Medication for OCD

Medication is another form of OCD treatment; ERP is recommended in conjunction with medication for OCD. Medication questions should be directed to a psychiatrist who treats OCD. Please visit the International OCD Foundation’s Medication for OCD page for more information regarding medication.

DISCLAIMER: The content found here is intended to serve as educational content and is not intended to replace therapy. For treatment related questions, please be sure to work with your local provider or contact a local clinician.

Videos: Medication for OCD

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Pharmacotherapy for OCD by Michael Jenike, MD

Dr. Jenike discusses medication options for OCD treatment along with TMS.

What is OCD from a medical perspective

Scott Blair-West, MD, explains that OCD is caused by both genetic and environmental factors.

Diagnosing OCD

Scott Blair-West, MD, explains that diagnosis is almost always done with a clinical examination. It is done by psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists. They typically will ask questions about your symptoms and the development of the condition over time.

Medication/Dosage of OCD Medication

Scott Blair-West, MD, discusses that SSRIs are the most effective medications for OCD. They work for about two-thirds of people. Dosages can vary between very small dosages and large dosages.

When and How Medication Works

Scott Blair-West, MD, explains that medication usually takes some time to start working. Sometimes it can take 2-3 months to find the right dosage for someone. He also discusses what serotonin is and how it relates to SSRIs.

Potential side effects

Scott Blair-West, MD, discusses some potential side effects to medication.

Concerns about suicide risk from medications

Scott Blair-West, MD, discusses that SSRIs are not thought to be related to risk of suicide or suicide attempts.

When medication is needed?

Scott Blair-West, MD, explains that therapy is the most effective for treating OCD, but medication can also be helpful.

Medication and ERP

Scott Blair-West, MD, discusses that the combination of therapy and medication is very effective in treating OCD.

How long will I be on medication?

Scott Blair-West, MD, explains that usually people only need to take medication for a period of time.

Brain basics of OCD

Dr. Holts explains the brain basics of OCD, low serotonin, and family history.

SSRI’s and side effects

Dr. Holt explains starting SSRI's, side effects, and starting doses.

Suicidal ideation as related to medications

Jessica Holt, MD, discusses that 10% of people with OCD also have attempted suicide or have had suicidal ideations. It is unknown whether or not this is related to medication.

Coming off of medications

Dr. Holt explains coming off medication slowly and how long to be on medication.

Supplemental options

Dr. Holt talks about lifestyle changes and other supplemental options for treating OCD.

Is medication enough?

Dr. Holt explains that medication combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure with Responsive Prevention (ERP) as well as healthy lifestyle happens makes for better results than medication alone.

SSRI’s in children

Dr. Holt explains SSRI's in adults and children.

Medication and Pregnancy

Scott Blair-West, MD, explains that if a women is pregnant, she should ask a doctor before stopping medication or making any changes to her medication.

Pregnancy and Medications

Dr. Holt explains the risks with SRRI's while pregnant.

Risk and benefits of medications with pregnancy

Dr. Holt explains the risk and benefits of SRRI's while pregnant.