Q: I am a 40 years old male suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) for the last 25 years. Nine years back, I came to know that OCD is a mental disorder. After that, I consulted a doctor who prescribed Flovokin (50 gm) one tablet at the night, which I am taking till date. But I am thinking that I have not completely cured. How can obsessive compulsive disorder be managed completely? Is it safe to take medicine for OCD for long?

A:OCD is a very debilitating disorder; however, symptoms can be well controlled when treated appropriately. Most often for OCD symptoms one needs to take higher dosage of antidepressant / anti-anxiety medications and needs to be closely monitored by a psychiatrist who can monitor not only side effects but also keep a track of how symptoms respond. I would strongly suggest that you have a psychiatrist monitor you closely who can also suggest the dosage and monitor the side-effects.

As I mentioned, you may have to have your dosage increased for further control of symptoms and it is possible that symptoms can be completely controlled with medications. And, yes, these medications may have side-effects; however, most of the side-effects are mild. Also, a person with OCD needs to be on medications lifelong in order to control the symptoms.