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Fluoxetine (prozac) In Restoring Normalcy To An Ocd Patient.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or Obsessive Compulsive Neurosis is an anxiety related disorder wherein patients tend to repeat certain unnecessary patterns of action, thought or deed. Doing these patterns, becomes a purpose for the patient and they feel uncomfortable if unable to do them. In United States, OCD is diagnosed in nearly 2.2 million adults age above the age of 18 and the symptoms can be generally seen by end of their teens.
For e.g. a person afflicted with OCD may wash hands at an abnormal frequency if person has OCD about having germs on hands or person may tend to avoid walking on any crevices or fissures found on paths for the fear of falling through. OCD behavior has been portrayed brilliant by Jack Nicholson in his Oscar winning role of Melvin Udall in As Good as It Gets.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Causes and Symptoms
The actual causes of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) still need research but there are many ideas floated around. Earlier it was presumed that family issue and upbringing was the main reason for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Recently biological reasons are being put forth as actual causes. Unusual levels of brain chemicals, head injury and infections are some of the other theories put forward.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms can be divided in two basic
types:
1. Obsessions:

Fear of disease producing microbes, dirt or infection.
Uneasiness if things are not according to a set order or balance.
Anxiety of causing harm to family or friends due to negative thoughts or actions.
Treasuring worthless things and feeling worried about losing them.
Nervous of causing unintended/intentional harm to anyone
Unnecessarily taking up responsibility of others and worrying about their safety
Unnatural thoughts of sexual, racist or such derogatory nature
Highly suspicious of things.

2. Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors and actions

Cleaning - Need for excessive cleanliness resulting in constant washing of patient or his things.
Checking - Multiple checking of safety related actions like door latches, gas stoves, electric switches etc.
Repeating - Constant repeating of particular word / phrase or carrying out same action over and over again.
Hoarding - Stocking of worthless things like old papers etc
Need to repeatedly touch and rearrange things
Mental rituals - use of religious prayers, words or using good thoughts to reduce advent of bad ones etc.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) treatments
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be treated with some types of medications either individually or in combination with exposure-based psychotherapy, which makes patients confront their fears by simulating or undergoing those situations that make them uncomfortable and overcoming the fears by becoming more tolerant to it.
Generally Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are the first medications used. Following are some of the prescribed medications:

Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Citalopram (Celexa)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Sertraline (Zoloft)

If these medications don't work, therapists may prescribe tricyclic antidepressant like Clomipramine but it generally has quite harsh side effects.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment
Fluoxetine (Prozac) belongs to a group of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It increases the amount of naturally occurring substance, serotonin, which helps in maintaining mental balance.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) is preferred medication in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) as it has very less side effect and its dosage is quite easy to prescribe. It is very effective in both Obsession and Compulsion types of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms.
Prozac is a prescription drug and Prozac benefits and risks need to be assessed by a proper therapist before use. Serious side effects observed include seizures, respiratory problems, aching of joints etc. and hence this drug needs to be taken under proper supervision.
Generally a starting dosage of 20mg Fluoxetine per day is suggested and can go up to 80 mg per day. Fluoxetine (Prozac) dosage may vary according to patient's age, other medical conditions and ongoing medications.

By: Danny N

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Users should Buy Prozac only after discussing all benefits and risks with user's therapist. Fluoxetine (Prozac) can be ordered from normal drugstores or online pharmacies. Always order genuine Fluoxetine (Prozac) from respected online drugstores.

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