OCD Medication, Side Effects, and Treatment Online

At Talkiatry, we know that navigating mental health can feel overwhelming. Our mission is to make it easier—starting with information you can trust. As a national mental health practice with over 600 psychiatrists and other providers, we combine clinical excellence with real-world understanding to deliver incredible care and reliable information. This article has been medically reviewed by the same doctors who treat our patients every day, ensuring it meets the highest standards. Whether you’re seeking care now or simply looking to learn more, we’re here to help.

Medication for OCD can be a powerful part of a treatment plan, helping to reduce obsessive thoughts, lessen anxiety, and make daily life feel more manageable. Medications are particularly effective when used in conjunction with therapies like exposure and response prevention (ERP). For many people, managing OCD is a lifelong endeavor. Progress won’t always be linear, but with the right treatment and support from mental health professionals, it’s possible to manage symptoms and feel better. 

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, or you’re exploring treatment options, it’s normal to have questions about how medication works and whether it’s right for you. Some people take OCD medication short-term, while others may need longer-term support. What’s most important is finding a plan that matches your unique needs, symptoms, and life, with the guidance of a mental health professional. 

If you’re not sure whether what you’re experiencing is OCD, this guide can help you understand the signs and when to seek help. 

Types of OCD medications 

There are several classes of medications used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. The most commonly prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), but depending on a person’s symptoms, response to treatment, and history with other medications, psychiatrists may consider other options as well. 

Each type of OCD medication works by adjusting the brain’s chemical balance, particularly involving serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation, anxiety, and repetitive thinking. 

The right medication for you depends on your unique goals and body chemistry. It’s not uncommon to try out more than one before finding the right one. You’ll have support from your psychiatrist throughout the process, and your experience matters. We recommend being as open and honest with your clinician as possible to help find the right medication for you. 

Here’s a breakdown of the main categories of OCD medications, how they work, and what to expect: 

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) 

SSRIs are typically considered the first-line treatment for OCD, meaning they’re often the starting point for most people. Here’s how they work: Your body naturally produces a chemical messenger called serotonin. It’s closely associated with emotional regulation and mood. Once serotonin has done its job, your body will reabsorb it. SSRIs prevent reabsorption (or reuptake), meaning your body has more serotonin available to it. This boost in serotonin can help reduce the intensity and frequency of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. 

For OCD, SSRIs are usually prescribed at higher doses than for conditions like depression or generalized anxiety disorder. While that might sound intimidating, this approach is based on well-established clinical research and is guided carefully by your psychiatrist. 

Common SSRIs used to treat OCD include: 

• Fluoxetine (Prozac) 
• Sertraline (Zoloft) 
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox) 
• Escitalopram (Lexapro) 
• Paroxetine (Paxil) 

SSRIs are not instant fixes—it often takes 8 to 12 weeks to see full therapeutic effects, and it may take some time to find the best medication and dosage for your needs. If you’d like to learn more, here are some places to start: 

• Wondering how long Lexapro takes to start working? We break it down here.  
• Curious about the difference between Lexapro and Prozac? Read more here. 

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) 

If SSRIs aren’t the most effective treatment, some psychiatrists may consider an SNRI. These medications affect both serotonin and norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter tied to mood. By targeting both systems, SNRIs may help improve OCD symptoms, especially in people who also experience significant fatigue or low motivation. 

Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) is sometimes used off-label for OCD, especially when someone hasn’t responded to SSRIs. It may also be a good option for people with both OCD and depression.

While SNRIs aren’t typically first-line medications for OCD, they can be helpful alternatives when SSRIs alone aren’t effective.

 Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) 

Before SSRIs became the standard, tricyclic antidepressants like clomipramine (Anafranil) were the mainstay of OCD treatment. Clomipramine works similarly by affecting serotonin, but it also impacts norepinephrine and other neurotransmitter systems. 

While effective, clomipramine can come with more side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, and weight gain, so it’s typically used only when SSRIs and SNRIs haven’t worked. 

Example: 

• Clomipramine (Anafranil) – Still considered a very effective medication for OCD, particularly in treatment-resistant cases, though its side effect profile requires more monitoring.

OCD medication side effects 

It’s natural to feel concerned about side effects when starting a new medication. The good news? Many side effects are mild and temporary, especially once your body adjusts to the treatment. Here are some of the most common ones: 

• Nausea – Often appears in the first few days of treatment and usually subsides with time. Taking your medication with food can help reduce this.
• Headaches – Mild tension headaches are common early on but typically improve within the first week or two. 
• Fatigue or drowsiness – Some medications can cause a sense of tiredness, especially at the beginning. This may go away with time or with a small dosage adjustment. 
• Difficulty sleeping – On the flip side, some people may feel more energized or have trouble falling asleep. Taking your medication in the morning can help. 
• Sexual side effects – These may include reduced libido or delayed orgasm. While not dangerous, they can affect quality of life and should be openly discussed with your psychiatrist. 
• Increased anxiety at first – Ironically, anxiety can sometimes spike in the first few weeks before the medication starts to calm it. Your provider may recommend a slower titration or a temporary anti-anxiety med to help you through this phase.  

You don’t have to “tough it out” alone. If you experience side effects, your provider can work with you to adjust your dosage or explore alternative medications. 

How obsessive-compulsive disorder medication works online 

With platforms like Talkiatry, getting OCD medication online is more convenient than ever. You’ll meet with a licensed psychiatrist via video, discuss your symptoms and health history, and if appropriate, receive a prescription sent directly to your pharmacy. 

From diagnosis to medication management, everything happens from the comfort of your home—no waiting rooms, no commutes, and no unnecessary stress. You’ll work with the same psychiatrist across your visits, allowing them to better understand your goals, symptoms, and progress. Over time, this consistency helps build trust, an important part of feeling supported and heard in your care. Learn more about online OCD treatment with Talkiatry. 

Psychiatrists who understand OCD 

All Talkiatry psychiatrists are licensed, experienced, and extensively trained in OCD treatment. They understand the nuances of the condition, including how it can overlap with anxiety, depression, or even ADHD. 

Your care starts with an online assessment. Tell us about who you are, what you’re feeling, and why you’d like to seek care. We’ll match you with top-recommended OCD specialists who have the training and experience to help. 

During your initial appointment, they’ll ask questions to understand your symptoms, then develop a personalized plan that may include medication, therapy, or both.