Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 3020

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Meds for PTSD??

Posted by Christy on February 17, 1999, at 1:33:49

Understanding that PTSD is an emotional condition and not a chemical one, it's symptoms such as panic attacks, depression and what not are debilitating.
Does anyone know of any medicine that can be safely used long-term to treat these symptoms as they arise?
Thanks and good luck to all!

 

Re: Meds for PTSD??

Posted by Elizabeth on February 17, 1999, at 17:18:58

In reply to Meds for PTSD??, posted by Christy on February 17, 1999, at 1:33:49

> Understanding that PTSD is an emotional condition and not a chemical one, it's symptoms such as panic attacks, depression and what not are debilitating.
> Does anyone know of any medicine that can be safely used long-term to treat these symptoms as they arise?
> Thanks and good luck to all!

I think that the distinction between "emotional" and "chemical" conditions is ultimately misleading. Emotions are absolutely chemical-electrical-etc.

That said...yes, medication treatment of PTSD usually is aimed at the specific symptoms, antidepressants being a mainstay. Benzodiazepines (e.g., clonazepam) and a slew of other medications are also used; again it depends what specific symptoms are manifest. All are safe for long-term use, although you should be aware that benzodiazepine withdrawal is dangerous, so if a benzodiazepine is used on a regular schedule (as opposed to intermittently, "as needed") for too long, tapering off can't be rushed.

Hope that helps some; Dr. Bob's "Psychopharmacology Tips" site has quite a bit on this subject (there's a link from this page).

 

Re: Meds for PTSD??

Posted by Terry on February 28, 1999, at 22:43:39

In reply to Meds for PTSD??, posted by Christy on February 17, 1999, at 1:33:49

A study from the VA Hospital in Tuscaloosa, AL, presented at this year's American Society of Hospital Pharmacists' annual meeting indicates that bupropion (Wellbutrin) may be effective for PTSD. REsearchers there are testing the drug in 60 patients. An interim eight-week analysis of the drug indicates treated patients had much better scores on depression scales and other tests and had less anxiety. Bupropion may be better than SSRIs such as Prozac for PTSD because it doesn't cause sleep disturbances, which are often already a problem with this diagnosis. Final results aren't yet available, but the drug did seem promising in this veteran's study. Doses used were the usual recommended doses for depression (300 to 450 mg daily) of either regular or sustained-released bupropion.

> Understanding that PTSD is an emotional condition and not a chemical one, it's symptoms such as panic attacks, depression and what not are debilitating.
> Does anyone know of any medicine that can be safely used long-term to treat these symptoms as they arise?
> Thanks and good luck to all!

 

Re: Meds for PTSD??

Posted by Jo Anne on May 13, 1999, at 11:08:42

In reply to Re: Meds for PTSD??, posted by Elizabeth on February 17, 1999, at 17:18:58

Good information about that medication. I will check into it. As far as PTSD being a emotional and not a chemical problem, well. That is like saying an apple does not have a seed at its core. I am a PTSD survivor. The brain stores memory and regulate emotions biochemically. Frankly, things with me with me and PTSD are out of whack. Medication I think is a tool to help me calm down enough to be able to deal with my emotions. It is a viable option, one I am happy to take.

 

Re: Meds for PTSD??

Posted by saintjames on May 13, 1999, at 15:16:19

In reply to Re: Meds for PTSD??, posted by Jo Anne on May 13, 1999, at 11:08:42

> Good information about that medication. I will check into it. As far as PTSD being a emotional and not a chemical problem, well. That is like saying an apple does not have a seed at its core. I am a PTSD survivor. The brain stores memory and regulate emotions biochemically. Frankly, things with me with me and PTSD are out of whack. Medication I think is a tool to help me calm down enough to be able to deal with my emotions. It is a viable option, one I am happy to take.


James here....

Here, here ! You can't seperate the mind from the body. Some of us, like myself, are born with a condition that requires meds and others, because of life expreiences, have some of the same conditions, not by birth, but because of life experiances.

james


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