Is anyone on medication for (complex) PTSD treatment? I’d appreciate some help.
Hi, I went (half-forced) to see a psychiatrist today for the first time as my employer insisted for insurance coverage for my paid sick leave.
I was prescribed with pills for anxiety (benzos - lorazepam), mood swings and angry outbursts (mood stabilizers - Abilify), and some sleeping pills.
I’ve been on EMDR therapy by a clinical psychologist for half a year now and have seen some significant improvements, and haven’t intended to take any meds as I was worried about side effects. However, I almost went to ER two weeks ago as I suddenly dissociated physically/mentally due to a very distressing chat at work, and my coworkers basically stayed until 5am outside of my place with an ambulance while I had a series of dissociative/panic attacks in front of them.
After this episode, I’m seriously considering taking meds for just months to enhance treatment with both psychotherapy and medication. I read several research papers on each one and haven’t taken any yet. I’ve tossed out benzos already after reading nearly all papers saying it’s not suitable for PTSD treatment and has severe side effects. Mood stabilizers (Abilify) seem to work some people with PTSD, but others had horrible side effects. I’m pondering on taking it until I calm down from the dissociative episode - but I’m also concerned as I read it might cause rapid weight gain and othet side effects. I’ve been taking sleeping pills for a couple of weeks now, but also am not sure if I can take them with Abilify before sleeping as the doctor recommended.
Has anyone tried one of these meds, or any others that worked for you? After the visit today, I had this impression that the psychiatrist is not specilized in PTSD (although she was nice), otherwise she wouldn’t have prescribed benzos.
I’m very worried as I’ve never taken this kind of meds before, so wanted to hear others’ experiences related to use of medication for PTSD treatment.