Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), clomipramine, and behavior therapy are the first line treatments for obsessive-compulsive (OCD) symptoms. One of the main reasons for treatment non-compliance and early discontinuation of medications by patients or premature change in prescriptions by clinicians are their side effects. Nausea, headache, insomnia, restlessness, sexual dysfunction, and tremors are common with SSRIs; hypotension, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, weight gain, sedation and cardiocirculatory problems, with clomipramine. The strategies and guidelines for these drugs' side effects management are here reviewed, based mainly in case reports and clinical experience. The clinician should be aware of the importance of addressing this issue, educating patients about the most frequent adverse reactions, and how to deal with them in order to prevent unwanted medication discontinuation, and enhance compliance with the treatment.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder; Treatment; Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; Clomipramine; Adverse effects; Management