Exploring Alternative Medications for OCD
Hello! I’m a 25-year-old female currently taking Lamictal to manage my obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, I feel as though this medication is not effectively addressing my symptoms. I’m interested in knowing if there are other treatment options I could discuss with my psychiatrist. She seems quite convinced that Lamictal is the optimal choice for OCD, but I would like to explore other possibilities.
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 1:30:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great that you're proactively seeking ways to better manage your OCD symptoms. While Lamictal (lamotrigine) is primarily used for mood stabilization and epilepsy, there are more established treatment options specifically for OCD that you can explore further with your psychiatrist.
Understanding Your Options for OCD Treatment
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder often responds well to certain classes of medications. The first-line treatments typically include:
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SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): These are often the first choice for OCD. Some commonly prescribed SSRIs include:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
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Clomipramine (Anafranil): This is a tricyclic antidepressant that can be effective for OCD, even though it is not an SSRI.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Specifically, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a type of CBT, has been shown to be very effective for OCD. Many patients benefit from combining medication with therapy.
Next Steps
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List Your Concerns: Write down your specific concerns and reasons for feeling that Lamictal isn't working. This will help you convey your thoughts clearly during your next appointment.
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Research SSRIs: Familiarize yourself with SSRIs mentioned above. Consider any past experiences you might have had with these medications, as well as any preferences or concerns regarding them.
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Schedule a Follow-Up: Plan to discuss your treatment options with your psychiatrist. Express your interest in exploring different medications or combining them with therapy.
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Consider Therapy: If you haven't tried CBT or ERP, think about discussing this with your doctor. Therapy can sometimes work alongside medication to yield better results.
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Stay Informed and Patient: Remember that finding the right medication can take time, and it’s common to try a few different options before finding the most effective one.
Being open about your treatment goals and exploring other avenues with your psychiatrist is key to better managing your OCD. You deserve to feel empowered in your treatment journey.
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