Two of the most common way to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and prescribed medication. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on dealing with obsessive thoughts at the same time resisting the compulsive behavior.
People with OCD are exposed to situations that causes or trigger their exaggerated and obsessive thoughts and anxiety, and then are encouraged not to perform what their thoughts are telling them to do so that they can control their feelings. In short, it is focused on an effective and healthy way to deal with obsessive thoughts without giving in or resulting to compulsive behavior.
While Cognitive – behavioral Therapy is considered an effective way, another option to treat OCD is through prescribed medication. Therapy focuses on exposure and response prevention, medicines often in the form of antidepressants are used to treat depression. Clomipramine, fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine and fluvoxamine are among the most common medicines that are used and are readily available. These medicines work by interfering with the abnormal neurotransmission of the brain which are associated with the occurrences of OCD. Although these medicines are used to treat depression, studies show that they can reduce the symptoms of OCD, even if they are not under a depress state. Different People have different response when taking these medicines, but the most prevailing and common OCD side effects includes dry mouth, nausea or drowsiness, vomiting and headache. OCD side effects could also come in a form of restlessness and sometimes to the point where in sexual problems occur.
Depending upon the treatment, medication usually takes 2-4 weeks before improvements will be observed. And it takes 12 weeks before it will take a full effect. Mild effects may be experience by the person on medication as early as the medication starts. But these OCD side effects may wear after 3 weeks of constant medication. If the side effects are disrupting the normal daily activities or have unbearable pain, it is best to tell the physician how your body is responding to treatment so that another medicine or an alternative can be prescribed or the dosage of the medicine will be adjusted.
Combining therapy with medication is usually considered the most effective way to treat OCD. Others may take a lifetime treatment when it comes to OCD. Education regarding OCD, Acceptance, Practicing the relaxation and skills learned, a supportive group with family members and the regular intake of prescribed medicine are techniques that will help a person deal with the illness and OCD side effects.
Michael Burns is an OCD expert. He discovered the one of the OCD side effects is OCD insomnia. He is devoting his time writing articles on how to deal with them.