List of Prescription Medications for Compulsive Behavior

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a form of anxiety. The obsessions, categorized by the Mayo Clinic as "unreasonable thoughts and fears," lead the OCD sufferer to compulsively repeat behavior. Trying to repress the obsessions may make the condition worse, thus forcing the OCD personality to perform more compulsive behavior. There are treatments for this life-long disorder.

Sertraline

Sertraline, marketed as Zoloft, is an antidepressant that is Food and Drug Administration-approved to treat OCD. It is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) that raises the level of serotonin activity in the human brain. It is available as a pill, capsule and solution. Side effects may include lowered libido, fever, nosebleeds, restlessness, confusion, aggressiveness, breathing, swallowing and speaking difficulties, chest pain, blurry vision or coma.

Clomipramine

Clomipramine, sold as Anafranil, also works to regulate the serotonin activity in the brain. It is a tricyclic antidepressant available as a pill or capsule. Clomipramine may produce such side effects as irritability, fear, a cough, confusion, dizziness, blurry vision, pain throughout the body, noises in the ears, insomnia, lack of concentration, sneezing, anxiety, chills and depersonalization.

Paroxetine

Paxil (generic: paroxetine) is an SSRI antidepressant medication that may cause such side effects as serotonin syndrome, speaking difficulties, dizziness, lightheadedness, a rash, chest pain, confusion, seizures, depression, decreased vision, color blindness, body pains or swelling, indigestion, lockjaw, low blood pressure and muscle spasms.

Fluvoxamine

Fluvoxamine, sold as Luvox and Luvox CR, is another SSRI medication prescribed for OCD patients. Side effects may including twitches, clumsiness, nosebleeds, mood changes, unusual behavior, diarrhea, restlessness, weakness, trembling, uncontrollable excitement and chills. Less severe side effects that may not last include constipation, headaches, insomnia, lowered appetite and drowsiness.

Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine, also known as Prozac, Selfemra, Rapiflux and Sarafem, It, too, is an SSRI antidepressant medication available as a syrup, capsule, solution and pill. Fluoxetine may produce such side effects as convulsions, headaches, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, chills, restlessness, drowsiness, diarrhea, agitation, constipation, vomiting, blurry vision and abdominal pain.