"Getting better" means different things for different people, and not everyone who gets evidence-based PTSD treatment will be "cured." But they will likely do better than people with PTSD who were not treated, or who received other kinds of treatment.
Certain medications are considered evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Medications can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy.
FDA Approved Medications
Two FDA approved drugs for PTSD are sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil). These are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and are often used for depression. SSRIs raise the level of serotonin in your brain, which can make you feel better.
Answers to Questions about Meds
Talk to your doctor about which medications are right for you. Learn about options, what you need to know before taking medications, and potential side effects in Understanding PTSD Treatment. Dealing with trauma-related nightmares? Prazosin is a medication that you can discuss with your doctor. It is a relatively safe medication that can rapidly improve sleep.
To learn more about medications, check out our library of PTSD treatment videos on YouTube.
Be Cautious About the Use of Benzodiazepines
Anti-anxiety medications known as "Benzos" (such as Valium, Xanax, Ativan and Klonopin) should generally be avoided for PTSD treatment. Although they can produce a calming effect, they do not treat core PTSD symptoms and can have harmful side effects.
New Tools
CPT Coach Mobile App: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based PTSD therapy that helps you decrease distress about your trauma. CPT Coach is for patients to use with their therapists during face-to-face CPT.
Also see the Prolonged Exposure treatment companion app: PE Coach and other related apps.
News and Views: A rotating feature to keep you informed of PTSD topics in the news. Current post: read about the "D" in PTSD.
Help Us Raise PTSD Awareness
June is #PTSD Awareness Month. You can spread the word and help this cause. Prepare by visiting our PTSD Awareness section.
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