drug therapy

• drugs work by influencing the tranmission of neurotransmitters at the synapse, they either increase or inhibit the action of the neurotransmitter
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Fluoxetine are the most common drug used for OCD
• they work by preventing the excess reuptake of serotonin by the presynaptic neuron. This leaves an increased amount in the synapse so it can have an effect on the post synaptic neuron.
• Tricylics are used by block patients who do not respond to SSRIs, they increase the levels of serotonin and noradrenaline.