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OCD treatment duration and options
For how much long i will need to take medicines? i am on medication from 14 oct 2025.
i have ocd since 2020, it's my first time on medication!
Answers (8)
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For OCD treatment along with medicines consider taking Exposure and Response prevention therapy. It helps to break the cycle of obsession and compulsions, increase distress tolerance.
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For majority OCD is a long term if not life long condition. For very few only short term medications are needed. Depends on various factors.
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You need to continue Fluoxetine after your symptoms improve completely or nearly completely for 6 months to one year. However, it is advisable to start tapering off clonazepam after 2 weeks
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Please take therapy along with it
Consult on nine two six six seven two six zero six five
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Ms. Pallavi Sahu
Mental Health Counselor
Delhi
It’s great that you’ve started treatment — taking the first step with medication and professional help is a strong and positive move.
In OCD, medication typically takes 6–12 weeks to show noticeable improvement, but the full treatment duration varies depending on:
How severe and chronic your symptoms are,
How well you respond to the medication, and
Whether therapy (especially CBT with ERP — Exposure and Response Prevention) is combined with medication.
Many people continue medication for at least 6–12 months after improvement to prevent relapse, and some need longer-term maintenance under their psychiatrist’s guidance.
Next Steps
The best step now is to stay consistent with your medication and have regular follow-ups (every 4–6 weeks) with your psychiatrist. Never stop or change doses on your own — stopping too early can cause symptoms to return.
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You’ve already taken the most important step — now it’s about steady, guided progress with your doctor’s supervision.
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Dr. Chitra Jain
Psychiatrist
6 yrs exp
Mumbai
Response to treatment can take longer for patients with OCD, sometimes upto 6 months. Medication will have to be continued for atleast a year. Different patients have different response to treatment. Taking ERP therapy along with medication can help to maintain remission even after medication is stopped.
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Dr. Vishal Bhatt
Psychiatrist
6 yrs exp
Rajkot
Atleast for 3 months
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.