Only serotonergic medications are effective for OCD. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are effective for OCD, with all SSRIs being equally effective. The dosing of SSRIs for OCD is higher than the dosing for depression. For people with OCD who do not respond to SSRIs, then clomipramine (Anafranil) may be tried. For people with OCD who only have a partial response to SSRIs, then adding a benzodiazepine or an atypical antipsychotic may be helpful. Still, more medication options include SNRIs (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) (Carandang, 2014).
Reference:
Carandang, Carlo (2014). Anxiety Protocol. Healthy Mind Research. Middletown, NY.
