Best treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder
11 products may treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, spanning FDA drug classes such as serotonin reuptake inhibitor, tricyclic antidepressant, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The current highest-rated option is paroxetine mesylate. Ranked below by our independent recall-safety rating (rated where FDA data exists) — not medical advice; always consult a professional.
Quick answer: Of the 11 drugs we list for obsessive-compulsive disorder, 10 are available as lower-cost generics, spanning classes such as serotonin reuptake inhibitor, tricyclic antidepressant, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. 7 of 11 carry a safety score, from 66 to 72 out of 100. They’re ranked by each drug’s FDA recall-safety record — not clinical effectiveness for obsessive-compulsive disorder — so confirm the right choice with your prescriber.
Top-rated picks for obsessive-compulsive disorder: 1. Paroxetine Mesylate · 2. Sertraline Hydrochloride · 3. Zoloft
| # | Drug | Rating | Type | Form | Class | Generic? | Pharmacy pays | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 72/100 | Prescription | Capsule | Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor | Generic | $3 | View → | |
| 2 | 72/100 | Prescription | Solution | Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 3 | 72/100 | Prescription | Solution | Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor | Generic | $1 | View → | |
| 4 | 70/100 | Prescription | Capsule | Tricyclic Antidepressant | Generic | $7 | View → | |
| 5 | 66/100 | Prescription | Tablet | Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor | No data | — | View → | |
| 6 | 66/100 | Prescription | Tablet | Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor | Generic | $3 | View → | |
| 7 | 66/100 | Prescription | Tablet | Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor | Generic | $3 | View → | |
| 8 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Capsule | Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor | Generic | $3 | View → | |
| 9 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Capsule | Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor | Generic | $4 | View → | |
| 10 | Not yet rated | Prescription | Capsule | Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor | Generic | $0 | View → |
Narrow by drug class
Explore the class hubs: serotonin reuptake inhibitor · serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
Full ranking · 11 treatments
paroxetine mesylate
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Paroxetine Mesylate is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat Feeding and Eating Disorders, Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Phobic Disorders.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$1.95/30· 8 forms Save up to 63% in classsertraline hydrochloride
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Sertraline Hydrochloride is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat Feeding and Eating Disorders, Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.90/30· 6 forms
zoloft
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Zoloft (Sertraline Hydrochloride) is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat Feeding and Eating Disorders, Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$0.90/30· 6 formsanafranil
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Anafranil (Clomipramine Hydrochloride) is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Pain, Panic Disorder.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$5.85/30· 3 forms Save up to 64% in classcitalopram hydrobromide
Boxed warningPrescriptionFDA-sourced
Citalopram Hydrobromide is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat Alcoholism, Dementia, Depressive Disorder, Diabetic Neuropathies.
paxil
PrescriptionFDA-sourced
Paxil (Paroxetine Hydrochloride) is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat Feeding and Eating Disorders, Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Phobic Disorders.
Pharmacy pays
From ~$1.95/30· 8 forms Save up to 63% in classFrequently asked
- What treats obsessive-compulsive disorder?
- Our catalog lists 11 products that may treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, based on NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. They're rated where FDA recall-safety data exists; the current top-rated option is paroxetine mesylate.
- What is the best-rated treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder?
- By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — paroxetine mesylate ranks highest among the products we list for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Always consult a professional.
- How are these treatments ranked?
- By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.
- What types of drugs treat obsessive-compulsive disorder?
- Treatments for obsessive-compulsive disorder span FDA drug classes including serotonin reuptake inhibitor, tricyclic antidepressant, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Compare every option side by side, ranked by independent rating, above.
Treatment associations are derived from NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. This is general reference, not medical advice — always consult a licensed professional.
Where this ranking comes from
Our score is computed from public FDA data — not from opinion, sponsorship or user votes. How we rate.
- FDA Drug Enforcement (recall) database — the recall history behind the safety score
- DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine) — the FDA labels we quote for uses, dosing and warnings
- Drugs@FDA — approvals, strengths and marketing status