PTSD and Medications
Each case of PTSD has unique biological, psychological, and social determinants with differing treatment implications. The goal is to gain control of lasting fear.
The medications that are often prescribed for treating PTSD symptoms act upon neurotransmitters related to the fear and anxiety circuitry of the brain.
FDA Approved Medications:
Antidepressant/(SSRI) Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
*Zoloft
*Paxil
Used to treat depression and anxiety and also help sleep problems and concentration
Not FDA approved but sometimes used
Antidepressant/(SSRI) Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor:
*Fluoxetine (Prozac)
(SNRI) Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor
*Venlafaxine (Effexor) .
Antihypertensive
*Prazosin hydrochloride (Minipress) has been used for insomnia or recurrent night mares
What core PTSD symptoms are medications targeting?
Intrusion – nightmares, intrusive unwanted thoughts of the traumatic event.
Avoidance – avoiding triggers for traumatic memories.
Negative Alterations in cognition and mood – distorted blame of self or others for the event. Negative belief about oneself
Alterations in arousal and reactivity – angry reckless or self-destructive behavior, sleep and concentration problems, hypervigilance
