OCD (obsessive-compulsive personality disorder) refers to a disease in which people become obsessed with control and rules, says MedlinePlus. Typical OCD signs include inflexibility, perfectionism, preoccupation with lists and rules and a lack of generosity. Fortunately, some drugs to help with OCD exist.
Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine, commonly sold as Prozac, is a medication used to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulemia, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and major depressive disorder. Drugs.com says that fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that works to actually balance the chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters.
Fluoxetine's less concerning effects include dry mouth, dizziness, trouble sleeping, impotence and nervousness. This medication can also lead to weight changes and an increased appetite. Notify a physician when fluoxetine's common effects remain for greater than one week.
Fluoxetine's serious effects include blistering of the skin, vomiting, diarrhea, a headache and trouble concentrating. This drug can also lead to stomach problems, constipation, confusion, hallucinations and trouble breathing. Sometimes, this medication can lead to a red rash and tremors. Call a doctor as soon as fluoxetine leads to these effects.
A change in fluoxetine's dose may be necessary when suffering from such diseases as cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, kidney disease, bipolar disease or seizures.
Fluoxetine is available as an extended-release tablet that is taken daily or as directed.
Clomipramine
Clomipramine, commonly sold as Anafranil, is another medication used to manage OCD. This drug belongs to a class of medications known as tricyclic antidepressants. It works to balance the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters).
Drugs.com indicates that clomipramine's less concerning side effects include dry mouth, increased sweating, blurry vision, trouble concentrating and stomach pain. This medication can also lead to blurry vision, difficulty concentrating, nightmares and trouble sleeping.
Clomipramine's serious effects include chest pain, nausea, sweating, fainting and lightheadedness. Other side effects include muscle stiffness, pale skin and easy bleeding or bruising. This medication can also lead to a fast or irregular heartbeat, pale skin and urinating more than usual. Call a doctor when clomipramine leads to these effects.
A change in clomipramine's dose may be needed when suffering from such diseases as an overactive thyroid gland, glaucoma, heart disease and bipolar disorder.
Clomipramine is a tablet taken daily or as indicated.
Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine, commonly sold as Effexor, is yet another medication used to manage OCD. This medication is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that works to elevate certain brain chemicals: norepinephrine and serotonin.
MedlinePlus indicates that some of venlafaxine's common side effects include a headache, nightmares, constipation, stomach pain, frequent urination and sweating. In some instances, this medication can also lead to weight loss, a poor appetite, gas and heartburn. Call a physician when venlafaxine's common effects remain for more than five days.
Venlafaxine's serious effects include changes in vision, seizures, eye pain, trouble breathing and difficulty swallowing. Other serious effects include itching, hallucinations and problems with coordination. Sometimes, venlafaxine can also lead to confusion, muscle stiffness and a coma. Call a doctor when venlafaxine's serious effects develop.
Sometimes, venlafaxine may interact with such medications as linezolid, escitalopram, paroxetine and methadone.
Venlafaxine is available as an extended-release capsule or tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
