Review
By examining the mechanisms of action, indications, efficacy, dosing and adverse effects of psychiatic medications approved by the FDA, this review seeks to evaluate the progress and future directions in the pharmacological treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive
disorder.
Review
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is thought to be related to a hyperactive sympathetic nervous system. Sometimes, use of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications for PTSD, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) sertraline and paroxetine, may not lead to full remission and symptoms of hyperarousal may persist. In this article the authors review the literature on the alpha-2 receptor agonists clonidine and guanfacine for the treatment of PTSD and conclude that while the evidence base is limited, these agents might be considered useful when SSRIs fail in patients with PTSD.
