do i have to take anxiety medication forever

The drug helps manage phobic symptoms equally effectively with both short-term and medium-term use. Research shows that fluoxetine may improve symptoms such as obsessive thoughts and washing compulsions, as well as improve psychosocial functioning and quality of life. Fluoxetine (Prozac)įluoxetine is an SSRI antidepressant. Below is more information on certain FDA-approved medications for OCD. It can take several weeks to a few months for someone to feel the benefits of these drugs. Doctors usually start with small doses and gradually increase them to find the ideal amount for each person. The type and dose of antidepressant a doctor prescribes will depend on factors such as the person’s age, the severity of their symptoms, and any other medical conditions they have. The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) lists a few other antidepressants that doctors may prescribe off-label for OCD.

The FDA has approved certain antidepressants specifically for the treatment of OCD symptoms. SSRIs increase serotonin, while SNRIs increase serotonin and norepinephrine. The ones doctors most commonly prescribe for people with OCD are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).īoth SSRIs and SNRIs affect a person’s neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that carry signals between neurons. There are several types of antidepressants. As a result, doctors typically start by recommending antidepressants.Īntidepressants treat the symptoms of depression, but sometimes, people find they can also help with other mental health conditions, such as: A given drug may generate a significant response in some people and a weak response in others.Īlso, drug companies have not developed any medications specifically for OCD. Drugs that doctors prescribe for mental health symptoms often affect people differently. There is no objective “best” medication for OCD. Share on Pinterest NICK VEASEY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images

Do i have to take anxiety medication forever