1. Know the Function of Serotonin in the Brain
OCD medication typically helps regulate serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter found throughout the brain. Some of the brain's receptors absorb serotonin and release it again, which plays a major part in the way the brain works. Though studies are still ongoing, your receptors may be abnormal if you have OCD, and they may inhibit the transference of serotonin. Medication that helps to regulate that process can be helpful in treating your obsessive-compulsive behavior.
2. Understand How OCD Medication Affects the Brain's Biochemical Balance
Most anti-obsessive-compulsive drugs are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and they act to increase the levels of serotonin in your brain. They can also treat chronic depression, anxiety disorders and more serious personality disorders. In addition to SSRIs, you can treat OCD with tricyclic antidepressants, which were used before the development of SSRIs. There is a greater chance of overdose with tricyclic antidepressants, which is why people use SSRIs more often these days. Common SSRIs include Prozac (fluoxetine hydrochloride), Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) and Luvox (fluvoxamine). Anafranil (clomipramine) is the most commonly used tricyclic antidepressant today. All of them work to stabilize the chemical balance of your brain. When you take them, they are absorbed into your bloodstream, which eventually passes them into the brain safely and gradually stimulates changes. You probably won't feel the effects until after a few weeks at the absolute minimum. The medication needs time to work.
3. Know the Difference Between Different Kinds of Antidepressants
Just because a drug is an antidepressant does not mean it can help you with obsessive-compulsive behavior. Tofranil (imipramine) and Elavil (amitriptyline) are both good antidepressants but have little impact on OCD. If you're looking for medication, it's smart to look for SSRIs, which are usually the best options for OCD, rather than antidepressants that rely on other effects.
4. Understand the Side Effects
Most forms of OCD medication have side effects, though the precise impact varies from patient to patient and drug to drug. If you take them, you may feel a lowering of the sex drive (and an attendant inability of the sexual organs to function), sleeplessness, dry mouth, increased excitability, concentration difficulties and weight gain. Don't worry too much, however. These side effects don't typically cause any long-term damage, and most will vanish once you go off the medication.
