PTSD Medications List
There are various medications available for treating PTSD symptoms. Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) tend to be the most effective treatments, though some patients may benefit from atypical antipsychotics as well.
Psychotherapy and medication are usually the initial treatments for PTSD. These methods aim to help individuals work through the feelings and beliefs that cause PTSD symptoms, such as individual or group therapy, hypnosis, family therapy, eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) or trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
When other treatments don’t suffice, antidepressants may be prescribed for PTSD. These drugs, known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors, are usually combined with talk therapy sessions.
Antidepressants are the most popular medications prescribed for PTSD. These help reduce reexperiencing and avoidance symptoms associated with PTSD. While SSRIs and SNRIs can be effective, some may experience side effects; thus it’s essential to monitor your symptoms closely and speak to your doctor about changing dose or type of medication if you experience new negative symptoms or signs of withdrawal from taking the drug.
SSRIs and SNRIs come in a range of strengths to meet your individual needs, so you can start slowly and gradually increase the dose if required. Your prescribing doctor should check on you regularly during the first few weeks of treatment and may suggest other types of medication to complement your SSRI or SNRI treatment plan.
Researchers are studying several atypical antipsychotic medications to treat PTSD. These drugs include olanzapine, risperidone and quetiapine which have been known to alter the activity of the hippocampus – an area of the brain associated with memory formation and reliving events.
Atypical antipsychotics can also be used for symptom control and are frequently combined with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in order to reduce reexperiencing and avoidance behaviors. Unfortunately, there may be risks associated with taking these drugs such as an increased risk of suicidal behavior and raised blood pressure.
Atypical antipsychotics can be prescribed for the treatment of PTSD when selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) don’t work or are untolerable. Olanzapine, risperidone, and quetiapine may be taken alone or as an add-on to existing SSRI therapy.
Other medications for PTSD have been proven effective, including fast-acting antianxiety drugs and alpha blockers that may reduce nightmares associated with PTSD. Furthermore, these medications help lower stress levels and promote better sleep quality.
People suffering from PTSD must see a specialist psychiatric doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The specialist must take into account that PTSD is a complex disorder with various components, often occurring alongside other mental health issues. It’s essential to diagnose PTSD quickly as delayed recovery from this disorder can have long-term detrimental effects.
