Has This Been Tried?

[Mixster]

I suppose this is for those in the military....

Was wondering if PSTD meds were used with those most at risk for PTSD, while they were at risk instead of after daignosis? Would this have the potential of reducing the impact of PTSD?

Anyone know?

 

[MurphyJB]

I don't think this would have mattered...at least in my experience. The drugs don't cure PTSD, they help the symptoms. Why would you need to be put on anxiety medication before you developed an anxiety problem?

 

[anthony]

The answer is that SSRI's do not work that way, and yes, they have been trialled with the exact predicted outcomes, none. If your serotonin system is working fine, then adding to it will only cause issues.

You could be thinking of beta blockers, which have been used and tested to take during traumatic events, so the event is literally blocked from specific aspects of the brain from becoming traumatic, however; they tested these with little overall effect, because you can't stop the brain processing the trauma at some stage. If you see it, hear it, smell it, taste it or touch it, then your brain records it and must process it. The results only end up in delayed onset...

Yes... they try lots of things, but they are not working. The latest new kid on the block for working is [DLMURL="http://www.ptsdforum.org/c/threads/sgb-ptsd-treatment-article.11417/"]SGB[/DLMURL], though it is an after, not before treatment, and is showing the best results to date of any treatment for PTSD ever.

 

[deer_in_headlights]

Hi Mixster,

Welcome to the forum!

I've read about Inderal being given immediately after a traumatic event, and apparently it was statistically significant in reducing the odds of PTSD development. That's my rapid answer without double-checking. I believe Anthony (Forum Administrator) knows of this and some other drugs in a similar class that are being tried for this.

Warmly,
Deer

P.S. Posting simultaneously with Anthony :) . I'll leave my answer up to show how current Anthony is with his knowledge. (I had heard about this a couple of years ago, and thought it neat...) I hoped Anthony would see your post and respond since he is the best one to ask. I happily bow to Anthony's superior knowledge ;)