OCD Medication Side Effects
The side effects for medications prescribed for OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), are the biggest reason for discontinuation of these prescribed drugs. The most common drugs prescribed for treatment of OCD are antidepressants and SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).
Common SSRIs prescribed for OCD are Prozac (fluoxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram), Paxil (paroxetine), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Celexa (citalopram), and Zoloft (sertraline). Common antidepressants that are prescribed for treating OCD are Effexor (venlafaxine), and wellbutrin (buproprion). The side effects that are most commonly reported from taking antidepressants are: feeling over-stimulated, feeling jittery or restless, insomnia, difficulty sleeping, extreme weight gain, feeling lightheaded, feeling nervous, sexual side effects, impotence, and dry mouth. The most common side effects from taking an SSRI: upset stomach, nausea, dry mouth, migraines or headaches, constipation, insomnia, sleep disturbances, drowsiness, and sexual side effects.
Sexual side effects are one of the very upsetting OCD medication side effects. Antidepressants and SSRI’s are notorious for causing sexual dysfunction, orgasmic dysfunction, decreased sexual desire, impotency, and other sexual side effects in men and women. Other OCD medication side effects seem to be more particularly upsetting and uncomfortable. Feeling jittery, nervous, restless, lightheaded and having trouble sleeping at night are symptoms of OCD medication side effects. These symptoms also closely resemble the symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks and other anxiety disorders. For someone who has obsessive compulsive disorder, medications that cause extra symptoms of discomfort will not help to improve obsessive compulsive behaviors. These medications mostly make symptoms worse, add more uncomfortable symptoms, add anxiety, and add fuel to the fire of obsessive compulsiveness.
For most people, OCD medication side effects outweigh the positive effects that the medication can have. People may start obsessing even worse than before about new side effects and symptoms that they may be feeling from the medication. Another major side effect of OCD medication is that the person taking it will only feel better while they are taking the drug, if the drug even makes them feel better at all. There are a few other common reasons for discontinuation of OCD medication besides the side effects. Medication is not a cure for OCD, many people decide to stop taking prescription drugs because they do not want to have to depend on a pill everyday for the rest of their life, they don’t want to become dependant on the drug, sometimes they feel they no longer need the medication, or sometimes they can’t afford to pay for their prescription.
The most common reason to stop taking OCD medication is the side effects from the medications, and one of the side effects is becoming dependant upon the drug and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the drug is no longer being taken. No matter what the reason is for discontinuation of OCD medications, there are other natural ways that are proven to successfully treat OCD and the unique symptoms of the disorder. Behavioral therapy is prescribed in place of medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for OCD, this is the best way to get rid of OCD for good, without OCD medication side effects.
Sexual side effects are one of the very upsetting OCD medication side effects. Antidepressants and SSRI’s are notorious for causing sexual dysfunction, orgasmic dysfunction, decreased sexual desire, impotency, and other sexual side effects in men and women. Other OCD medication side effects seem to be more particularly upsetting and uncomfortable. Feeling jittery, nervous, restless, lightheaded and having trouble sleeping at night are symptoms of OCD medication side effects. These symptoms also closely resemble the symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks and other anxiety disorders. For someone who has obsessive compulsive disorder, medications that cause extra symptoms of discomfort will not help to improve obsessive compulsive behaviors. These medications mostly make symptoms worse, add more uncomfortable symptoms, add anxiety, and add fuel to the fire of obsessive compulsiveness.
For most people, OCD medication side effects outweigh the positive effects that the medication can have. People may start obsessing even worse than before about new side effects and symptoms that they may be feeling from the medication. Another major side effect of OCD medication is that the person taking it will only feel better while they are taking the drug, if the drug even makes them feel better at all. There are a few other common reasons for discontinuation of OCD medication besides the side effects. Medication is not a cure for OCD, many people decide to stop taking prescription drugs because they do not want to have to depend on a pill everyday for the rest of their life, they don’t want to become dependant on the drug, sometimes they feel they no longer need the medication, or sometimes they can’t afford to pay for their prescription.
The most common reason to stop taking OCD medication is the side effects from the medications, and one of the side effects is becoming dependant upon the drug and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the drug is no longer being taken. No matter what the reason is for discontinuation of OCD medications, there are other natural ways that are proven to successfully treat OCD and the unique symptoms of the disorder. Behavioral therapy is prescribed in place of medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven to be an effective treatment for OCD, this is the best way to get rid of OCD for good, without OCD medication side effects.
