STEPS uses two types of medications – SSRI’s and SNRI’s. Both have been proven effective for treating PTSD and depression.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant medications and have been proven both clinically effective and relatively safe. They can improve symptoms of moderate and severe depression with minimal side effects.
SSRI’s prescribed for STEPS include:
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Common SSRI side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Dry Mouth
Taking SSRI’s with a meal or at bedtime can minimize some of these symptoms. Which antidepressant is best for you depends on a number of factors like your symptoms and any other health conditions.
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI)
Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), similar to SSRIs, are a class of medication used to effectively treat PTSD and depression symptoms. In addition to increasing the level of serotonin, the “feel good hormone”, SNRIs increase the amount of norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine helps the brain focus, increasing alertness and the retrieval of memory. In STEPS, SNRI’s are a second line of treatment that are used if SSRI’s don’t seem to work for you.
SNRI prescribed for STEPS:
- Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Common SNRI side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Constipation
- Dry mouth