Who should not take anti-obsessional medications?

In general, we try not to give anti-obsessional medications to women who are pregnant or who are breast-feeding. Since we do not clearly understand the long-term effects of these drugs on a fetus or infant, this is the most prudent course of action. If severe OCD cannot be controlled any other way, however, these medications seem to be safe, and many pregnant women have taken them without difficulty. If there were risk to the fetus, it is likely that most of the risk would be during the first three months of pregnancy when the baby's brain is developing. Some OCD patients are able to use the behavioral techniques of exposure and response prevention to avoid medications at least during the initial three months of pregnancy.

If your OCD is very severe, you may need to take a medication throughout the course of pregnancy. In very elderly patients, it is best to avoid Anafranil as the initial drug since it has side effects that can interfere with thinking and cause or worsen confusion in the elderly. Some of the other anti-obsessional drugs like Prozac, Faverin, Lustral, and Seroxat can be used in the elderly, but greatly reduced dosages are usual ly needed. Although these drugs can be taken by patients with heart disorders, special caution is required, and close monitoring with frequent cardiograms (ECGs) may be necessary.

The information is sourced from an article written by : Michael A. Jenike, M.D.Chairman.

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