Overview
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, commonly known as OCD, is a disorder characterized by, as the name suggests by, “obsessions” or “compulsions” or both. An example of obsession is the persistent urge to keep everything in symmetrical order, while compulsions can be constantly rearranging objects. OCD behavior is a result of anxiety or discomfort. The diagnosis of OCD is a bit complex, which is why only medical professionals are able to diagnose and treat it expertly. Upon evaluation, a doctor can prescribe you Prozac for OCD, which is one of the first lines of medicine in treating OCD.
Does Prozac work for OCD?
Prozac is medically referred to as Fluoxetine, and Fluoxetine is one of the first-line medications for patients with OCD. Experts generally agree that one of the mechanisms that causes anxiety is the lack of Serotonin, which is why patients on Prozac for OCD would help by knowing that Prozac or Fluoxetine is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor or SSRI, which means it inhibits the reuptake of Serotonin.
How effective is Prozac for OCD?
Prozac is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor or SSRI, which makes it quite effective in treating OCD. Doctors usually prescribe Prozac to treat OCD symptoms. According to the American Psychiatric Association, around 50-70% of patients have positively responded to Prozac for their OCD.
How to take Prozac for OCD?
A patient should always take Prozac according to the doctor’s guidelines. Generally, a low dose of around 20mg will be initiated. However, you would have to follow up regularly with the doctors during the course since there will be times when the doctor might gradually adjust the dosage according to your needs after evaluating your response to the drug. Therefore, you’d need to find a way to connect instantly to a doctor in order to maintain consistency.
How to get Prozac prescription for OCD?
Medical experts or doctors are legally and medically equipped with the knowledge to not only diagnose your condition but also to manage and eventually treat it by creating the most effective Prozac prescriptions and guidelines suited for your OCD symptoms. Through Telehealth websites like Your Doctors Online, you just need to sign in and provide some background, and a doctor will be able to guide you instantly.
How long does Prozac take to work for OCD?
According to research, Prozac starts increasing Serotonin levels almost immediately, but you need to take it consistently as prescribed by a doctor for at least 4 to 6 weeks before expecting noticeable results. Alterations, including increases and decreases in dosage, might be required during the course; therefore, you should have resources available to connect with a doctor instantly in order to achieve the best results from Prozac for your OCD.
What are the side effects of Prozac?
Generally, Prozac is one of the best treatments for OCD. Side effects associated with Prozac aren’t commonly worrisome, and not everyone will experience them. However, the key to avoiding or minimizing side effects is to follow the doctor’s guidance on dosage and frequency. You might feel some side effects initially, but as the body adjusts to the dosage, they will disappear. Here’s a list of common side effects that patients could encounter.
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Flu-like symptoms
- Brain zaps, which is an electric shock-like sensation due to sudden discontinuation of the medication
Are there alternative options for OCD?
While Prozac or Fluoxetine is one of the most effective treatments for OCD, a doctor might consider other options as well in case the patient is showing signs of resistance against Prozac or, in their specific situation, taking another medication can be more beneficial. One alternative medication that a doctor might prescribe you instead of Prozac for OCD is Zoloft.
When to consult a doctor?
OCD is a condition that needs to be managed efficiently, which is why you need to have instant access to a doctor to manage your symptoms in real time. However, if you are taking Prozac and experience the following signs, you should get prompt advice from a doctor.
- No Improvement in Symptoms
- Severe Side Effects
- Worsening Suicidal Thoughts
- Unusual Mood Changes
- Intense Anxiety
- Tremors
FAQs about prozac for ocd
Prozac has shown promising results in eliminating or minimizing obsessive thoughts, although to eliminate these thoughts completely, you would need to be consistent on your medication and keep close contact with medical professionals.
As compared to other antidepressants, Prozac has the lowest tendency to influence weight gain. Keep in touch with a physician and report any weight changes that you experience.
When taken together, these medications can work on improving both depression and anxiety since Prozac works on Serotonin reuptake and Wellbutrin works on Dopamine. This is a double-action prescription.
