Four medications are recommended to treat the symptoms of PTSD. These medications are also used to treat depression. Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine (Paxil), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Venlafaxine (Effexor) When you have PTSD, it can feel like you'll never get your life back. Short-term and long-term psychotherapy and medications can work very well.
Often, the two types of treatment are most effective together. Medications help you stop thinking about and reacting to what happened, including having nightmares and flashbacks. They can also help you to have a more positive outlook on life and to feel more normal again. Medications can help with specific symptoms or related problems, such as prazosin (Minipress) for insomnia and nightmares.
It takes time to get the right dose of some medications. With certain medications, you may need to be tested regularly (for example, to see how your liver works) or see your doctor because of possible side effects. Medications may not eliminate symptoms, but they can make them less intense and more manageable. Conditionally recommended medications for the treatment of PTSD are sertraline, paroxetine, fluoxetine and venlafaxine.
Each patient varies in their response and ability to tolerate a specific medication and dose, so medications must be adapted to individual needs. The two medications recommended for treating post-traumatic stress disorder in adults are paroxetine and sertraline.