Disability Resource Directory

Should you Take Paxil or Zoloft for OCD?

First of all, both Paxil and Zoloft are SSRI drugs, serotonin uptake inhibitor drugs. Both works in much the same way, the most noticeable difference is perhaps the effectiveness. Although the less common side effects which include drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, tremors, sexual disfunction and nervousness were virtually the same for both drugs.

Whether you suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder, or any of the other anxiety disorders, a prescription drug may be something you are considering.  But with so many drugs to choose from, how do you really know what you are getting is what is best for you and your symptoms?  It is a tricky subject, and for most people very overwhelming.  This article will aim to equip you with knowledge on two of the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety disorders such as OCD.  It will also explore what you may be able to accomplish without the use of either drug.

Both Paxil and Zoloft are SSRI drugs, serotonin uptake inhibitor drugs.  Although they work in much the same way, the most noticeable difference is perhaps the effectiveness.  The less common side effects which include drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, tremors, sexual disfunction and nervousness are virtually the same for both drugs.  However, studies have shown that Zoloft is less habit forming than Paxil and does not have the weight gain effect that Paxil does.  Zoloft is the most commonly prescribed drug for anxiety disorders and has been used longer than any other drug in the past decade.  Zoloft has shown to be effective in treating such disorders as post traumatic stress syndrome, social anxiety disorder, OCD, and other panic disorders.

The truth of the matter is that one drug is really not better than another when it comes to this class of drugs.  They both will treat the root cause; they just come with side effects attached.  If you are looking for a natural means of treating your obsessive compulsive disorder, you may be surprised to know that you do have options.  Many natural vitamins and minerals act in the same way as Zoloft or Paxil, however they will not raise havoc on your body at a later date.  Below are some of the most commonly used natural remedies for anxiety disorders.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Diagnosis Take for example when someone with OCD leaves a room. They cannot simply leave the room and shut the door, they must look back to make sure everything is exactly they way they envision it. The looking back then turns into re-straightening objects, rechecking door locks, and the list goes on. There is no peace of mind, which is ironically exactly what they seek. In many ways, people that suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder are like Feng Shui followers. Childhood Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

5-HTP (hydroxytrytophan)

5-HTP is an amino acid that can have a significant effect on both anxiety and depression. 5-HTP works by increasing the cellular output of serotonin, essentially the same thing that SSRI's accomplish.  In fact, studies have shown that patients that take 5-HTP have the same overall improvement of those that strictly take an SSRI drug.  It was also better tolerated by the same group of patients.

Phosphatidyl choline

Phosphatidyl choline is another beneficial supplement for the treatment of anxiety disorders.  Phosphatidyl choline increases the central neurologic activity of the brain, thus enhancing mood.  Phosphatidyl choline is a constituent of lecithin, which is needed to adequately form the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

L-Glutamine

L-Glutamine is an amino acid has been used for years to stabilize depression.  It works by altering neurotransmitters in the brain. 

Herbs & Vitamins

Herbs such as ginko biloba and valerian root are used to treat cerebral insufficiency and disorders of the nervous system.  Valerian is known for its calming properties for stress related conditions.  Herbs, minerals, enzymes, herbal extracts and supplementation can all have as much of an effect as any drug on the market if you are willing to give it the time.

Obsessive Compulsive Behavior

05/16/2008
Hap LeCrone: BDD sufferers often view themselves as unattractive (Waco Tribune-Herald)
DEAR DR. LeCRONE: My 20-year-old daughter has struggled for years with mental health issues including anxiety, depression and poor self-esteem. My daughter’s therapist has diagnosed her with body dysmorphic disorder. Will you please write on this topic? — A reader in Oklahoma

Hap LeCrone: BDD sufferers often view themselves as unattractive (Waco Tribune-Herald)

05/15/2008
Obesity tied to risk of psychiatric disorders (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Obesity is a well known risk factor for certain physical health problems, but a new study suggests that heavy adults also have higher rates of psychiatric disorders.

Obesity tied to risk of psychiatric disorders (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

05/15/2008
Medicine collections become more popular (The Star Press)
MUNCIE -- Roberta Smith and her husband, John, both retired autoworkers, have accumulated about 25 bottles of prescription drugs that she intends to drop off at this week's unwanted medicine collection.

Medicine collections become more popular (The Star Press)

05/16/2008
Psychotherapy Reduces OCD Symptoms In Young Children, Helps Some Achieve Clinical Remission (Medical News Today)
Although children as young as 5 can be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), few research studies have looked at treatments specifically geared toward young children with this disorder. Now, a new study from the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center provides some of the first evidence-based data on a successful intervention for early childhood OCD.

Psychotherapy Reduces OCD Symptoms In Young Children, Helps Some Achieve Clinical Remission (Medical News Today)

05/16/2008
Hap LeCrone: BDD sufferers often view themselves as unattractive (Waco Tribune-Herald)
DEAR DR. LeCRONE: My 20-year-old daughter has struggled for years with mental health issues including anxiety, depression and poor self-esteem. My daughter’s therapist has diagnosed her with body dysmorphic disorder. Will you please write on this topic? — A reader in Oklahoma

Hap LeCrone: BDD sufferers often view themselves as unattractive (Waco Tribune-Herald)

05/13/2008
When emotional pain brings the urge to injure one's body (The Sarasota Herald-Tribune)
quot I feel relieved and less anxious after I cut. The emotional pain slowly slips away into the physical pain. quot

When emotional pain brings the urge to injure one's body (The Sarasota Herald-Tribune)

05/16/2008
Psychotherapy Reduces OCD Symptoms In Young Children, Helps Some Achieve Clinical Remission (Medical News Today)
Although children as young as 5 can be diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), few research studies have looked at treatments specifically geared toward young children with this disorder. Now, a new study from the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center provides some of the first evidence-based data on a successful intervention for early childhood OCD.

Psychotherapy Reduces OCD Symptoms In Young Children, Helps Some Achieve Clinical Remission (Medical News Today)

05/16/2008
Hap LeCrone: BDD sufferers often view themselves as unattractive (Waco Tribune-Herald)
DEAR DR. LeCRONE: My 20-year-old daughter has struggled for years with mental health issues including anxiety, depression and poor self-esteem. My daughter’s therapist has diagnosed her with body dysmorphic disorder. Will you please write on this topic? — A reader in Oklahoma

Hap LeCrone: BDD sufferers often view themselves as unattractive (Waco Tribune-Herald)