PTSD Pharmacology & Medication Management 2

Question 1

Which antidepressant class has the strongest evidence base and is considered first-line pharmacotherapy for PTSD according to clinical guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

SSRIs, particularly sertraline and paroxetine, are FDA-approved for PTSD and hold the strongest evidence as first-line pharmacotherapy.

Question 2

A patient with PTSD reports persistent nightmares unresponsive to SSRIs. Which medication is most commonly added as an adjunct specifically targeting trauma nightmares?

Accepted Answer

Prazosin

Answer

Prazosin, an alpha-1 adrenergic blocker, is widely used as an adjunct to reduce PTSD-related nightmares by blocking norepinephrine-driven arousal during sleep.

Question 3

Why are benzodiazepines generally NOT recommended for PTSD treatment despite their anxiolytic effects?

Accepted Answer

They worsen PTSD symptoms and interfere with fear extinction

Answer

Benzodiazepines can worsen PTSD outcomes by impairing fear extinction learning and are associated with dependence risk, making them contraindicated in most PTSD guidelines.

Question 4

Venlafaxine, an SNRI, is considered which level of evidence for PTSD pharmacotherapy?

Accepted Answer

First-line equal to SSRIs

Answer

Venlafaxine has sufficient evidence to be considered a first-line agent for PTSD alongside SSRIs in multiple international guidelines.

Question 5

A veteran with PTSD is started on sertraline. At what typical timeframe should a clinician assess for meaningful symptom improvement?

Accepted Answer

4-8 weeks

Answer

SSRIs typically require 4-8 weeks at therapeutic doses before meaningful PTSD symptom reduction can be evaluated.

(PTSD) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Certification Practice Test

(PTSD) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Certification Practice Test

PTSD Pharmacology & Medication Management 2