What medications are prescribed for PTSD?

Question

I was in a car accident which killed 2 of my friends who were passengers- and I was the driver. I have never been the same, and I keep replaying the scene, over and over again. I need help to calm my nerves. Therapy has not been helpful.

Answer 1

Unfortunately, prescription medications for PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) are not as effective as they are for the other anxiety disorders. People with PTSD frequently need a combination of medications to address all of their PTSD symptoms. The primary medication treatment for PTSD includes an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or an SNRI (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). However, the SSRI and the SNRI may not address all of the PTSD symptoms. If you are continuing to have difficulties with sleep, then adding trazodone or clonidine at night may be in order. If you are experiencing nightmares and flashbacks, then an atypical antipsychotic may need to be added, such as risperidone. Benzodiazepines are to be avoided in PTSD, as there is a high co-occurrence of drug abuse, and benzodiazepines have a high addictive potential. Once your psychiatrist finds the right combination of medications to calm your PTSD symptoms, then therapy may be more helpful.