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.
While just a couple of medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat PTSD, many others are also prescribed “off-label.” “Off-label is when medication is prescribed in a manner that is not specified by FDA’s packaging. An in-person or online psychiatrist can set up a treatment plan utilizing a combination of medications to relieve these troubling PTSD symptoms. For instance, the prescription is used for a different condition or the dosage is different than what the FDA recommends.
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.
SSRIs work in the brain by increasing serotonin levels — a chemical messenger or neurotransmitter that carries signals between nerve cells in the brain. SSRIs inhibit the reabsorption of serotonin, which is also called the “feel-good” neurotransmitter because it enhances and stabilizes happiness, mood, and sense of well-being.
SSRIs to treat PTSD include:
*Only FDA-approved drugs to treat PTSD
Possible side effects of SSRIs to treat PTSD:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Sexual dysfunction
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.
Anti-anxiety medication can reduce symptoms of anxiety such as intense worry and fear or panic attacks. They can have a physical as well as a mental effect on anxiety. Anti-anxiety medication works by slowing down the nervous system, which helps you feel calm.
Anti- Anxiety Medications to treat PTSD include:
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
Possible side effects of anti-anxiety medications to treat PTSD:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Loss of memory
- Headaches
- Confusion
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.
Alpha-1 blockers work by blocking alpha-1 receptors in the brain, helping you achieve better, deeper sleep. Alpha-1 blockers are generally only prescribed for people who experience PTSD nightmares.
Popular Alpha-1 blockers to treat PTSD include:
- Minipress (Prazosin)
- Doxazosin
Possible side effects of Alpha-1 blockers to treat PTSD:
- Being tired
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of hands, feet, ankles, lower legs
- Abnormal vision
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Joint pain or weakness
- Runny nose
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.
Mood stabilizers work to treat PTSD by balancing brain chemicals known to regulate emotions.
Mood stabilizers to treat PTSD include:
- Topamax (Topiramate)
- Lamictal (Lamotrigine)
Possible side effects of mood stabilizers to treat PTSD:
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Skin rash
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
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 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:
- 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.
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
- Should I consider PTSD medication?Your doctor can discuss whether medication is something you may want to consider. Weighing the pros and cons of any medication is 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 of cognitive-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 therapy is 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 and major depressive disorder (MDD) are both possible for people with PTSD. Also, there’s an increased risk of agoraphobia, 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.
