How to Get OCD Medication

Who Can Prescribe OCD Medication?

While OCD medications can technically be prescribed by any licensed and practicing medical doctor, psychiatrists are extensively trained in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder. They understand the intricacies and best options when it comes to treating OCD and other mental health conditions, and they’re up to date on the latest research on obsessive thought and compulsive behavior, especially when it comes to both medication and therapeutic treatments. 

The Process of Getting OCD Medication

Learning how to get OCD medication isn’t difficult when you have a plan. Use the steps here to start on your journey toward regaining your life — the first thing you will do is talk to a mental healthcare professional. 

1. Consulting a healthcare professional

This first step is the most critical part of the entire process. Finding the right doctor will be key to getting the most effective treatment plan for your symptoms. 

As mentioned, while any doctor can treat OCD, it really is best to seek out a psychiatrist if possible — and one with extensive experience in treating OCD is ideal. They have specialized training that means they’re in touch with the latest evidence-based methods for treatment. They also know which OCD medications are most effective, and they understand how to monitor progress to make sure a drug is working as it should. 

During this initial phase of seeking treatment, being open and honest about your condition, symptoms, and history is essential. Your doctor needs to fully understand the type of obsessive thought and compulsive behavior you’re dealing with so they can make the best recommendations. 

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask questions about your condition or what treatment is suggested. You want to be as informed as possible to understand what to expect. Remember — the more knowledge you have, the better you’ll be able to assess what’s working and what isn’t. 

If you’re unsure where or how to find a psychiatrist, your primary care doctor should be able to recommend you.

2. Going through a psychiatric evaluation

Psychiatrists use a detailed psychiatric evaluation to assess mental health conditions, including symptoms and specific challenges faced. A thorough psych evaluation will include interviews, questionnaires, discussions, and symptom rating scales. 

The evidence-based assessment The Yale-Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) is considered the gold standard assessment tool for OCD. It’s made up of a symptom checklist and severity scale that rates how severe obsessions and compulsions are.

3. Discussing medication with your psychiatrist

Talking to your psychiatrist about medication is a crucial part of learning to manage your symptoms. The conversation you have about potential drugs should be detailed and informative so you feel ready to make a confident decision about your treatment. 

Possible treatment plan

After conducting and reviewing the evaluation, your psychiatrist will discuss possible OCD treatment plans with you. The treatment they suggest will depend on things like the severity of your symptoms and how much of an impact OCD is having on your life. That said, the most common ways to treat OCD include: 

• Therapy — cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used in treating OCD.
• Medication — selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for OCD.
• A combination approach that uses both medication and therapy for OCD typically offers the best outcome.

Research shows that antidepressants like SSRIs can effectively reduce OCD symptoms. As a result, they’ve become the first line of treatment. Your doctor will discuss all potential side effects of any medication they prescribe, and they’ll review how to know if the medication is working as intended. 

Other medications and supplements

When you discuss OCD medication with your doctor or psychiatrist, have a list of all medications and supplements you currently use. While this was probably covered during the evaluation stage, your doctor must be aware of any changes (stopping or starting something new) to what you regularly take — they’ll want to make sure there’s no possibility of interactions between medications. 

Possible side effects and questions

You can and should use this time to discuss questions about side effects or concerns you may have about taking medication. Treatment plans should align with your comfort level and lifestyle; your psychiatrist can help ensure this happens. 

Contact your doctor and tell them if you have any unusual or concerning side effects when you start taking medication. They might decide to change the dosage or, in some cases, switch you to an entirely new drug.  

4. Getting your OCD treatment plan

The ultimate goal when treating OCD is to get a comprehensive, effective plan that addresses symptoms, offers relief, and provides you with a path forward. You’ll want to collaborate with your doctor or psychiatrist to see the best results. This typically starts with an OCD diagnosis and a detailed understanding of symptoms, triggers, and how your lifestyle contributes to your condition. 

Learning how medication fits into your broader treatment strategy is more than managing symptoms. With OCD, medication is just a piece of the puzzle — integrating it into other parts of the plan, like seeking therapy, is vital. 

Finding the proper medication takes careful thought and consideration. Rest assured, your psychiatrist will take several factors into account before deciding which medication might be most effective to treat OCD. 

Find OCD Medication with Talkspace Psychiatry

Figuring out how to get OCD medication can be a turning point as you learn to manage symptoms and take control of your condition. The truth is, you don’t have to live your life with the debilitating grip OCD can hold. It all starts by getting the right support and plan in place.

Talkspace is an online platform that makes seeking help more accessible than ever. Our online psychiatrists and mental health professionals are experienced in treating conditions like OCD, making the path toward improving your mental health just a few clicks away. 

Talkspace’s user-friendly interface means connecting with therapists and doctors is easy and convenient. Our psychiatrists can prescribe some OCD medications and align an overall treatment plan with your individual needs. The personalized approach to mental healthcare removes some of the major barriers and headaches to traditional in-person care — no commute to appointments, no waiting rooms, and affordable access. Flexible scheduling and ongoing support are additional benefits you won’t find elsewhere.  

Get started today and learn how to get medication for OCD that makes a difference.