Medications
“I was finally able to start living again.”
Rick Collier
U.S. Marine Corps, 2002-2006

Medications
Medications can be used to treat the symptoms of mental health issues. Research shows there are medications that work for PTSD symptoms. Learn about medications that work and others that should not be used for PTSD.
- Medications for PTSD
Medications that have been shown to be helpful in treating PTSD symptoms are some of the same medications also used for symptoms of depression and anxiety. - Benzodiazepines for PTSD
Some medications, including benzodiazepines, are not recommended. Benzodiazepines are medications given by a doctor to improve anxiety and sleep. They do not help with PTSD symptoms and can have serious side effects over time. There are better treatment options.
Choosing a Treatment
No one treatment is right for everyone. Learn about working with your health care provider to choose a treatment that is best for you based on benefits, risks and side effects.
To learn more about evidence-based treatments:
- Download our booklet Understanding PTSD and PTSD Treatment (PDF)
- Compare treatments using the PTSD Treatment Decision Aid
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