3 Medications That Help Relieve PTSD Symptoms

Posted by kinderinthekeys on October 21st, 2019

Have you been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD? Aside from getting therapy, medication will help relieve you of its symptoms. Ask your doctor which of the following is best for you.

Sertraline

This medicine is an anti-depressant that comes in both liquid and pill forms. It's part of the category of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. The chemical serotonin helps transmit signals between neurons. Sertraline works by raising the amount of the hormone in the brain, a lack of which causes clinical depression and anxiety, among other mental health issues.

Using this medication for PTSD treatment can help lessen patients' feelings of unease, reduce panic attacks, and improve their quality of life. But, in some cases, people may experience side effects such as:

• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Indigestion
• Insomnia
• Loss of Appetite
• Reduced Libido

Propranolol

Propranolol is a type of beta-blocker. Medications in this category work by inhibiting the effects of epinephrine, also known as the hormone adrenaline, in the body. This helps the heart beat more slowly and less forcefully, successfully reducing blood pressure. People with hypertension and other issues with their circulatory system take this as it lessens the stress on their heart and arteries.

In recent studies, doctors have used it to treat PTSD. The drug moderates the disorder's symptoms often connected to increased adrenaline in the body, such as profuse sweating and shaking. Further research shows that it actually helps reduce the long-term storage of emotional memories if taken right after the traumatic event, lessening the chances of the person developing the condition.

Patients taking propranolol may experience these side effects:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Reduced Libido
• Stomach Cramps
• Vomiting

Buspirone

Buspirone is a type of anti-anxiety or anxiolytic medication. It's used to regulate serotonin and its fellow neurotransmitter dopamine. It affects the receptors of said chemicals in the brain, increasing their activity and easing anxiety.

This medicine helps reduce the occurrences of intrusive thoughts and recurring nightmares in PTSD patients. It's often used alongside anti-depressants to intensify the latter's effectivity. Buspirone, though, may cause the following side effects:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Over-excitement
• Vomiting

These are a few of the substances that will help you manage your condition. Remember to consult your doctor first before taking these. They'll assess which medication for PTSD treatment is best for your specific case.