Obsessive compulsive disorder medications commonly used are serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs), which increase the availability of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. The effect of obsessive compulsive disorder medications is gradual and can take 3 weeks or more before any benefit is realized. The full benefit of obsessive compulsive disorder medications may take 4 months or more.

Obsessive compulsive disorder medications commonly used are clomipramine (Anafranil), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or Sertraline (Zoloft). Obsessive compulsive disorder medications approved for the treatment of children are clomipramine, fluvoxamine and sertraline.

About 50 to 60 percent of those treated with obsessive compulsive disorder medication alone report at least moderate reduction in obsessive compulsive disorder symptoms. The percentage increases to about 85 when obsessive compulsive disorder medication is combined with cognitive behavior therapy.

Obsessive compulsive disorder medications should be administered by a physician following a thorough assessment. For an initial needs assessment or a referral to a treatment provider in your area, contact Rogers Memorial Hospital at 1-800-767-4411 or 262-646-4411. To learn more about the levels of treatment Rogers Memorial Hospital offers, visit the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Center page.

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