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.

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. 

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 Case Study A partner that suffers from the checking variation of the disorder finds the need to check and recheck everything they do and in some cases, everything their partner does as well. This can bring up feelings of resentment and distrust if it is handled. They ultimately have a fear that they will forget something that will have disastrous consequences, and they will be to blame. The partner that is not affected by the OCD will have to learn not to take checking behaviors personally in order for the relationship to work. Obsessive thought patterns can also pose a threat to a relationship. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Articles

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. 

Companion Remedies for Stress, Anxiety, OCD

MindSoothe - Promotes balanced mood and feelings, as well as healthy levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters
PureCalm - Aids nervous system in stress resistance for balanced moods and feelings of well being
Serenite Plus - Promotes healthy sleep and peaceful nights
Sleep Tonic - Helps maintain a healthy balance of all hormones involved in healthy sleep patterns
Managing Stress & Anxiety - A recent study showed that medical students who learned techniques used in this program significantly reduced stress. And blood samples revealed their immune systems became stronger the more they practiced the techniques!
Mood Tonic - Optimizes nervous system health and promotes balanced mood and peacefulness
Core Inner Strength - Through the focused attention made possible through professional hypnosis, you can begin to see your own worth, and attain your own optimum levels of self-esteem.
Nerve Tonic - Promotes nervous system health, maintains balanced mood and worry-free mind
The Calm Within CD - Offers professional relaxation, visualization and affirmation techniques for self-help and stress reduction
Beyond the Baby Blues - This 2-CD program is designed to lift your spirits, comfort your soul, and create the necessary balance needed while you are adjusting to your new life and new baby.

Obsessive Compulsive Behavior

11/12/2008
Brain stimulation may help obsessive disorder (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Stimulating an area near the base of the brain may help people with otherwise untreatable obsessive-compulsive disorder, researchers reported on Wednesday.

Brain stimulation may help obsessive disorder (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

11/10/2008
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Conference 2008: Taking Action To Tackle Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Medical News Today)
On Saturday 22nd November, mental health professionals and members of the public who are affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) will all come together for the 2008 OCD Conference at Imperial College London.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Conference 2008: Taking Action To Tackle Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Medical News Today)

11/19/2008
Levine: Love is more than just science (Yale Daily News)
As a scientist, I am, at times, guilty of aggressive empiricism — the notion that truths can only be learned (inasmuch as there are truths to be learned) through observation of the world. Anyone who claims to be finding truth any other way is wrong, wrong, wrong.

Levine: Love is more than just science (Yale Daily News)

11/12/2008
Brain stimulation may help obsessive disorder (Reuters via Yahoo! News)
Stimulating an area near the base of the brain may help people with otherwise untreatable obsessive-compulsive disorder, researchers reported on Wednesday.

Brain stimulation may help obsessive disorder (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

11/10/2008
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Conference 2008: Taking Action To Tackle Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Medical News Today)
On Saturday 22nd November, mental health professionals and members of the public who are affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) will all come together for the 2008 OCD Conference at Imperial College London.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Conference 2008: Taking Action To Tackle Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Medical News Today)

11/17/2008
FOX (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
1 of 2 columns for Nov. 30, 2008 United Feature Syndicate EDITORS: For more information on pet care visit Dr. Fox's Web site www.doctormwfox.org. Forward all mail to DR. MICHAEL FOX in care of United Feature Syndicate, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016.

FOX (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

11/13/2008
Promising clinical trial for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (News-Medical-Net)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects 2% of the population and is considered a psychiatric disorder. It is the number four psychiatric pathology in terms of frequency following phobias, disorders relating to alcohol and drugs, and depression.

Promising clinical trial for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (News-Medical-Net)

11/20/2008
Kids' lack of loving home equals disaster (Miami Herald)
Abandonment plus rejection plus low self-esteem equals Teah Wimberly. Depression plus frustration plus loneliness equals Teah Wimberly.

Kids' lack of loving home equals disaster (Miami Herald)