If you suffer from body dysmorphia, you know how distressing and all-consuming the condition can be. Luckily, there are medication options available that can help lessen your symptoms and give you some relief. In this article, we’ll go over some of the different types of body dysmorphia medication so that you can make an informed decision about what might work best for you.
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How To Treat Body Dysmorphia?
There are many different ways to treat body dysmorphia, but finding the right treatment depends on the severity of the disorder and the individual’s unique needs. Medication can be an effective treatment for body dysmorphia, but it is not always necessary. In milder cases, therapy may be all that is needed to help the person manage their disorder.
For people with more severe body dysmorphia, medication can be a valuable tool in managing the condition. The most common type of medication used to treat body dysmorphia is an antidepressant medication. This can help to relieve some of the symptoms of the disorder, such as obsessions about appearance and compulsions to engage in repetitive behaviors.
In other treatments, therapy treatments can be effective for body dysmorphia. However, These include cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. These therapies can help the person to learn how to cope with their thoughts and feelings about their appearance. With treatment, many people with body dysmorphias can lead happy and fulfilling lives.
Different Types of Body Dysmorphia Medication
There are many types of body dysmorphia medication. There are benefits and side-effects of the medication as well. Some of these are:
Citalopram (Celexa)
Citalopram is a medication that is used to treat depression. It can also be used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Citalopram works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. This can help to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Escitalopram is an antidepressant in the SSRI class. SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Furthermore, Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood and anxiety. By increasing serotonin levels, SSRIs can help to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
A small study found that escitalopram was effective in treating body dysmorphic disorder. The study found that after 12 weeks of treatment with escitalopram, there was a significant decrease in symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder.
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. It belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Fluoxetine works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. This can improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression. Fluoxetine can also be used to treat other mental disorders such as OCD, panic disorder, and bulimia.
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Sertraline (Zoloft) is an antidepressant medication. Furthermore, It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. This can help to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and treat other conditions. Sertraline is generally well-tolerated, but some side effects may include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and fatigue.
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Fluvoxamine is a medication that is sometimes used to treat body dysmorphia. It is an antidepressant that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain.
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Paroxetine is an antidepressant that is thought to work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood and emotion. By increasing serotonin levels, paroxetine can help to improve mood and alleviate some of the symptoms of body dysmorphia.
However, Common side effects of paroxetine include nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, headache, fatigue, and anxiety. These side effects are usually mild and resolve with time. However, if they are severe or do not go away, you should talk to your doctor.
Paroxetine may not be right for everyone. If you have a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, you should not take this medication. You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking paroxetine.
Furthermore, If you are considering taking paroxetine for body dysmorphia, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.
Clomipramine (Anafranil)
If you’re struggling with body dysmorphia, medication may be able to help. Furthermore, Clomipramine (Anafranil) is a tricyclic antidepressant that can help to treat body dysmorphia. It can help to reduce the preoccupation with appearance and the compulsive behaviors associated with the disorder.
Tips To Keep In Mind While Taking Body Dysmorphia Medication
If you or someone you know is struggling with body dysmorphia, it’s important to seek professional help. In some cases, medicine is prescribed to help manage the condition. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you or a loved one is taking body dysmorphia medication:
1. Be sure to take the medication as prescribed by a doctor or mental health professional. Do not skip doses or stop taking the medication without first speaking to a medical professional.
2. Be mindful of the potential side effects of the medication. Some common side effects include weight gain, loss of appetite, and dry mouth. If you experience any severe side effects, be sure to contact a medical professional right away.
3. Keep track of how the medication is affecting you both mentally and physically. It’s important to monitor your progress so that your doctor can make necessary adjustments to your dosage or treatment plan.
4. Make lifestyle changes in addition to taking medication. Eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can help improve your overall mental and physical health. Additionally, practicing stress-relieving activities such as yoga or meditation can be beneficial.
5. Seek support from family and friends. You should also try to connect with your friends and family while taking these body dysmorphia medications.
Conclusion
Body dysmorphia is a serious mental illness that can have devastating effects on a person’s life. If you or someone you know is suffering from body dysmorphia, it’s important to seek professional help. Furthermore, There are many different types of treatment available, and the most effective type of treatment will vary from person to person. However, with the right help, people with body dysmorphia can learn to manage their disorder and live happy and fulfilling lives.
Hope this article was of help to you! If you are suffering from body dysmorphia, you may seek help from Therapy Mantra. We have a team of highly trained and experienced therapists who can provide you with the tools and skills necessary for overcoming Body dysmorphia. Contact us today to schedule an online therapy or download our free OCD treatment app on Android or iOS for more information.
