Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a complex mental illness that comprises obsessions and compulsions. Individuals remain stressed due to their recurrent thoughts and then engage in a specific behaviour multiple times to get rid of their anxiety. Although OCD is challenging it is treatable. With the help of some specialized medications like Prozac, individuals can manage their OCD symptoms. This article is a comprehensive guide to the role of Prozac in OCD treatment. Moreover, you will also get an idea regarding the dosage and effectiveness of Prozac for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. 

What is Prozac?

Prozac belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a class of antidepressants. This class also involves other medications including Zolopft, Celexa, Paxil, Lexapro and Luvox. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are also named tricyclic antidepressants and are most commonly recommended by experts for alleviating the symptoms of OCD. However, OCD is not directly linked with the reduced serotonin levels in the brain. Different studies have reported that alterations in the serotonin levels can result in the occurrence of some common symptoms experienced by those individuals suffering from OCD.

What is Prozac?

What is the role of Prozac?

The main role of selective serotonin uptake inhibitors is to increase the level of specific neurotransmitters in the brain including serotonin. Prozac blocks nerve cells so serotonin is not absorbed and its level increases in the brain.

The FDA approves Prozac for the treatment of depressive disorder and other related mental health issues including obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic attacks. 

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are also used for the treatment of the following mental health disorders including:

  • Depression
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

What is OCD?

OCD is a short form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, a common mental illness that involves the occurrence of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior. Different intrusive thoughts appear in the minds of individuals which make them anxious. To get rid of their stress, they perform repetitive behaviour as they think that they can overcome their obsessions in this way.  Affected individuals face difficulty in both their personal and professional lives. Moreover, they limit their social engagements. Their mind generates intrusive thoughts and images which make it difficult for them to pass through the entire day. Therefore they try to get relief from compulsions. However, that relief is temporary and only stay there until they are doing that certain activity. As soon as they stop their compulsive behaviour, they again start feeling anxious as before. 

What is OCD?

How does Prozac help for OCD?

Prozac specifically targets the serotonin system of the brain. Prozac increases the level of serotonin so the brain can function effectively. This results in its decreased reabsorption in the brain cells and makes it more available. Due to increased serotonin levels, patients experience a sudden uplift in mood and anxiety vanishes. With the help of Prozac, individuals regain control over their thoughts, and emotions and ultimately exhibit positive behaviour. So Prozac specifically helps in overcoming obsessions and compulsions. 

Effectiveness of Prozac for OCD

Prozac is considered highly effective for decreasing OCD symptoms. The intake of an appropriate dosage of Prozac can result in a reduction in the frequency and intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour. 

Different studies have reported a positive association of Prozac with reduced levels of OCD symptoms. Approximately, 60% of the affected individuals exhibit a positive response to Prozac within the starting 4 to 12 weeks after the intake. However, this condition is not the same for every individual as some exhibit rapid recovery while in some individuals, symptoms take more time to diminish. 

Effectiveness of Prozac for OCD

The long-term use of Prozac is safe as it doesn’t result in making a habit of individuals. Initially, individuals can take a start with low dosage and they can make a significant increase in dosage after some time based on their internal condition. 

If selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are required at higher levels to treat the symptoms of OCD then this condition is referred to as the supratherapeutic levels. This involves the elevation in dose as compared to the FDA-recommended limit. 

Dosage of Prozac for OCD

Before directly recommending the dose of Prozac, experts gather information including age, frequency, intensity as well as the duration of symptoms. Moreover, they also determine how you exhibit response after the intake of Prozac. Initially, experts recommend lower doses and then gradually they increase the dosage. The starting dosage that is normally recommended by the experts is 10 or 20 mg per day. The maximum dose of Prozac is 100 mg per day. 

What are the side effects of Prozac?

Although Prozac is useful for treating OCD each individual should remain aware of the potential side effects before its intake or starting treatment.

When a person starts taking this medication, mild to moderate side effects can appear. Therefore it is always recommended to take the prozac after the expert recommendation. Before the treatment, experts have a complete session of discussion with the affected individuals. At that time, individuals share their complete medical history. Individuals are always asked to remain open in communication. Moreover, individuals should also appear for regular follow-ups to manage the side effects if occur. 

What are the side effects of Prozac?

Some common side effects of Prozac include:

  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sleep issues
  • Sexual dysfunction

However, if the side effects are left untreated on time then they can get severe. The most serious side effects include:

  • Confusion
  • Blurry thoughts
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Increased blood pressure 

How to get a prescription for Prozac for OCD?

If you want to get a prescription for Prozac for OCD, then first find a professional and licensed mental health professional who effectively evaluates your mental condition and then makes the recommendation of medication. 

How is Prozac taken?

Prozac is available in different forms including tablets, capsules as well as liquid forms. Moreover, the route of intake is oral. Experts always guide individuals to take medication at a specific or safe time to see effective results. 

Before the intake, individuals should be familiar with the following guidelines:

1. Individual dosage

The intake of Prozac is not specified as you can take it anytime. Even if you are having a meal or not, you can have a dose of Prozac. Likewise, the time of day is also not restricted. Whether it’s day or night, you can have this medication for OCD treatment. But remember that if you start taking it on day time then 

2. What to avoid when taking Prozac?

If you are taking Prozac then you should have a complete idea of which medications or substances you have to avoid. 

3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) & blood thinners 

If you take these drugs along with the Prozac then there is a greater probability that bleeding can occur.

4. Additional SSRIs or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

These medications can result in serotonin syndrome in which an excessive amount of serotonin accumulates in the synapse. Moreover, some changes can also occur which include elevated heart rate, confusion and some other life-threatening issues. 

Which individuals should not take Prozac?

Those individuals who are suffering from any complex mental illness other than OCD or taking any other medication should avoid the intake of OCD. 

Moreover, individuals suffering from bipolar disorder should also avoid taking Prozac as it can worsen the symptoms of manic episodes. 

Alternatives to Prozac for OCD tretament

Prozac works efficiently for the treatment of OCD. However, if you are not getting the desired results then you can also consider multiple different options to treat OCD. Each treatment approach works efficiently and tailors the needs of each individual. 

Alternative medications

Other than Prozac certain medications can help in the treatment of OCD such as:

Other Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors 

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can cause a significant decrease in stress or anxiety. The requirement of each SSRI is varied as each individual responds differently. Some top common SSRIs include:

  • Paxil
  • Celexa
  • Lexapro 

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors specifically target another neurotransmitter which is named norepinephrine. This class of medication is used when SSRIs are not generating effective results or the individual is not showing a response to SSRIs. The most commonly used SNRIs include:

  • Levomilnacipran
  • Desvenlafaxine
  • Venlafaxine
  • Milnacipran
  • Tricyclic antidepressants

These medications target serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They prevent the reuptake of both neurotransmitters, exert some mood changes, and also affect attention and behavior.

Alternative therapy options for OCD

There are also different therapy options which are advantageous for managing OCD symptoms such as:

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy 

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most widely used therapy to treat common mental disorders including OCD. Cognitive therapy assists individuals in identifying the obsessive or intrusive thoughts that induce anxiety and compulsive behavior. With time, individuals learn how they can make positive changes in their behaviour by managing their OCD symptoms. 

2. Exposure response prevention therapy 

Exposure and response prevention therapy is a renowned behavioral therapy used to help individuals avoid compulsive behavior. This therapy involves exposing individuals to objects, situations, or places that make them anxious and urge them to show repetitive behavior. After repeating exposure, individuals learn to develop tolerance against the triggers of their anxiety. 

3. Lifestyle modifications

Although therapy and medication work with the help of some positive life alterations, you can also enhance the effectiveness of treatment for OCD such as:

  • Complete diet 
  • Sufficient sleep 
  • Physical workout 
  • Mindfulness techniques 
  • Joining any support group 

How Advanced Mental Health Group can help?

Advanced Mental Health Group is a renowned mental health platform that offers the best mental health options. Any individual suffering from any common mental illness such as OCD can communicate with professional mental health experts and get the best treatment. Our experts have complete knowledge about each mental illness and treatment and therefore implement the most effective strategies for the treatment of OCD. They also provide effective medication management in which they guide individuals regarding the dosage and effectiveness of medications. With our holistic therapy, you can initiate your pathway of mental health journey.

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