Medications never did work when I was on them for my OCD. I tried a variety of them in different combinations and dosages. Sometimes my symptoms improved, but I feel that was more of a placebo effect when it happened. That placebo effect can be so powerful, can't it? The side effects were too much to deal with as well, so I stopped taking them. But...
I see how they have helped my sister. She is able to function now. She says she isn't sure if it is the pills or her. While all the work is hers, the medication is doing its thing and serving as a buffer between her and the depression she was feeling. When I was on medication I sort of did expect like this very obvious change. Now I see that is not what is supposed to happen. I am once again open to try them, for my anxiety this time. I need that boost. I want a xanax prescription. My sister has given me some and I find that it eases my anxiety without upsetting my stomach; I do get sleepy though...but they help ease my anxiety! So, they "work" for me and that is huge.
What helped my OCD was a combination of things, that did not involve medication or therapists. It was a combination of research, self-monitoring, and a bunch of trial and error. I finally found something that works for me. Basically I have replaced my compulsions with another compulsion/habit that is healthy and doesn't affect me negatively; this took about a year to happen. I am afraid to try medication because they may make my OCD harder to manage and may bring the symptoms back :/ That would not be good!
