{"id":2739,"date":"2018-05-14T13:19:07","date_gmt":"2018-05-14T12:19:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ocduk.net\/?page_id=2739"},"modified":"2018-07-04T22:28:48","modified_gmt":"2018-07-04T21:28:48","slug":"medication-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ocduk.org\/overcoming-ocd\/medication\/medication-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Medication Side Effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Despite media misconceptions, SSRI medications are generally considered safe and not addictive. However, that\u2019s not to say problems can\u2019t occur, so it is important you\u2019re aware of these and your prescribing doctor takes time to explain any potential side effects.<\/p>\n

All medications have the potential for side effects, but that does not mean every person will suffer from them.\u00a0 Most people will only experience a few mild side effects, if any at all, which can be troublesome at first,\u00a0but generally improve with time, and usually subside after a week or two.<\/p>\n

We\u2019re often asked which is the best medication for OCD or a certain type of OCD or the one with the least side effects. Unfortunately that\u2019s a question nobody in the world can answer because we all have different bodies and therefore all tolerate medications differently.\u00a0 \u00a0We could give\u00a010 similar sized people the exact same type, brand and dosage of medication and results will vary from the negative, making them feel worse, through a range of side effects, to a positive response to the medication.<\/p>\n

But being informed is being prepared, so it\u2019s important you ask your prescribing doctor to discuss the potential side effects with you, of course the reality is until you start taking medications you won\u2019t know if you will have any side effects at all, hopefully like most people you won\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Some people with OCD respond well to the first medication they are prescribed; others need to adjust dosages or try more than one type of SSRI, under medical supervision of course, to find the one that is most effective for them. Most of these medications do not produce immediate symptom relief; some may begin to work after a few weeks, but often it may take 12 weeks or more to notice the benefits.<\/p>\n

Some people will notice they feel better and less tense or anxious, whilst others notice no difference at all. Interestingly, we\u2019ve had occasions where family members on hearing that, say that to them, \u00a0their loved one seems less anxious. So sometimes medication benefits could be subtle and whilst not improving symptoms are keeping you afloat so you don’t sink further into the depths of OCD.<\/p>\n

When are SSRI’s not for you?<\/h5>\n

Of course SSRIs aren\u2019t suitable for everyone. They\u2019re not usually recommended if you\u2019re pregnant or breastfeeding because there\u2019s a risk of side effects that may pass through breast milk to the baby.\u00a0 SSRIs also need to be used with caution if you have certain underlying health problems, including bruising easily, heart problems, diabetes, epilepsy, an eye problem called glaucoma or kidney disease.\u00a0 Equally if you\u2019re having\u00a0electroconvulsive treatment, SSRIs may not be suitable.\u00a0\u00a0SSRIs may react unpredictably with medicines for other health conditions, including natural herbal remedies, such as St John\u2019s wort.<\/p>\n

So in all of these cases it\u2019s important to discuss with your prescribing doctor,\u00a0exceptions can be made if the benefits of SSRI treatment are thought to outweigh the risks.<\/p>\n

Side effects<\/h5>\n

The good news is most people will only experience a few mild side effects when taking SSRIs. These can be troublesome at first,\u00a0but they\u2019ll generally improve with time, usually within one or two weeks.\u00a0Common side effects of SSRIs include:<\/p>\n