Posted by SLS on September 7, 2008, at 4:40:28
In reply to Re: Abilify for OCD? » kimbersaur, posted by yxibow on September 7, 2008, at 4:16:18
> > Here's what's up:
> >
> > I've been on Lamictal and Seroquel for years (currently 250mg Lam and 50mg Ser) due to mood problems (they said bipolar but I have my doubts). I used to be on Effexor as well for OCD but stopped because of side effects. My mood problems have been pretty much under control for the last few years (hence the bipolar doubts) but recently my OCD has reached ridiculous heights. I've tried a number of SSRIs and SNRIs and they work but I can't tolerate them due to side effects. My doctor just prescribed me Abilify 2mg for the OCD.
> >
> > So I guess my question is, has anyone here had any luck with Abilify for OCD? I realize it is usually used to augment an SSRI (in the case of OCD) but I'm wondering if it will help on its own.
>
>
> Have you ever tried Anafranil (clomipramine) ?
>
> I see you have already tried Seroquel so that wasn't going to be a suggestion for an add-on. There's always Zyprexa or Geodon.
>
> Mainly the minimum dosage should be used in this case as the interaction between SSRIs and APs are unknown -- there is plenty of evidence that they can help hard cases of OCD.
>
>
> But then there's the theory in psychiatry that less medicine and paring down the number of medications is always better.
>
> What sort of OCD is occurring?
>
> Remember that if you do have OCD, it is a lifetime disorder for most (I do -- I fought off a bad episode at 17) but there is also CBT (behavioral therapy) that is equally effective and the right SSRI or TCA at a respectable dose along with it helps more. Once you have the tools (CBT) you can keep using them in your life.
>
> Has your doctor ever suggested or have you ever looked into the OC Foundation (http://www.ocfoundation.org/)
>
>
> There is no "magic cure" for OCD, a pill won't wipe it out and I don't think you want (I'm not trying to be facetious) to be one of the 100 or less patients in the US who have a cingulotomy surgery every year.
>
>
> -- best wishes
>
> Jay
Memantine (Namenda) is emerging as an accepted treatment for OCD - at least as an adjunct to other drugs. I don't know how effective it is as monotherapy.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:850565
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080903/msgs/850752.html