Antipsychotic Drugs Offer No Extra Benefit Against PTSD

Antipsychotic drugs are not helpful in controlling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The VA conducted the study on veterans with PTSD, the most serious psychiatric condition among military personnel. The usual treatment for PTSD is an antidepressant, but there are symptoms that do not respond well to such medications. That’s why physicians frequently prescribe drugs such as risperidone or Seroquel when antidepressants don’t do the job.
To assess the effectiveness of such medications, nearly 300 veterans participated in a six-month placebo-controlled trial at 23 Veterans Administration outpatient medical centers. Those on risperidone in addition to their standard antidepressant medication did no better than those receiving placebo plus antidepressant. Side effects of the antipsychotic medication included weight gain, fatigue, drowsiness, low libido, drooling, nasal congestion and breathing problems. The bottom line appears to be that risperidone was ineffective in reducing PTSD symptoms or improving quality of life.
[JAMA Aug. 3, 2011]