[Jessa]

Hi, I'm a returning member, and would like to hear others' experiences on SSRI medications (or anti-anxiety meds, or whatever else) used specifically for the treatment of OCD symptoms.

I've tried Lexapro and Wellbutrin, but neither seemed to help much. I also have bipolar II and ADHD, so I'm currently on low doses of Adderall XR and Invega. I'd love to hear what you've found that works, doesn't work, etc., and particularly if any non-antidepressant meds have worked for you (i.e. "off-label" uses for medications).

Thanks!

Jessa

[Maven]

I've found that most of the SSRIs I've tried (several of them) have worked to some degree, but also had side effects. I've not been on Lexapro or Wellbutrin. I've been on Anafranil (which I'm on now--a generic form), Paxil (which I'm on now--a generic form), Paxil CR, Tofranil, Prozac, Luvox, Imipramine, and I think some others. I've also been on Neurontin and Risperdal for a short time, but those aren't SSRIs.

For the record, I have OCD and panic disorder.

When I first took it, Anafranil transformed my life. Long story short, a medical doctor took me off it (I told him it wasn't a good idea), and then I needed to get back on it again, and it no longer worked as well.

Everyone's experience is different. Some have more side effects than others. Some have none.

Neurontin helped a little bit. The Risperdal didn't help (it was given to me for "racing thoughts"), and knocked me out. Imipramine also knocked me out when I took it, which was years ago; it was one of the first ones I tried.

I've mostly gotten fatigue and low sex drive, problems with decreased sensations during sex, and they probably worsen my dry eye syndrome. A little dizziness usually occurs when I start a medication, but it passes within a few days. I also get dry mouth.

[Jessa]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with me, Maven, it's encouraging to hear that anafranil worked for you. I'm currently on Invega, an atypical anti-psychotic (similar to Risperdal, I think) which just knocks me out (and then I have dreams in which I'm obsessing about things!). So I think the best choice for me now would be an SSRI. I've never heard of Anafranil, so I'll look into that as well as others as treatment options.

Thanks!

Jessie

[Maven]

Anafranil isn't often given anymore, because there are others that work better for some people, but it helps my panic and OCD. It was actually going to be taken off the market, because other pills worked as well or better, but then they found it showed promise for OCD, so they kept it on the market. I remember, when I first heard about hit, a teenage girl said she took it, and in two days after starting, she was virtually normal! It took a little longer for me (about three weeks, I think), but I had a major transformation.

I find that OCD and panic disorder interfere with my dreams sometimes, but I have never attributed it to any drugs I was on. It could be, though.

[Genevieve]

The best I found was Ritalin, believe it or not! It was so calming, at first, that my obsessiveness just sort of floated away. I might find a starting obsessive thought, but it didn't bother to stick around.

Now, though, after more than a year on stimulants, I know that I am obsessing again. The Ritalin is still good for my depression, though, so I stick with it.

Sorry that's not too helpful. SSRIs are very effective for some people. Of all that I've tried, I've had best luck with Zoloft and Prozac, with the balance leaning towards Prozac.

[ickydog2006]

I'm on Zoloft right now and it has been working really well for me. I've been on Lexapro in the past and didn't like it. I liked Wellbutrin but it was helping more with symptoms of depression.