Top Questions on Managing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Mr. Saul PereiraReparenting Technique, BA, BEd, Transactional AnalysisPsychologist

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You can get over this disorder if you combine therapy with medication. Medication alone will not resolve this condition. In counseling, you will learn skills, tools, and techniques to cope with the rituals and especially to deal with the fear. Please take your parents with you to meet the counselor to determine the possible developmental issues that may have contributed to this condition. Your mom's death was only a trigger. This is a fear-based condition and for some reason, you have not been dealing with this childhood fear which has now developed into these repetitive adaptations to seem to need it for normal functioning. The behavior will then become based on magical thinking and certain rituals will become necessary to do normal things making you believe that either the frequency or the ritual is important to its success. This of course is a fallacy but there will come a time that even if told the truth, your belief will defy any logic and you will continue behaving like that even if it cripples you in your daily routines. It only appears that some other force is behind these behaviors and that you are compelled to act in this fashion helplessly. That is not true but no one can convince you of anything different. The obsession is a repeating thought pattern with no meaningful outcome, and the compulsiveness is the need to act on those obsessions also in a repeated behavior pattern as though you just cannot help yourself. This is all driven by fear and when you are frustrated with it, you will escalate anger over it. Doubt, insecurity, uncertainty, and lack of firm memory will all plague you and increase stress. There are certain behavioral techniques to be implemented and if they work you may get out of this condition rather easily. 10 years without counseling can still be made up if you are cooperative and work sincerely in your recovery. 

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Dr. Sushil Kumar SompurMBBS, MD - Psychiatry, MBA - HealthcarePsychiatrist

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It's important to discuss any concerns about medication, especially when it involves managing a condition like ocd (obsessive-compulsive disorder). Here's some general information about the medicines you mentioned: fluvoxin (fluvoxamine): this is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (ssri) commonly used to treat ocd. Ssris are often the first line of treatment for this condition. Restyl (alprazolam): this is a benzodiazepine, a type of medication typically used for anxiety or panic disorders. It can be effective for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. Regarding taking these medications together: combination therapy: fluvoxamine and alprazolam can be used together in certain circumstances. However, this combination needs to be monitored closely by a healthcare professional due to potential interactions and side effects. Potential interactions: fluvoxamine can increase the concentration of alprazolam in the blood, which may increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. This is particularly important to consider if you are taking these medications during the day when you may need to be alert. Dosage and timing: the dosage and timing of these medications can be crucial. They must be tailored to your specific needs and health situation. Monitoring for side effects: when combining these medications, close monitoring for side effects and interactions is necessary. This is especially important for starting a new medicine or changing doses. Long-term use of benzodiazepines: it's also worth noting that benzodiazepines are generally recommended for short-term use due to risks of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal issues. In conclusion, while it's possible to take restyl (alprazolam) and fluvoxin (fluvoxamine) together, it should only be done under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare provider. They can provide the best advice tailored to your health needs and circumstances. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen. 

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Dr. Samuel WesleyMD - Psychiatry, MBBSPsychiatrist

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Yes you will become better eventually. Fluoxetine is a good medication for ocd but it may take few months to a year also. Please consult your psychiatrist regularly and adhere to treatment. 

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Dr. N S S GauriBachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (B.U.M.S)Unani Specialist

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If that doesn't work please follow these herbal combinations for complete cure ras raj ras 1 tablet twice a day brahmi avleh 10 gm twice a day. 

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Mr. Saul PereiraReparenting Technique, BA, BEd, Transactional AnalysisPsychologist

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You are relying too much on the medication to solve the problem, which can be pretty futile. Please seek the help of a counselor too. Please take your parents with you to determine the possible developmental issues that may have contributed to this condition. This is a fear-based condition and for some reason you have not been dealing with this childhood fear which has now developed unto these repetitive adaptations to seem to need it for normal functioning. The behavior will then become based on magical thinking and certain rituals will become necessary to do normal things making you believe that either the frequency or the ritual is important to its success. This of course is a fallacy but there will come a time that even if told the truth, your belief will defy any logic and you will continue behaving like that even if it cripples you in your daily routines. It only appears as though some other force is behind these behaviors and that you are compelled to act in this fashion. That is obviously not true but no one can convince you of anything different. The obsession is a repeating thought pattern with no meaningful outcome; and the compulsiveness is the need to act on those obsessions also in a repeated behavior pattern as though you just cannot help yourself. This is all driven by fear and when you are frustrated with it, you will escalate anger over it. Doubt, insecurity, uncertainty, and lack of firm memory will all plague you and increase stress. There are certain behavioral techniques to be implemented and if they work you may get out of this condition rather easily. 

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Mr. Syed Tahir RufaiDiploma - Guidance & Councelling, Masters in Psychology - Clinical and Abnormal, Bachelors in Psychology, OKR Certified, International Leader ship and Goal setting, Masters in PsychologyPsychologist

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Asalamualykum lybrate-user, see, the point is that the medicine you take for ocd only works on calming the symptoms. We call them nuerosuppresents. What they do is they basically calm you down until another dose is required. They never help you solve the underlying problem. The thing is that only therapy can do that. There are a lot of underlying thoughts or even trauma that needs to be resolved that will itself resolve the issue. If you need any help kindly do not hesitate to message me. Regards. 

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Dr. R.N.ChaturvediPhD - PsychologyPsychologist

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Your psychological problems of ocd can be removed by psychological counseling and psychological autosuggestion therapy through the online process for three weeks without any medication. You can contact me for this on Lybrate website or direct contact me for this on mobile. Thank you. 

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Dr. Aparna GuptaMphil - Clinical Psychology, M.A - Clin. Psychology, M.Ed - Special Education, B.Ed - Special EducationPsychologist

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Hi please do not change dosage or stop medicines at will. If you are uncomfortable and feeling any side effects consult your psychiatrist immediately and apprise him of your situation. He will change the medicine or dosage. Take therapy along with medicines. Consistent therapy along with medicines is needed to help you cope with ocd symptoms. Medicines only help control symptoms temporarily, while therapy gives more sustainable results. Take therapy regularly and apply what you learn in therapy sessions in your life practically. 

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Dr. Prof Jagadeesan M SMD - PsychiatryPsychiatrist

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Ketamine can help as an antidepressant and it's effects are very short lived. You can consider changing the combination of medications for you feel your OCD symptoms aren't under control. Remember OCD is a long term probably life time condition. Good luck. 

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Dr. Sartaj DeepakM.B.B.S, MD - PsychiatryPsychiatrist

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Fluoxetine shows it's effect at different doses in different individuals. One need to start at 20 mg per day, after breakfast, increase to 40 mg after 2 weeks. If needed, you can further increase by 20 mg every week, maximum up to 80 mg per day. 

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