Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSSRIsSNRIsAnti-Anxiety MedicationsAlpha-1 BlockersMood StabilizersOther Ways to Manage PTSD
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
SSRIs
SNRIs
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Alpha-1 Blockers
Mood Stabilizers
Other Ways to Manage PTSD
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What is the most important information I should know about PTSD medications?Paxil and Zoloft are the only medications currently FDA-approved to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Other medications may sometimes be prescribed off-label to treat symptoms associated with PTSD.
What is the most important information I should know about PTSD medications?
Paxil and Zoloft are the only medications currently FDA-approved to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Other medications may sometimes be prescribed off-label to treat symptoms associated with PTSD.
Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) is a mental disorder that can occur after a person has experienced a traumatic event. It leads to symptoms that include intrusive memories, flashbacks, hypervigilance, anxiety, and nightmares. The condition is typically treated with certain PTSD medications and therapy.
Two medications are currently FDA-approved to treat PTSD: Zoloft (sertraline) and Paxil (paroxetine).However, other medications are also prescribed off-label to help relieve mood and anxiety symptoms.
Types of PTSD medications include:
This article explores PTSD medications, how they work, the symptoms they can help, and potential side effects. It also discusses other treatments that can help people manage their condition.
PTSD can disrupt how chemical signals are sent throughout the brain and body. Increasing serotonin levels can potentially help symptoms that impact mood, anxiety, and sleep.
SSRIs that are often prescribed to treat PTSD include:
Zoloft is one of the most commonly prescribed PTSD medications. Research has found that it is well-tolerated and effective, reducing symptoms in more than half of the people who take it.Studies have shown that Paxil can also be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms.
Side Effects of SSRIs
While SSRIs are safe and generally well-tolerated, they do have the potential to cause unwanted side effects. Some of the most common side effects associated with SSRI medications are:
As the name suggests,SNRIsinhibit the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine.Norepinephrineis a chemical that acts as a hormone and neurotransmitter, playing an essential role in the body’sfight-or-flightstress response. By increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, SNRIs help with mood and anxiety symptoms of PTSD.
Side Effects of SNRIs
SNRIs can also lead to several different side effects. The most common of these include:
Compared to SSRIs, SNRIs tend to lead to more nausea, dry mouth, and insomnia. In some cases, they can also cause elevated blood pressure.
Anti-anxiety medications are sometimes prescribed to help people manage symptoms of anxiety. These medications increase the amount of GABA that binds to thecentral nervous system(CNS) receptors.
GABA is an inhibitory receptor, so increasing its actions causes people to feel more relaxed, sedated, and sleepy.
A few types of anti-anxiety drugs that may be used off-label for PTSD include:Ativan(lorazepam)Klonopin(clonazepam)Valium(diazepam)Xanax(alprazolam)
A few types of anti-anxiety drugs that may be used off-label for PTSD include:
These medications belong to a class of drugs known asbenzodiazepines. They should be used with caution to treat anxiety associated with PTSD.
Side Effects of Anti-Anxiety Medications
Anti-anxiety medications can cause unwanted side effects such as:
While they can help manageacute anxiety, they can also be habit-forming. They are classified as Schedule IV medications because they risk producing psychological and physical addiction. When taken for periods longer than two to four weeks, they can produce dependence and/or abuse.
If you have been taking these anti-anxiety medications for a while may experience withdrawal if you stop taking them suddenly, which can be dangerous. Never stop taking these medications without talking to your doctor first. They gradually lower your dose over time to minimize the risk of withdrawal complications.
Alpha-1 blockers are medications that act as alpha-adrenergic receptor agonists. They affect alpha receptors in the CNS, which helps inhibit the body’s stress response. These medications are primarily prescribed to treat high blood pressure, prostate enlargement, and tumors.
Alpha-1 blockers are also sometimes prescribed off-label to improve sleep and reduce nightmares in PTSD.
The two alpha-1 blocker medications that are primarily prescribed for PTSD are:
Side Effects of Alpha-1 Blockers
These medications can also produce side effects that include:
Mood stabilizersmay sometimes be prescribed for PTSD if other first-line treatments are ineffective or do not provide sufficient relief.These medications are typically utilized to treat bipolar disorder and work to regulate mood and balance emotions, which may help people better manage some symptoms of PTSD.
Mood stabilizing medications may include lithium and anticonvulsant medications such as Depakote (divalproex) or Lamictal (lamotrigine).
Mood stabilizers are generally used along with other treatments for PTSD, such as other medications and therapy. They may also be prescribed for people with co-occurringbipolar disorderorborderline personality disorder(BPD).
Side Effects of Mood Stabilizers
Like other medications, mood stabilizers can lead to a range of side effects. Those that are most common include:
Medications can be an essential part of PTSD treatment, but they are often most effective when utilized as part of a comprehensive plan that include psychotherapy and social support. Other ways to manage PTSD include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The APA also suggests that specific forms of CBT can be beneficial for dealing with PTSD symptoms. These includecognitive processing therapy, cognitive therapy, andexposure therapy.
EMDRis a type of psychotherapy that uses bilateral eye movements to help people who have experienced trauma process difficult memories, emotions, and thoughts.
During this treatment, people focus on movements or sounds while thinking about the upsetting memory. While how and why it works are not entirely clear, evidence indicates that it can be an effective treatment that helps people process their trauma and heal.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to PTSD medication and psychotherapy, lifestyle modifications can also support your well-being and trauma recovery.
Some helpful strategies:
Psychedelic TherapyMore recently, researchers are also exploring the use ofpsychedelic therapyin treating PTSD. Studies suggest that ketamine infusion therapy and MDMA-assisted therapy show promise in helping people recover from traumatic experiences. However, scientists are still exploring how to best utilize these substances in treatment, so more research is needed before these treatments can be recommended for PTSD.Psychedelic therapies should only be administered in controlled settings under the treatment of trained medical professionals.
Psychedelic Therapy
More recently, researchers are also exploring the use ofpsychedelic therapyin treating PTSD. Studies suggest that ketamine infusion therapy and MDMA-assisted therapy show promise in helping people recover from traumatic experiences. However, scientists are still exploring how to best utilize these substances in treatment, so more research is needed before these treatments can be recommended for PTSD.Psychedelic therapies should only be administered in controlled settings under the treatment of trained medical professionals.
More recently, researchers are also exploring the use ofpsychedelic therapyin treating PTSD. Studies suggest that ketamine infusion therapy and MDMA-assisted therapy show promise in helping people recover from traumatic experiences. However, scientists are still exploring how to best utilize these substances in treatment, so more research is needed before these treatments can be recommended for PTSD.
Psychedelic therapies should only be administered in controlled settings under the treatment of trained medical professionals.
As Evidence For Treatment Potential Grows, So Has Psychedelic Legality
Summary
Medication can be helpful in the treatment of PTSD, but it is often most effective when used along with trauma-focused talk therapy. The PTSD medications that are most frequently prescribed are Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Effexor (venlafaxine). Zoloft and Paxil are FDA-approved for treating PTSD, but other medications are often prescribed off-label depending on an individual’s specific needs.
If you or a loved one are struggling with PTSD, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you or a loved one are struggling with PTSD, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
16 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Medications for PTSD. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.Brady K, Pearlstein T, Asnis GM, et al.Efficacy and safety of sertraline treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial.JAMA. 2000;283(14):1837-1844. doi:10.1001/jama.283.14.1837Kucukalić A, Bravo-Mehmedbasić A, Dzubur-Kulenović A.Paroxetine in the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder: our experiences.Bosn J Basic Med Sci. 2008;8(1):76-79. doi:10.17305/bjbms.2008.3002Alexander W.Pharmacotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in combat veterans: Focus on antidepressants and atypical antipsychotic agents.P T. 2012;37(1):32-38.Davidson J, Baldwin D, Stein DJ, et al.Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder with venlafaxine extended release: a 6-month randomized controlled trial.Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63(10):1158. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.63.10.1158U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Effexor XR (venlafaxine extended-release) capsules.Santarsieri D, Schwartz TL.Antidepressant efficacy and side-effect burden: a quick guide for clinicians.Drugs Context. 2015;4:212290. doi:10.7573/dic.212290Ehret M. Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: Focus on pharmacotherapy.Ment Health Clin. 2019;9(6):373-382. doi:10.9740/mhc.2019.11.373Hood SD, Norman A, Hince DA, Melichar JK, Hulse GK.Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment with low dose flumazenil.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2014;77(2):285-94. doi:10.1111/bcp.12023Paiva HS, Filho IJZ, Cais CFDS.Using prazosin to treat posttraumatic stress disorder and associations: A systematic review.Psychiatry Investig. 2021;18(5):365-372. doi:10.30773/pi.2020.0411U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Minipress capsules (prazosin hydrochloride) for oral use.Murru A, Popovic D, Pacchiarotti I, Hidalgo D, León-Caballero J, Vieta E.Management of adverse effects of mood stabilizers.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015;17(8):603. doi:10.1007/s11920-015-0603-zNational Alliance on Mental Illness.Post traumatic stress disorder.Price M, Lancaster CL, Gros DF, Legrand AC, van Stolk-Cooke K, Acierno R.An examination of social support and PTSD treatment response during prolonged exposure.Psychiatry. 2018;81(3):258-270. doi:10.1080/00332747.2017.1402569Rosenbaum S, Sherrington C, Tiedemann A.Exercise augmentation compared with usual care for post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial.Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2015;131(5):350-359. doi:10.1111/acps.12371Henner RL, Keshavan MS, Hill KP.Review of potential psychedelic treatments for PTSD.J Neurol Sci. 2022;439:120302. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2022.120302
16 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Medications for PTSD. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.Brady K, Pearlstein T, Asnis GM, et al.Efficacy and safety of sertraline treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial.JAMA. 2000;283(14):1837-1844. doi:10.1001/jama.283.14.1837Kucukalić A, Bravo-Mehmedbasić A, Dzubur-Kulenović A.Paroxetine in the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder: our experiences.Bosn J Basic Med Sci. 2008;8(1):76-79. doi:10.17305/bjbms.2008.3002Alexander W.Pharmacotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in combat veterans: Focus on antidepressants and atypical antipsychotic agents.P T. 2012;37(1):32-38.Davidson J, Baldwin D, Stein DJ, et al.Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder with venlafaxine extended release: a 6-month randomized controlled trial.Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63(10):1158. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.63.10.1158U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Effexor XR (venlafaxine extended-release) capsules.Santarsieri D, Schwartz TL.Antidepressant efficacy and side-effect burden: a quick guide for clinicians.Drugs Context. 2015;4:212290. doi:10.7573/dic.212290Ehret M. Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: Focus on pharmacotherapy.Ment Health Clin. 2019;9(6):373-382. doi:10.9740/mhc.2019.11.373Hood SD, Norman A, Hince DA, Melichar JK, Hulse GK.Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment with low dose flumazenil.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2014;77(2):285-94. doi:10.1111/bcp.12023Paiva HS, Filho IJZ, Cais CFDS.Using prazosin to treat posttraumatic stress disorder and associations: A systematic review.Psychiatry Investig. 2021;18(5):365-372. doi:10.30773/pi.2020.0411U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Minipress capsules (prazosin hydrochloride) for oral use.Murru A, Popovic D, Pacchiarotti I, Hidalgo D, León-Caballero J, Vieta E.Management of adverse effects of mood stabilizers.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015;17(8):603. doi:10.1007/s11920-015-0603-zNational Alliance on Mental Illness.Post traumatic stress disorder.Price M, Lancaster CL, Gros DF, Legrand AC, van Stolk-Cooke K, Acierno R.An examination of social support and PTSD treatment response during prolonged exposure.Psychiatry. 2018;81(3):258-270. doi:10.1080/00332747.2017.1402569Rosenbaum S, Sherrington C, Tiedemann A.Exercise augmentation compared with usual care for post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial.Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2015;131(5):350-359. doi:10.1111/acps.12371Henner RL, Keshavan MS, Hill KP.Review of potential psychedelic treatments for PTSD.J Neurol Sci. 2022;439:120302. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2022.120302
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychological Association.Medications for PTSD. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.Brady K, Pearlstein T, Asnis GM, et al.Efficacy and safety of sertraline treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial.JAMA. 2000;283(14):1837-1844. doi:10.1001/jama.283.14.1837Kucukalić A, Bravo-Mehmedbasić A, Dzubur-Kulenović A.Paroxetine in the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder: our experiences.Bosn J Basic Med Sci. 2008;8(1):76-79. doi:10.17305/bjbms.2008.3002Alexander W.Pharmacotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in combat veterans: Focus on antidepressants and atypical antipsychotic agents.P T. 2012;37(1):32-38.Davidson J, Baldwin D, Stein DJ, et al.Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder with venlafaxine extended release: a 6-month randomized controlled trial.Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63(10):1158. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.63.10.1158U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Effexor XR (venlafaxine extended-release) capsules.Santarsieri D, Schwartz TL.Antidepressant efficacy and side-effect burden: a quick guide for clinicians.Drugs Context. 2015;4:212290. doi:10.7573/dic.212290Ehret M. Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: Focus on pharmacotherapy.Ment Health Clin. 2019;9(6):373-382. doi:10.9740/mhc.2019.11.373Hood SD, Norman A, Hince DA, Melichar JK, Hulse GK.Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment with low dose flumazenil.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2014;77(2):285-94. doi:10.1111/bcp.12023Paiva HS, Filho IJZ, Cais CFDS.Using prazosin to treat posttraumatic stress disorder and associations: A systematic review.Psychiatry Investig. 2021;18(5):365-372. doi:10.30773/pi.2020.0411U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Minipress capsules (prazosin hydrochloride) for oral use.Murru A, Popovic D, Pacchiarotti I, Hidalgo D, León-Caballero J, Vieta E.Management of adverse effects of mood stabilizers.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015;17(8):603. doi:10.1007/s11920-015-0603-zNational Alliance on Mental Illness.Post traumatic stress disorder.Price M, Lancaster CL, Gros DF, Legrand AC, van Stolk-Cooke K, Acierno R.An examination of social support and PTSD treatment response during prolonged exposure.Psychiatry. 2018;81(3):258-270. doi:10.1080/00332747.2017.1402569Rosenbaum S, Sherrington C, Tiedemann A.Exercise augmentation compared with usual care for post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial.Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2015;131(5):350-359. doi:10.1111/acps.12371Henner RL, Keshavan MS, Hill KP.Review of potential psychedelic treatments for PTSD.J Neurol Sci. 2022;439:120302. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2022.120302
American Psychological Association.Medications for PTSD. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
Brady K, Pearlstein T, Asnis GM, et al.Efficacy and safety of sertraline treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial.JAMA. 2000;283(14):1837-1844. doi:10.1001/jama.283.14.1837
Kucukalić A, Bravo-Mehmedbasić A, Dzubur-Kulenović A.Paroxetine in the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder: our experiences.Bosn J Basic Med Sci. 2008;8(1):76-79. doi:10.17305/bjbms.2008.3002
Alexander W.Pharmacotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in combat veterans: Focus on antidepressants and atypical antipsychotic agents.P T. 2012;37(1):32-38.
Davidson J, Baldwin D, Stein DJ, et al.Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder with venlafaxine extended release: a 6-month randomized controlled trial.Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63(10):1158. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.63.10.1158
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Effexor XR (venlafaxine extended-release) capsules.
Santarsieri D, Schwartz TL.Antidepressant efficacy and side-effect burden: a quick guide for clinicians.Drugs Context. 2015;4:212290. doi:10.7573/dic.212290
Ehret M. Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: Focus on pharmacotherapy.Ment Health Clin. 2019;9(6):373-382. doi:10.9740/mhc.2019.11.373
Hood SD, Norman A, Hince DA, Melichar JK, Hulse GK.Benzodiazepine dependence and its treatment with low dose flumazenil.Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2014;77(2):285-94. doi:10.1111/bcp.12023
Paiva HS, Filho IJZ, Cais CFDS.Using prazosin to treat posttraumatic stress disorder and associations: A systematic review.Psychiatry Investig. 2021;18(5):365-372. doi:10.30773/pi.2020.0411
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Minipress capsules (prazosin hydrochloride) for oral use.
Murru A, Popovic D, Pacchiarotti I, Hidalgo D, León-Caballero J, Vieta E.Management of adverse effects of mood stabilizers.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2015;17(8):603. doi:10.1007/s11920-015-0603-z
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Post traumatic stress disorder.
Price M, Lancaster CL, Gros DF, Legrand AC, van Stolk-Cooke K, Acierno R.An examination of social support and PTSD treatment response during prolonged exposure.Psychiatry. 2018;81(3):258-270. doi:10.1080/00332747.2017.1402569
Rosenbaum S, Sherrington C, Tiedemann A.Exercise augmentation compared with usual care for post-traumatic stress disorder: a randomized controlled trial.Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2015;131(5):350-359. doi:10.1111/acps.12371
Henner RL, Keshavan MS, Hill KP.Review of potential psychedelic treatments for PTSD.J Neurol Sci. 2022;439:120302. doi:10.1016/j.jns.2022.120302
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