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Mental Health HomepageConditions LibraryMedications to Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Medications to Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Medications to Treat PTSDOverviewTypes of PTSDSymptomsCausesDiagnosingTreatmentTherapyMedications
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Table of Contents:OverviewTypes of Medications Used to Treat PTSDMedications Commonly Prescribed for PTSDHow to Get PTSD MedicationShould You Treat PTSD with Medication?
Published On: November 23, 2022
Reviewed On: November 23, 2022
Updated On: May 3, 2024
OverviewUpdated 5/18/2022Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) affected an estimated3.6% of adultsin the United States in the last year. Although it’s often associated with combat veterans, children and adults can be diagnosed with PTSD as well.PTSD is a mental health condition is a severe form of anxiety disorder that can last for months or years after someone witnesses or experiences trauma. Triggers can cause the trauma to resurface, resulting in extreme physical and/or emotional responses. Some common symptoms that can affect your everyday life include nightmares, flashbacks, anger, irritability, negative thoughts, sleep disturbance, or hyperarousal symptoms. Those with PTSD may even find themselves experiencing anxiety or depression in conjunction.There are many treatment options for post-traumatic stress disorder, including PTSD medication and various therapy techniques. The most important thing to keep in mind when considering the right PTSD treatment medication or therapy is that since no two people have the same experience and treatment generally isn’t a one-size-fits-all plan.You might need to try different techniques before something works well for you and your symptoms. In the end, finding a mental health professional with experience in treating PTSD is likely going to be your best bet. Whether this means finding the best medication for PTSD or engaging in short-term trauma-focusedCBT for PTSD, therearetreatment options out there for you.
Updated 5/18/2022
Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) affected an estimated3.6% of adultsin the United States in the last year. Although it’s often associated with combat veterans, children and adults can be diagnosed with PTSD as well.
PTSD is a mental health condition is a severe form of anxiety disorder that can last for months or years after someone witnesses or experiences trauma. Triggers can cause the trauma to resurface, resulting in extreme physical and/or emotional responses. Some common symptoms that can affect your everyday life include nightmares, flashbacks, anger, irritability, negative thoughts, sleep disturbance, or hyperarousal symptoms. Those with PTSD may even find themselves experiencing anxiety or depression in conjunction.
There are many treatment options for post-traumatic stress disorder, including PTSD medication and various therapy techniques. The most important thing to keep in mind when considering the right PTSD treatment medication or therapy is that since no two people have the same experience and treatment generally isn’t a one-size-fits-all plan.
You might need to try different techniques before something works well for you and your symptoms. In the end, finding a mental health professional with experience in treating PTSD is likely going to be your best bet. Whether this means finding the best medication for PTSD or engaging in short-term trauma-focusedCBT for PTSD, therearetreatment options out there for you.
Types of Medications Used to Treat PTSD
Sometimes medication for PTSD nightmares or other symptoms is prescribed. Typically, medication is used in conjunction with other treatment techniques like various forms of therapy. Most often, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — antidepressants — are prescribed. They can help treat the depression symptoms that often present with PTSD.
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs commonly known as antidepressants. They can be prescribed to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychological conditions like anxiety disorders and PTSD.
*Only FDA-approved drugs to treat PTSD
Anti-anxiety medications
Anti-anxiety medication may be prescribed for adults with PTSD if the anxiety prevents engagement in normal, daily activities. For example, if anxiety is so bad, attending work or school becomes problematic, an anti-anxiety medication might help.
Alpha-1 blockers
Alpha-1 blockers are a class of medication that can be part of PTSD treatment. They’re primarily known for the ability to help reduce the disruptive sleep and nightmares that are often associated with PTSD.
Mood stabilizers
Mood stabilizers can be prescribed to adults with PTSD who haven’t responded to antidepressants. They’re commonly used when primary symptoms of PTSD include agitation, anger, or irritability.
Medications Commonly Prescribed for PTSD
The PTSD medication list below can help you understand more about the types of medication available to treat PTSD, how they work, and any risks you should be aware of.
Talk to your psychiatrist or healthcare professional about the possible risks and benefits associated with the above medications before starting treatment.
How to Get PTSD MedicationFinding the right medication for PTSD treatment can take time and patience. You may find that the first medication you try isn’t the most effective. Also, most people see a combination of PTSD medication and therapy work best together to improve symptoms.As with any medication, reaching out to your doctor is the first thing you should do. If you’re hoping to get information about a PTSD medication list or want to find any details about symptoms, options, side effects, or anything else relating to medication, talking to your doctor is important.To find the right medication for PTSD, go through the following easy steps:Get diagnosedAfter you’re diagnosed with PTSD, you can begin seriously considering your treatment — including medication — options.Begin therapy or treatmentPTSD treatment almost always requires a combination of therapy and medication. If you haven’t already, it may be time to think about starting therapy to help you cope with your symptoms.Consider your options for medicationLearn the different PTSD treatment medication options.Talk to a prescriberYour doctor can prescribe the right PTSD medication.
How to Get PTSD Medication
Finding the right medication for PTSD treatment can take time and patience. You may find that the first medication you try isn’t the most effective. Also, most people see a combination of PTSD medication and therapy work best together to improve symptoms.
As with any medication, reaching out to your doctor is the first thing you should do. If you’re hoping to get information about a PTSD medication list or want to find any details about symptoms, options, side effects, or anything else relating to medication, talking to your doctor is important.
To find the right medication for PTSD, go through the following easy steps:
Should You Treat PTSD with Medication?Whenever you seriously consider starting a new medication, being informed is the most important part of the process. Deciding to take medication is a personal, private decision that you’ll need to make for yourself. Enlist the help of doctors, friends, psychiatrists, therapists, and family, but ultimately, you need to be the one to make the decision. If you have questions or concerns, your doctor can be the first place you turn.Questions to ask your doctorShould I consider PTSD medication?Your doctor can discuss whether medication is something you may want to consider. Weighingthe pros and cons of any medicationis step one. Then, you’ll be better able to come to a decision that makes you feel good about your choice.What are the possible side effects of this medication?You want to know any potential side effects of medications you’re considering. This will not only help you determine if you really want to take it, but it’ll also help you monitor how you’re reacting after you start. Knowing what to look for means you can see potential red flags or dangerous side effects as soon as possible.What other treatments should I be considering for my PTSD?While medication can be one part of your treatment plan, the primary treatment for PTSD is actually psychotherapy. Combining these two techniques can help you identify and address your symptoms, learn coping skills, and treat additional symptoms and problems often related to PTSD.Should I consider treatment in conjunction with PTSD medication?Focusing on additional treatments can help enhance your healing. Whether you’re looking for medication for PTSD nightmares or if you have problems with avoidance, the more emphasis you can put on an all-encompassing treatment plan, the better off your healing will ultimately be.Are there any holistic or self-help techniques I can try?Many holistic and self-help techniques have shown efficacy in treating PTSD. Meditation, activity and exercise, a service dog, and learning to set boundaries are all things that many people have found helpful. Additionally, having a PTSD support network can be a critical component of your treatment plan.Should I consider therapy in addition to medication?Many forms of therapy have been found effective in treating and coping with PTSD. A type ofcognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT) known as cognitive processing therapy is one technique that helps you overcome feelings of self-blame and any negative thoughts you might be experiencing because of PTSD.Exposure therapyis another seemingly effective treatment for PTSD. Group therapy is one more form of treatment that offers support from others who can relate to your trauma.Are there any other conditions going on that could be contributing to PTSD?Substance abuse andmajor depressive disorder(MDD) are both possible for people with PTSD. Also, there’s an increased risk ofagoraphobia, panic disorder,obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD), and social phobia. This collective set of conditions is yet another reason why a full treatment plan, typically including therapy, will be so important in managing PTSD.If you’re ready to seek out medication for treatment of your PTSD, get connected with a licensed prescriber today.
Should You Treat PTSD with Medication?
Whenever you seriously consider starting a new medication, being informed is the most important part of the process. Deciding to take medication is a personal, private decision that you’ll need to make for yourself. Enlist the help of doctors, friends, psychiatrists, therapists, and family, but ultimately, you need to be the one to make the decision. If you have questions or concerns, your doctor can be the first place you turn.
Questions to ask your doctor
If you’re ready to seek out medication for treatment of your PTSD, get connected with a licensed prescriber today.
See ReferencesPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Nimh.nih.gov. Published 2021. Accessed October 21, 2021.Pharmacotherapy for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder In Combat Veterans: Focus on Antidepressants and Atypical Antipsychotic AgentsAlexander W. P T. 2012;37(1):32-38.PTSD Facts & TreatmentAnxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. Adaa.org. Published 2021. Accessed October 21, 2021.Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Hyperarousal Symptoms Treated With Physiological Stress Management - Full Text ViewClinicalTrials.gov, US Department of Veterans Affairs. Accessed October 21, 2021.CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINE For The Treatment Of PTSDAmerican Psychological Association; 2017:11-17. Accessed October 21, 2021.Posttraumatic Stress DisorderNAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Nami.org. Published 2017. Accessed October 21, 2021.
See References
Nimh.nih.gov. Published 2021. Accessed October 21, 2021.
Alexander W. P T. 2012;37(1):32-38.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. Adaa.org. Published 2021. Accessed October 21, 2021.
ClinicalTrials.gov, US Department of Veterans Affairs. Accessed October 21, 2021.
American Psychological Association; 2017:11-17. Accessed October 21, 2021.
NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Nami.org. Published 2017. Accessed October 21, 2021.
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