Medications for PTSD
Medications for PTSD
Available en Español
There are 3 medications recommended to treat PTSD symptoms. These medications can reduce PTSD symptoms. 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.
Reading time: minutes
What Type of Treatment Is This?
SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are types of antidepressant medication. Certain antidepressants can reduce PTSD symptoms.
Medications have 2 names: a brand name (for example, Zoloft) and a generic name (for example, sertraline). There are 2 SSRIs and 1 SNRI that are recommended for PTSD:
- Sertraline (Zoloft) - SSRI
- Paroxetine (Paxil) - SSRI
- Venlafaxine (Effexor) - SNRI
There are other types of antidepressant medications, but the 3 medications listed above are the ones that are most effective for PTSD.
Video
SSRI/SNRI: How do meds help?
Providers give an overview on why medications are used to treat PTSD.
Are There Other Medication Options for PTSD?
There are other medications being tested for PTSD, but currently the evidence behind them does not show that they are effective.
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. The 3 recommended SSRIs and SNRIs are believed to treat PTSD by putting these brain chemicals back in balance.
Video
SSRI/SNRI: How does it work?
Providers describe the role medication plays in treatment.
What Can I Expect?
To receive medications for PTSD, you will need to meet with a provider who can prescribe these medications to you. Many different types of providers, including your family provider and even some nurses and physician assistants, can prescribe antidepressant medications for PTSD. 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?
Providers explain why office visits are necessary.
Is It Effective?
Yes, certain SSRIs and SNRIs are some of the most effective treatments for PTSD. Not all SSRIs and SNRIs are effective for PTSD.
Video
SSRI/SNRI: Is it effective?
Providers discuss positive outcomes from medication treatment.
What Are the Risks?
The risks of taking SSRIs and SNRIs 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 in Detail 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.
Will I Have Homework?
No, you will just need to take your medication as prescribed.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
You may start to feel better in about 4-6 weeks. You will need to keep taking the medication to continue getting the benefits.
How Available Is This in VA?
All VA Medical Centers are staffed with providers who can prescribe antidepressant medications for PTSD.
Does VA Have an App for That?
No, VA has not developed an app for antidepressant medications for PTSD.
Choosing the Best Treatment for You
Trying to figure out which PTSD treatment is best for you? For more videos about the SSRIs and SNRI used for PTSD, and other treatments that work, get started with the PTSD Treatment Decision Aid.
You May Also Be Interested In
