The pharmacotherapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has started with clomipramine, a potent non-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Newer drugs that selectively inhibit serotonin reuptake (SSRIs) such as fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline are also effective and well-tolerated by OCD patients, even in high doses. Efficacy of venlafaxine and citalopram for OCD are under investigation. Randomized controlled trials of OCD pharmacotherapy, as well as positive results found in open trials and case reports are reviewed in this paper. Potent selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the pharmacotherapy of choice for OCD. If one SSRI is ineffective, others may be beneficial. OCD is frequently a chronic condition that requires long-term treatment.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder; Pharmacotherapy; Pharmacology; Clomipramine; Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
