When educating an individual diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) regarding prescribed medication therapy, the nurse should include that:

Question

a. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like escitalopram (Lexapro) have failed to prove effective in managing PTSD-related depression.
b. the prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) venlafaxine (Effexor) is intended to help lessen intrusive thoughts.
c. benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax) are safe and have very good results in managing avoidance symptoms.
d. mood stabilizers like valproic acid (Depakote) are effective in managing mood swings that occur with PTSD.

Answer 1

B
Pharmacological interventions have been found to be useful in the treatment of the positive symptoms of PTSD including hyperarousal and reexperiencing phenomenon, and to a lesser extent the negative symptoms of PTSD, including avoidance symptoms. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally considered the first line of pharmacological treatment for individuals diagnosed with PTSD. These medications help with symptoms including depression, irritability, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts. The SNRI venlafaxine also has been found to be helpful in the management of this disorder. Benzodiazepines may be helpful in managing anxiety, insomnia, and hyperarousal, but they should be used cautiously due to the high degree of comorbid substance abuse in veterans. Mood stabilizers have not been demonstrated to be effective in the management of PTSD symptoms.