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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Lexapro or Prozac
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Lexapro or Prozac
by arc827mh, Oct 29, 2003 12:00AM
I have been suffering from OCD for better part of my adult life. I am 42 now, married and is professionally quite successful. But OCD keeps me from enjoying life. My OCD is mostly about obsessive and meaningless thoughts which makes me anxious and increases my blood pressure. Many a times OCD increases when I am in a dilema: like when making a decision between two alternatives. Even after I make the right decision, nagging doubt continues for months and creates stress and BP rises. I continued to shy away from seeking medical help due to social stigma. Recently, after learning about new medications for OCD, I decided to seek medical help. My PCP prescribed me Lexapro. I have used it only for a few days and so far experienced
minimal side effects. My question is: Is Lexapro effective for OCD? I know FDA approved it only for depression. Or should I ask for Prozac, which has FDA approval for OCD? Appreciate your response.
Thanks.
minimal side effects. My question is: Is Lexapro effective for OCD? I know FDA approved it only for depression. Or should I ask for Prozac, which has FDA approval for OCD? Appreciate your response.
Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Oct 31, 2003 12:00AM
, Oct 31, 2003 12:00AM
It looks like all the medications in this class of ssri's will be effective with ocd and anxiety and depression. It would make sense to give this a trial since you are not having major side effects...wait for about six weeks before you consider a change. Also, do go into psychotherapy, it can help if you are with the right doctor.
To avoid stigma, you can obtain online Cognitive-behavioral therapy for your OCD.