Tricyclics
Similarly,
antidepressant medications called tricyclics are started at low doses and gradually increased. Tricyclics have been around longer than
SSRIs and have been more widely studied for
OCD treatment.
Clomipramine is the only antidepressant in this class prescribed for the disorder.
Questions to Ask Prior to OCD Treatment
Before taking medication to manage OCD:
- Ask your doctor to tell you about the effects and side effects of the drug he or she is prescribing.
- Tell your doctor about any alternative therapies or over-the-counter medications you are using.
- Ask your doctor when and how the medication will be stopped. Some drugs can't safely be stopped abruptly; they have to be tapered slowly under a physician's supervision.
- Be aware that some medications are effective for OCD only as long as they are taken regularly, and symptoms may occur again when the medications are discontinued.
- Work with your doctor to determine the right dosage of the right medication to treat your OCD.
Psychotherapy as an OCD Treatment
Psychotherapy involves talking with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker, or counselor, to learn how to deal with problems like OCD. One type of psychotherapy is called behavioral therapy
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