Medication

[Laurie MacGregor]

My daughter is finally seeing a doctor tomorrow about her PTSD. Does anyone know of a medication or combination that helps or is PTSD a life sentance?

So far the only thing that seems to keep her grounded is pot and that is illegal.

 

[Lionheart]

Medicinal marijuana is legal for the treatment of PTSD in New Mexico, but I think prescription medication coupled with therapy is the way to go. Different people respond differently to medications, so it may take a while to find the right medicine or combination that works for your daughter. I have found that therapy and medication management has lead to greatly decreased intensity of symptoms.

For some of us PTSD can be life-long....however, it can still be managed and isn't necessarily a "death sentence". I would recommend that she see a trained trauma therapist and a psychiatrist, as opposed to a regular MD.

For the record, I take Celexa , low-dose Abilify, and Prazosin and couple that with cognitive-behavioral therapy.

 

[CraftyCath]

Hi Laurie,

Ditto to all Lionheart said. I have complex PTSD and there is no one treatment. It differs from patient to patient. However, I agree with LH in that it is extremely important that she sees a qualified therapist. I see a Psychotherapist who practices EMDR, EFT and a combination of other therapies. This has been a life saver for me. It is not available on the NHS in some parts of the UK (including mine) so I have to pay private. I personally didn't find CBT helpful but as I said, it depends on the person.

Again, LH is right. We need to balance prescription drugs with therapy. I take Citalopram (a SSRI) and if I need them, Propanalol (a Beta Blocker used for anxiety).

Pot can increase the paranoia symptoms that PTSD sufferers often get so I would definitely seek professional help.

Good luck and I hope your daughter starts to improve. x

 

[Deleted member 1860]

SOME think meds are necessary, but I believe they should be used for stabilization only until coping skills and other forms of therapy are strong enough on their own.

But on a tangent, I think it's funny how those of us who do Neurotherapy are dogged as engaging in treatments with a placebo effect at best, yet we are the ones who are med free?... (sorry, but no, I don't plan on ever stepping off my Neuro soapbox... Not until it gets the recognition it deserves and becomes a first line treatment for PTSD as some have suggested!)

 

[Laurie MacGregor]

Thank you for your answers and advise. Our first visit to the new doctor was very successful. She was very understanding and empathetic. For now Samantha has been prescribed Remeron for PTSD and we expect to hear from a Psychiatrist from the VA for an appointment.

 

[CraftyCath]

I'm glad your new doctor was sympathetic Laurie and I hope things pick up a bit for Samantha.

 

[Srain]

That's great Laurie, I agree with CraftyCath and Lionheart about checking everything out. I personally find that a trauma therapist has been vital to my recovery. Over the years I've most everything that's been made available for what my issues are and so finding what fits for ME is what matters. The great things is that on this site there are so much information and informed people with various experiences but it does come down to the individual and seeing the right professional.

I hope all continues to go well. As far as PTSD being a lifelong ordeal, it truly is up to the individual, I'm hopeful mine is not. :)

peace,
Rain

 

[J Waters]

New to this site. I have had some limited success with Rx Prazosin. Indicated for nightmares, also lowers blood pressure and seems to help calm the racing thoughts thing.