Question: How Long Should I Stay on My OCD Medications?
Once you begin OCD treatment, you want to know how long you will need to continue taking medications. Can you stop your meds once you are feeling better? Do you have to continue taking OCD medications forever? Are there any long-term effects of staying on these drugs for years?
Answer:
When people first start treatment for a psychiatric disorder, these are common questions that they ask. Some people want to come off medication as soon as they possibly can, whether their motivation be the cost of their pills, side effects, having to remember to take medication daily, or the perceived stigma of taking psychotropic medications. Other people seem to be in no hurry to stop treatment. They feel so much better while taking their medication that they do no want to risk having their symptoms return.
Every individual's case is different, so definitely ask your doctor about how long he or she thinks you need to stay on medication. Still, there are some basic guidelines:
- Medications like antidepressants generally take a few weeks to begin working, so patience is vital. Side effects from these medications, such as stomach upset, sleep disturbances or sexual dysfunction, usually occur within the first few weeks of treatment. These side effects can lessen over time, but be sure to tell your doctor if you are having problems.
- People with OCD often require higher dosages of antidepressants than people with depression or panic attacks. As a result, it may take longer for the dose to be adjusted up to the appropriate level.
- Once a person is experiencing benefit from an OCD medication, it is usually recommended that he or she remain on the medication for at least 1 to 2 years. If the person wants to come off the medication at that time, a gradual decrease in dose is recommended. Slowly decreasing the medication lessens the chances of having withdrawal symptoms.
- Some people decide to stay on medication for longer periods of time, however. They may have tried coming off medications and have had their symptoms return. Or they may feel so much better on the medications that they have no desire to stop them. At this time, there is no known "maximum" amount of time for taking antidepressants.
Source: Koran MD, L, Hanna MD, G, Hollander MD, E, Nestadt MD, G, Simpson MD PhD, H: "Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder." Supplement to The American Journal of Psychiatry; 164:7. July 2007.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed healthcare provider. Please see your healthcare provider for the evaluation and treatment of any condition or symptoms you may be experiencing.
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