Can Medication Treat PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a behavioral health condition that can occur after you experience or witness something traumatic. Symptoms can include; intrusive memories, numbness, flashbacks, nightmares, panic, avoidance behaviors, extreme anxiety and even some symptoms of depression. These symptoms can impact the way you live your life. The effects of trauma can be overwhelming and isolating. Though you may feel alone, you are not. PTSD is treatable. 

If you are experiencing intrusive symptoms of PTSD you are likely wondering what you can do to stop them. Recovery is possible. Often the most effective approach to treating PTSD symptoms includes a combination of therapy and psychiatric medication management. Learning more about your treatment options can make a world of difference.  

Common Medications Used to Treat PTSD Symptoms

The right combination of medications can help reduce the intensity of your PTSD symptoms and improve overall functioning. Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are commonly prescribed to alleviate symptoms like anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts. These medications can help regulate your mood by balancing chemicals in your brain.

In some cases, medications like prazosin can help with sleep disturbances and nightmares that are common with PTSD. Benzodiazepines are typically not recommended due to the risk of dependence and dangers of long term use.

Medications can be especially helpful when symptoms are severe. It can be difficult to get what you need out of therapy when your symptoms are so intense you struggle to use skills or make healthy life changes.  The right medication management plan can help to stabilize your mood, improve sleep and reduce anxiety. When this happens you can better engage in therapy and utilize interventions.

Can Counseling Help? 

Therapy is a powerful and effective way to treat symptoms of PTSD. Evidence- based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Theory (EMDR) are among the most sought after. They can help you to learn ways to process and cope with symptoms, ultimately leading to recovery. 

While these approaches have amazing results, they are difficult to engage in when your symptoms are overwhelming. Finding the right medication management plan can help to decrease the frequency and intensity of your symptoms so that you can actively engage and get the most out of counseling. 

Finding the Help You Need

Don’t wait until your symptoms and circumstances become unmanageable before seeking treatment. Too many people let this happen. With the right treatment plan, including medications and therapy, you can find relief from your PTSD symptoms and work toward recovery.

Carolina Counseling Services in Fayetteville, NC contracts with skilled psychiatric professionals that can develop a medication management plan that is right for you. Our caring, skilled prescribers can assist you in gaining control of your symptoms. CCS also contracts with knowledgeable, licensed therapists. Find the right approaches for you all in one place. Call today to schedule your first appointment.