Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms can pop up unexpectedly and disrupt the most normal, mundane activities. Driving, walking outside, and having innocuous conversations can trigger intense physical and emotional anxiety symptoms. 

Even when you know you’re completely safe, your nervous system may think otherwise — and it can be very difficult to calm down and focus. Following the release of stress hormones, your body may feel unsettled and low, making it difficult to return to a sense of calm.

For many people with PTSD, medication is an important part of their comprehensive treatment plan. It can help keep symptoms under control while you’re receiving psychotherapy or in an intensive treatment program.

In this article, we’ll talk about medications that are used to treat PTSD and what the experience of finding the right medication is like.

FDA-approved medications for PTSD

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a select few medications for the treatment of PTSD. These include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs were developed as antidepressants. Some are also used to treat anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other mental health conditions.

SSRIs and SNRIs work by blocking nerve cells from reabsorbing certain neurotransmitters after they’re used to send signals. This increases the levels of serotonin or norepinephrine in the brain. It may take up to six to eight weeks for symptoms to improve.

Sertraline (Zoloft) and Paroxetine (Paxil) are FDA-approved for the treatment of PTSD.

Other types of medications used to treat anxiety and hyperarousal, such as benzodiazepines and sedatives, are not recommended for people with PTSD. They can worsen dissociation symptoms, which may interfere with the trauma healing process. This is one reason why receiving an accurate diagnosis is critical for people with PTSD.

Alternative and off-label treatments

Other classes of drugs are sometimes used “off-label” to treat remaining PTSD symptoms that aren’t resolved with psychotherapy, SSRIs or SNRIs. In particular, people sometimes need additional medication for anxiety and nightmares. 

Blood pressure medications such as calcium channel blockers can help prevent PTSD when given after recent trauma. They can help with hyperarousal and nightmares as well. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are also sometimes used to treat anxiety associated with PTSD.

The following blood pressure medications may be prescribed off-label for PTSD:

• Propranolol 
• Atenolol
• Clonidine
• Prazosin 

The following antiepileptic or anticonvulsant medications may be prescribed off-label for PTSD:

• Carbamazepine
• Lamotrigine
• Valproate 
• Topiramate 
• Gabapentin

It’s important to note that, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, not all of these are recommended for PTSD symptoms.

What to expect when starting PTSD medication

As with all medications, individual reactions will vary. It may take some trial and error to find medications that work for you. You’ll meet with a psychiatrist or another qualified prescriber for medication management sessions. You may see them in person or via telehealth. 

They’ll do an in-depth assessment and then talk with you about your options. When you’ve agreed on a course of treatment, they’ll write a prescription. You may check in as often as once a week or more while you’re seeing how different medications work for you. Once you’ve found something that works, you’ll slow down to once a month or once every few months.

It can take some time for new PTSD medications to work, and it’s common to have mild side effects. These are usually mild and subside within a few weeks. Side effects might include things like dizziness and indigestion. 

It’s also possible to experience more serious side effects or allergic reactions, including seizures, vision problems, appetite changes, and irregular heart rate. If you experience any serious side effects, call your prescriber and let them know right away. 

Otherwise, tell your prescriber about what you’re experiencing during medication management appointments so they can make adjustments as necessary.

Some of the most common side effects of SSRIs and SNRIs include:

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Agitation
• Fatigue
• Sexual dysfunction

You should only take medications for PTSD when working closely with a qualified prescriber. Make sure they know about your health history, including past conditions, allergies and other medications and supplements you’re taking.

• Initial side effects and how they typically resolve
• Importance of consistent daily dosing
• Need for patience during adjustment period
• Regular check-ins with prescribing physician
• Potential need to try different medications or dosages

Medication as part of comprehensive treatment

While medication can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, the most effective treatment approach combines medication with psychotherapy to address both the biological and psychological aspects of trauma. If your trauma symptoms are interfering with your life, or if medication and therapy aren’t enough to manage them, you may benefit from a higher level of treatment, such as a structured outpatient program. 

For people who have PTSD, personalized treatment is a must. At Lightfully, our licensed clinicians deliver weekly treatment plans for each client using a unique approach to treatment called Precision Care Model (PCM). 

We combine the most effective aspects of evidence-based modalities as well as compassion-based and somatic therapies to target the drivers behind mental health disorders and symptoms. We offer both in-person treatment at our clinics and virtual treatment.

Medication management is included in our Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), which includes several other therapeutic modalities chosen for you. If you’re looking for a supportive environment where you can find a medication that helps your PTSD symptoms, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. Let’s talk about your options.