There are different treatments available to cure and alleviate the symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. One of the treatments presented is the use of medication. Among the medicines given to an OCD patient, antidepressants are widely used. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs are commonly supplemented to patients for treatment. Another antidepressant given to OCD patients is Tricyclic antidepressant. Antidepressants work in a way that they improve the moods of patients by the content of chemicals present in the antidepressants which give progress to the neurotransmitter of the brain.

Antidepressants are recommended for OCD patients to ease and lessen the obsession and compulsion symptoms and other behaviors related to the disorder. They are effective because results of research and study show that they help build the chemicals in the brain that are responsible for the actions and thoughts of the patient toward the disorder.

Like any other medicines, antidepressants cause side effects on patients. There are various effects on the patients’ condition depending on how their systems react with the chemicals. Intake of antidepressants, specifically Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors may cause nausea, appetite change, weight loss, headache, sleeping problems, being weary, loss of sexual desire or sexual ability, delayed orgasm and dizziness or the presence of tremor.

On the other hand, the effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants are dryness of mouth, frequent and excessive sweating, shakiness, headache, tremor, constipation, stomach problems, insomnia or inability to sleep, seizures, tachycardia or rapid heartbeat, and changes in personality or mood swings.

Food and Drug Authority presents an issue whereby the use of antidepressants can increase the possibility of suicide on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Yet, the said authority does not invalidate the use of medicine to treat Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, instead the patient must be armed with proper knowledge on the danger and harm that the chemicals of antidepressants may cause.

In cases where children have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy may best result when tied up with antidepressants like sertraline. Though the therapy itself will do well for the patient’s condition, considering the use of medication will do better. Continuous use of antidepressants may best effect after three weeks of intake but it may last up to 12 months to feel the total effect of the medication. The use of medication must be consulted to a specialist or medical health professionals. Bear in mind that their opinions and recommendations must be properly observed.