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Advancing Science
& Promoting Understanding of Traumatic Stress
THIS MONTH'S FEATURE: MEDICATION FOR PTSD
Medications
are often used to treat PTSD. Effective Treatment
for PTSD includes therapy, medication, or a
combination of therapy and drugs. New medications are
better at relieving PTSD symptoms than some drugs
prescribed in the past.
The only two FDA approved medications for PTSD are
sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil). Other
medications are sometimes used for specific symptoms of
PTSD, like sleep problems and nightmares. Prescription
drugs can not eliminate PTSD completely, but they can
reduce the symptoms. However, some drugs that may help
in the short run can also prevent recovery or even prove
harmful.
Effective
medications
: The drugs sertraline
(Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can reduce symptoms of
PTSD. Both are called SSRI’s or Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitors. SSRI’s have been extensively
tested. They work by regulating brain chemistry. For
example, with depression, you may not have enough of a
chemical called serotonin. SSRIs raise the level of
serotonin in your brain to relieve symptoms. Other
medications are effective for reducing symptoms of PTSD.
Talk to your doctor about which medications are right
for you.
Beware of
medications for sleep and nightmares
Sleep
and anti-anxiety medications can create the same
problems as using alcohol and drugs to self-treat
symptoms. These medications might help in the short
term, but can have long term costs,
such as serious addiction problems, misuse, and
other medical issues.
Abuse of
prescription medications, like abuse of drugs, is a
problem that can occur. Benzodiazepines (for example,
Valium, Xanax, or Klonopin) can be particularly
problematic because they are prone to physical
dependence. Other drugs like atypical antipsychotics
such as quetiapine (Seroquel) also should be used with
caution for side effect reasons. Importantly,
benzodiazepines also may limit the effectiveness of talk
therapy, which helps PTSD.
Non-drug therapies for PTSD
: Medications can provide
relief from PTSD symptoms. However, Prolonged
Exposure therapy (PE) and Cognitive
Processing Therapy CPT) work better than medications
alone in reducing PTSD symptoms. These therapies, among
others, are best for effective treatment for PTSD and
may be combined with the use of medications. Talk to
your doctor about which therapies are right for you.
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