Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Medications

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem marked by extreme distress that an individual undergoes post the exposure to the traumatic event. The distress in the individual is noticed by intrusive symptoms, avoidance of anything in association to the trauma, re-experiencing the symptoms, changes in thoughts and feelings, and arousal and reactivity post the onset of the traumatic event.

The treatment for PTSD can help you gain back a sense of control over your life and help you manage your symptoms. The main treatment is psychotherapy, but medications can definitely help alleviate symptoms. Combining both these treatment options will give you best results.

Medications for PTSD help address the symptomatic features of the mental illness. They include:

• Antidepressants medications

Antidepressants help improve sleep issues and concentration that are symptoms of PTSD. Medications under antidepressants also help alleviate symptoms of anxiety associated with reactivity and arousal and depression associated with feelings stemmed from the traumatic event. The advised PTSD treatment include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications that help with impulsivity, aggression and suicidal thoughts that are associated with the disorder, paroxetine (Paxil)  and sertraline (Zoloft).

• Antipsychotic medications

Antipsychotic medicines help treating symptoms like dissociation, hyper vigilance, agitation and paranoia. When combined with SSRI medications it is found to be quite helpful in treating and managing symptoms of PTSD.

• Anti-anxiety medications.

Anti- anxiety medications majorly improve the severe anxiety that has developed post the traumatic event. The drug under these medications along with improving anxiety also relieves individuals off their stress for a short period of time. It is advised to not take these medications for a long period of time as there is potential for abuse of the drug.

• Prazosin

Prazosin (Minipress) helps alleviate symptoms of PTSD like recurrent nightmares and insomnia. Although not entirely approved for PTSD treatment, the drug may reduce nightmares associated to the traumatic event.

Medications help witnessing results in within a few weeks. To help you better with managing and controlling symptoms associated with PTSD it is best if you work best with the psychiatrist and the psychotherapist. Understanding and having prior knowledge of the side effects to these drugs is extremely essential. Don’t forget to research about these drugs and have a few questions listed down for your doctor.  If any side effects stem from the medications make sure you talk about them to your doctor. Usually these medications work in combination so you may have to have more than one. Your doctor may adjust the dosage and the schedule of your medication before agreeing to what works best for you. But ensure that you take the medication only under the guidance of your doctor. To meet our doctors, call now on +919741476476.