Medications for PTSD
Medications for PTSD
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There are 3 medications recommended to treat PTSD symptoms. These medications can reduce PTSD symptoms as they restore the balance of chemicals in your brain. It can take a few weeks for you to notice change and your provider will work with you to manage side effects and dose. Learn more about the recommended medications for PTSD.
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What type of treatment is this?
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are types of antidepressants.
There are 3 SSRI/ SNRI medications that are recommended for PTSD:
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Note: Medications have 2 names: a brand name (for example, Zoloft) and a generic name (for example, sertraline).
There are other types of antidepressant medications, but the 3 medications listed above are the ones that are most effective for PTSD.
How does it work?
PTSD may be related to changes in the brain that are linked to our ability to manage stress. People with PTSD appear to have different amounts of certain chemicals (called neurotransmitters) in the brain than people without PTSD. SSRI and SNRI medications are believed to treat PTSD by putting these brain chemicals back in balance.
Video
SSRI/SNRI: How does it work?
Hear providers explain how medications restore the balance of chemicals in your brain.
What can I expect?
To receive medications for PTSD, you will need to meet with a provider who can prescribe these medications to you. A psychiatrist often prescribes antidepressants for PTSD. But many different types of providers, including your family provider and some nurses and physician assistants, also can prescribe them. You and your provider can work together to decide which antidepressant medication may be best for you. In general, the 3 different SSRIs and SNRIs listed above appear to work equally well for PTSD.
Once you fill your prescription, you will begin taking a pill at regular time(s) each day. It may take a few weeks before you notice the effects of the medication. It is important to continue to take it even if you do not notice changes right away. You will meet with your provider every few months or so. Your provider will monitor your response to the medication (including side effects) and change your dose, if needed.
Video
SSRI/SNRI: What can I expect?
Learn about how you will manage medications.
Is it effective?
Yes, SSRI/SNRI medications are some of the most effective treatments for PTSD.
Video
SSRI/SNRI: Is it effective?
Hear providers describe how medications help patients.
What are the risks?
The risks of taking SSRI and SNRI medications are mild to moderate side effects such as upset stomach, sweating, headache, and dizziness. Some people have sexual side effects, such as decreased desire to have sex or difficulty having an orgasm. Some side effects are short-term, though others may last as long as you are taking the medication.
Group or individual?
You will attend regular 1-on-1 visits with the provider who prescribes you the medication.
Will I talk about my trauma?
No, you will not need to talk about the details of your trauma. However, your provider may ask for some basic information about your trauma—like the type of trauma and when it happened—when you first meet.
Video
Will I talk in detail about my trauma?
Hear more about the focus of your medication appointments.
Will I have homework?
No, you will just have to take your medication as prescribed.
How long does treatment take?
You may start to feel better in about 4-6 weeks. You will need to keep taking the medication to keep getting the benefits. Sometimes people find that taking a medication can help them make other positive changes in their life, and then they can stop taking it. This is helpful to discuss with your provider.
How available is this in VA?
All VA medical centers are staffed with providers who can prescribe antidepressant SSRI/SNRI medications for PTSD.
Does VA have an app for that?
No, VA has not developed an app for antidepressant medications for PTSD.
How do you choose the best treatment?
Are you trying to figure out which PTSD treatment is best for you? The PTSD Treatment Decision Aid is an online tool with more videos and information about the medications used to treat PTSD symptoms and other treatments that work. You can use the decision aid to compare treatment options and make a summary of your treatment goals and preferences to share with your provider. Together, you can work to choose the treatment option that is best for you.
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