its a timely question. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of living has risen by 23% over the last five years. If youre thinking about how to make your retirement savings go further, those rising costs matter.Heres the good news: you may have more options and more control than you think.Many retirees are choosing to relocate to make the most of their retirement dollars. Moving to a lower-cost area (or even downsizing) can reduce major expenses like housing, utilities, and taxes, giving you more freedom to enjoy what truly matters.That could mean more travel, picking up a new hobby, spoiling your grandkids, or simply enjoying life with less financial stress.And you dont have to move across the country to make it work. For some, its about moving closer to family. For others, its trading city life for a quieter suburb where money stretches further.The key is making a plan that aligns with your retirement goals, and that starts with evaluating if your current home still serves you.Whether youre thinking about downsizing, relocating, or just exploring your options, partnering with a trusted real estate agent can make all the difference. They can help you understand your local market, simplify the selling process, and even connect you with vetted agents in other areas if youre considering a bigger move.Youve worked hard for this chapter. If your current home no longer supports the life you want, it may be time to ask:What does your ideal retirement look like?Could a move help you make it even better?Lets talk about how to turn that vision into reality. Connect with us at 941-275-2914 Or visit https://linktr.ee/NaplesParadiseLiving
By Sarah RichardEach May, Older Americans Month is observed to recognize the older adults in our lives. The 2025 theme, Flip the Script on Aging, focuses on transforming the way society perceives, talks about and approaches aging. This theme encourages Americans to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions about the older generation, while also shining a light on the opportunities for connections, exploration and purpose that we discover as we age.Aging is a beautiful thing. With each day and each moment, you obtain a wealth of knowledge that can only come from a life of lived experiences. The thrill of life doesnt have to stop once you transition to a resort-style senior living community. In fact, its the perfect time for life to become more exciting.Transitioning into a senior living community is a unique period in your life youre setting sail on a new way of living and seeking new, enriching experiences. With a different way of living comes a wave of fresh opportunities a chance to try that hobby you've never had the time to explore, to make a new friend or to unlock hidden passions. Moving into a new community is a perfect opportunity for you to step out of your comfort zone alongside a community of like-minded individuals. When the time is right, entering a resort-style senior living community poses several benefits for retirees seeking a new experience. In a life plan community, you have the freedom to adopt a new daily routine, fall in love with a new hobby and discover lifelong friendships. Most of all, making the move to a life plan community ensures that youre taking the right steps to provide yourself with a new quality of life.What is a life plan community?Life plan communities, also known as continuing care retirement communities, are a form of senior living that offer residents the full continuum of care. Life plan communities include independent living, assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing, but older adults can enter a life plan community at any stage and transition to a different level as their needs shift. Independent living is for retirees who do not require health services but no longer want to bear the burden of home ownership and upkeep, planning the grocery list every day, or the many other things that keep you from spending time doing what you enjoy. Assisted living is for adults who require help with daily activities, such as dressing or bathing, but also desire the independence and amenities of a life plan community. Memory support is a safe and controlled environment designed to care for adults experiencing cognitive decline. Skilled nursing is for adults recovering from an illness or procedure, or those with chronic conditions that require daily attention.Through independence and enriching lifestyles, life plan communities work to break the stigma that often surrounds the concept of senior living communities and the outdated stereotype of a nursing home. Life plan communities are an entirely new way of life, from the activities and events to the people you meet and experiences you gain. Opportunity for connectionSenior living professionals understand that older adults can suffer from depression and anxiety as they age. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, about 4% of adults aged 70 and over have depression. To combat this issue, life plan communities curate robust activity calendars that encourage residents to get out, have fun, and make connections.Socialization leads to increased mental and physical health, which is particularly important for older adults. Spending time with other people, even through a phone call or video conference, promotes sharper memory skills, lowers stress and reduces risk of chronic illnesses, while also providing a sense of purpose. Gulf Coast Village, Cape Corals only life plan community, encourages new residents to attend events so they can meet new people and become more engaged with their new home. Oftentimes, residents will form their own friend group and will continue to participate in activities together in the months and years ahead. Taking the extra step toward socialization in a new environment can be a rewarding experience, leading to increased mental wellness and enjoyed experiences. Regardless of size, life plan communities make socialization convenient for older adults to spend time with one another through a tight-knit environment, robust activities and planned events.Retirement isnt the end of the enriching life youve always lived its the beginning of a new chapter filled with fresh opportunities and meaningful experiences. At Gulf Coast Village, residents are encouraged to keep pursuing their unique hobbies and share the joy with their neighbors. Residents are invited to collaborate to create their own clubs and activities, building connections with neighbors and friends.Some residents teach art classes, some teach in the woodshop, while others volunteer part-time in our on-campus thrift store or even join a committee.In a life plan community, youre never alone. You are surrounded by fellow retirees also navigating lifes journey.About the authorSarah Richard is the executive director of Gulf Coast Village. To learn more, visit GulfCoastVillage.org or call 239-510-8712.
It is illegal for an insurance agent to call you regarding Medicare, Do not talk to someone you have not given permission to call. Ask them for their National Producer number and report them to Medicare for an unsolicited call. CMS has made many changes for Medicare recipients. If you want to enroll or review your plan over the phone, you need to agree to be recorded, and Medicare requires us to keep the recording for 10 years. In person, appointments do not have that requirement, but you need to sign a scope of appointment that authorizes us to talk to you about Medicare Advantage or a Drug Plan. It does not allow us to do anything but talk to you about these topics. One of the biggest changes for 2025 related to Medicare Part D Prescriptions whether withing a Part C Advantage plan or a stand-alone Part D drug Plan. Your yearly Part D out-of-pocket costs will be capped at $2,000 in 2025. You must buy medications using your plan and the medication must be in formulary to go toward the cap. You will also have a payment option to pay out-pocket costs in monthly amounts over the plan year, instead of paying when you receive the medications. This is done through the insurance company that you purchased your plan. When you turn 65 you are eligible for Medicare, once you have worked 40 quarters roughly 10 years there is no cost for Medicare Part A. Part A covers Hospitals, Skilled Nursing, Home Health & Hospice. Medicare Part B you can choose to take at 65 or you can hold off if you are still working and have credible coverage. If you do not have group health insurance that is considered qualified, and then you want it you would have a late enrollment penalty for each month you did not have Part B & Part D and that penalty will last for the rest of your life. Part B covers doctors, imaging, blood work, ambulance, durable medical equipment, etc. Part D is a Medicare Drug Plan and covers medications. During your initial enrollment period it is especially important to understand your options! Medicare Supplements/Medigap Plans are NOT guaranteed issue you may need to medically qualify. You can purchase a Medigap Plan during your 1st 6 months on Medicare Part B without medical underwriting. There are a lot of things you need to know. Again, work with an agent you can trust! Especially important: when you move you need to know your options. Can you keep the same plan? Do you need to make a change and what does that look like? Special Enrollment Periods You moved out of your plans service area, New to Medicare, Retiring and coming off of your employer group plan, Going into or out of Skilled Nursing, Medicaid and others may apply. We offer Free Medicare Seminars in Lee & Collier County please e-mail info@logicalinsurance.com to register or call 239-362-0855 for dates. Medicares website is www.Medicare.gov. Travel Insurance Did you know that most health insurance does NOT cover you outside of the country and that includes a cruise, in international waters (4 miles out). Travel insurance is not just about trip cancelation but most importantly what if you got sick or had an accident on your trip. Medical Trip insurance is very important and most of the time not very costly when you out way the benefits. Life Insurance You are never too young to have life insurance, and many types offer living benefits. As an example, I purchase life insurance for my grandchildren almost as soon as they are born. Their policy continues to build cash value that they can use during their lives, for education, wedding or even a 1st home purchase. The younger you are the lower the cost. There are many types of life insurance, and it is important to understand the differences between them. You also have payment options, such as 10-Pay, this type of policy you can pay the premium in full in 10 years, there are other terms available as wellLong Term Care Insurance Overall, 48.7% of older adults with ADL difficulties (or an estimated 3 million persons aged 70 and older) reported needing some sort of personal assistance with one or more ADLs, and, of those individuals with need, 20.7% (or an estimated 629,000 persons) had an unmet need. Long Term Care Insurance helps pay for in-home or facility-based needs, such as assistance with acts of daily living or help with paying for a facility. Start shopping for this insurance in your 40s, but its never too late to try. Your overall health will pay a major roll in the cost of the plans premium. The sooner than later for affordability. You have payment options such as a single payment, 10-Pay where the premium is paid-in-full in 10 years. You also get a discount with most companies doing a joint policy with your spouse. Remember Medicare is NOT meant for Nursing Home Care/Skilled Nursing. Logical Insurance Solutions is a SWFL Insurance Broker that works with most of the carriers, we are happy to help you through the maze. This is what we do daily, it is second nature to us. We offer virtual seminars, one on one Webex, phone and in-person appointments.To learn more about your options call to schedule an appointment contact: Logical Insurance Solutions for all your insurance needs, I am licensed in 36 states. www.Logicalinsurance.com 239-362-0855 info@Logicalinsurance.com By Ulla-Undine Merritt (Dee) National Producer Number (NPN) 8853366
Online Mental Health TherapyMental health support from anywhere, available fast Talkspace provides mental health support privately and conveniently online. Receive live video therapy appointments from a highly qualified licensed therapist covered by your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan with little wait. Individual therapy, psychiatry, or couples counseling covered by your private insurance plan is also readily available.Talkspace provides:A private space to discuss relationships, retirement, grief, health conditions, financial concerns, life changes, and anything thats on your mindLive one-on-one therapy sessions from your computer or phoneTreatment for over 150 mental health conditions including anxiety, stress, grief, depression, OCD, BPD, and moreMessaging therapy allows you to share with your therapist 24/7 and receive feedback and advice, and is proven to be as effective as traditional therapy..Connect with a therapist within daysTalkspace will match you with a therapist who is licensed in your state and should be a good fit for your needs. Start communicating with your therapist in 1-2 days.Receive care on your scheduleTalkspace removes all the scheduling hassles so you can get mental health support anytime, anywhere. Send your therapist text, voice, or video messages through the secure Talkspace platform and hear back daily, 5 days / weekStart your care journey with Talkspace today, visit www.talkspace.com
Online Mental Health TherapyMental health support from anywhere, available fast Talkspace provides mental health support privately and conveniently online. Receive live video therapy appointments from a highly qualified licensed therapist covered by your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan with little wait. Individual therapy, psychiatry, or couples counseling covered by your private insurance plan is also readily available.Talkspace provides:A private space to discuss relationships, retirement, grief, health conditions, financial concerns, life changes, and anything thats on your mindLive one-on-one therapy sessions from your computer or phoneTreatment for over 150 mental health conditions including anxiety, stress, grief, depression, OCD, BPD, and moreMessaging therapy allows you to share with your therapist 24/7 and receive feedback and advice, and is proven to be as effective as traditional therapy..Connect with a therapist within daysTalkspace will match you with a therapist who is licensed in your state and should be a good fit for your needs. Start communicating with your therapist in 1-2 days.Receive care on your scheduleTalkspace removes all the scheduling hassles so you can get mental health support anytime, anywhere. Send your therapist text, voice, or video messages through the secure Talkspace platform and hear back daily, 5 days / weekStart your care journey with Talkspace today, visit www.talkspace.com
Online Mental Health TherapyMental health support from anywhere, available fast Talkspace provides mental health support privately and conveniently online. Receive live video therapy appointments from a highly qualified licensed therapist covered by your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan with little wait. Individual therapy, psychiatry, or couples counseling covered by your private insurance plan is also readily available.Talkspace provides:A private space to discuss relationships, retirement, grief, health conditions, financial concerns, life changes, and anything thats on your mindLive one-on-one therapy sessions from your computer or phoneTreatment for over 150 mental health conditions including anxiety, stress, grief, depression, OCD, BPD, and moreMessaging therapy allows you to share with your therapist 24/7 and receive feedback and advice, and is proven to be as effective as traditional therapy..Connect with a therapist within daysTalkspace will match you with a therapist who is licensed in your state and should be a good fit for your needs. Start communicating with your therapist in 1-2 days.Receive care on your scheduleTalkspace removes all the scheduling hassles so you can get mental health support anytime, anywhere. Send your therapist text, voice, or video messages through the secure Talkspace platform and hear back daily, 5 days / weekStart your care journey with Talkspace today, visit www.talkspace.com