A medication that works best for PTSD will be personalized to the symptoms that are limiting your day-to-day activities.
Medications will often help target and control symptoms such as depression, anxiety,sleep problems, or psychosis.
Prazosin is classified as an alpha-adrenergic receptor blocker.
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It can inhibit alpha receptors on the walls of blood vessels and in the brain.
They can be taken alone or in combination with an SSRI or SNRI.
In addition, these medications may intensify the fear response associated with PTSD.
Summary
If you have PTSD, trying trauma-based therapy first before starting medications is best.
However, medications can provide added support for managing symptoms if therapy alone does not work.
First-line medications such as fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, or venlafaxine are recommended.
For sleep-related symptoms, you might also benefit from taking prazosin.
You may add other medications, such as antipsychotics, if antidepressants don’t work for you.
Choosing the right medication for PTSD is a personal decision that you should discuss with your healthcare provider.
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