The technical name for this process is exposure and response prevention. Experts believe that behavior therapy is an effective treatment used by itself in certain patients with OCD if done well and vigorously. Certain other patients will only respond to medication. Many patients find the combined use of medication and behavior therapy most effective. That should not discourage you or your doctor since another medicine may work well.
Side effects vary considerably depending upon which medicine is being used.
Experienced clinicians will readily attest to the fact that each medicine is unique and may behave differently especially with respect to side effects. For that reason it is not used by some clinicians as a first choice. Psychiatrists are trained to know what medicines conflict with other medications. Sometimes a psychiatrist may advise adding a second medicine to your SSRI to boost the power of treatment if your OCD is not responding. Neuroleptic and benzodiazepine medicines are two commonly employed 'booster' medicines.