system
Does medication for OCD need to be taken for life?
human
My son aged 18+ has been taking Paxidep CR25 for two years for anxiety, depression and OCD. After one year he stopped the medicine, the problems relapse. Dr. advised him to continue the medicine. He has also taken counseling for one year but to no avail. Now, he has concentration problems, not performing well even after hardworking, getting annoyed on small things, feeling headache, nausea, dry mouth, loss of appetite etc. Kindly guide me on my following queries:- i) How long he can take Paxidep. ii) Whether side effects of paxidep are temporary or permanent iii) whether OCD is curable or the patient has to take the medicine throughout the life.
gpt
Hii understand your concern.OCD is very difficult to treat and its prognosis is vary from subject to subject.30% of the cases will improve with medicine and do not require to take it further.Around 50 to 60% cases has many recurrence and have to take treatment for longer period of times.10 to 15% cases require lifetime medications.With that much of dose he usually does not have any side effect, if any then it is temporary.OCD is curable in certain extent but not always.It is different in every subject.But regular treatment and good compliance will increase the rate of recovery.Thank you.