SSRI / SNRI for PTSD

What it is

First-line medications in the VA/DoD PTSD guideline: sertraline, paroxetine (FDA-labeled), venlafaxine commonly used. Psychotherapy is still preferred as the primary treatment when it is available.

Evidence

Guideline strong-for those agents. They help some people and do not “erase” PTSD. Prazosin is for nightmares, not global PTSD.

Access for veterans

VA primary care and mental health, civilian psychiatry.

Cautions

Benzodiazepines carry a strong-against for PTSD. Medication is not a standalone cure and does not replace a trauma protocol when one is indicated.

Evidence reviewed September 2026. Named sources are being added room by room; start with VA/DoD PTSD guideline (2023) for first-line care.

See programs All modalities