Sometimes, people go through very hard or scary events. This is called trauma. A car crash, a big storm, or being hurt by someone can cause trauma. After something scary happens, it is normal to feel afraid.

But sometimes, the fear does not go away. It may last for weeks, months, or even years.

When fear and worry stay for a long time, they can lead to anxiety. Anxiety means you worry a lot or feel afraid, even when you are safe.

You may feel like something bad will happen again. Your hands may shake. Your chest may feel tight. You may have trouble sleeping or have bad dreams.

This is called trauma-related anxiety.

Many people wonder if medication can help with this kind of anxiety.

At Fresh Start Psychiatry, we focus on care that fits each person’s needs, symptoms and goals.

 So, can medication help with trauma-related anxiety? Let’s learn about this.

How Trauma Affects the Brain and Body

The brain has an alarm system. When you go through a bad event, your brain turns on the alarm. It tells your body to get ready to fight or run away. This is a good thing when you are in real danger.

But trauma changes the alarm system. It makes the alarm get stuck in the “on” position. Because the alarm is stuck, it goes off even when you are safe. Your heart beats fast. You feel panic. This is what trauma-related anxiety does. The brain needs help to turn the alarm off.

The good news is that treatment can help. Treatment often includes talk therapy and, sometimes, medication.

Can Medication Help with Trauma-Related Anxiety?

For some people, medicine can help.
Medicine may lower anxiety and other symptoms after trauma. It may help with:

• Strong worry
• Panic
• Trouble sleeping
• Bad dreams
• Low mood
• Other symptoms linked to trauma

A mental health specialist can examine your symptoms, past medical record and other medications or treatment targets. Then, the provider can talk with you about choices that may help.

Medicine does not replace therapy. In fact, many professionals state that therapy is the number one treatment for anxiety caused by trauma. However, treatments become easier with medicine. When anxiety is very strong, it can be hard to talk about the trauma. Medicine can help reduce that anxiety to the extent that a person can do what therapy does.

Types of Medication Used

Several types of medication are available for the treatment of trauma-related anxiety. The most common options include:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are a type of antidepressant medicine.

Medicines such as sertraline and paroxetine may help people with PTSD. Fluoxetine may also help some people. These medicines can help lower anxiety and improve mood.

• Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

Venlafaxine is an SNRI that may improve trauma symptoms. It affects two chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, which are involved in stress management.

• Prazosin

This may be used to prevent bad dreams and to get a better night’s sleep.

• Mirtazapine

It can be prescribed both during the day for anxiety and at night for sleeping.
Your physician will determine which medication will work best for you.

Each medicine works differently. Some medicines need to be taken every day. Some may take a few weeks to start working.
Your provider can tell you what to expect and what side effects to watch for. Always take medicine as your provider tells you.

Do not change your dose or stop taking your medicine without talking to your provider first.

How Long Do You Need to Take Medicine?

Some people take medicine for a few months. Some people take it for a few years. There is no wrong answer. Your body is unique. Your doctor will listen to you and help you decide what is best.

You might just need medicine for a short time. Once you learn new ways to handle your stress, you and your doctor might decide to stop the medicine slowly. Other people find that taking medicine every day gives them the best life. Both paths are perfectly okay.

Working Together with Therapy

Medicine is very helpful. However, it is best when combined with talking therapy.

You can work through the trauma with therapy. It assists you in learning coping mechanisms. CBT and EMDR are two types of therapies that are commonly used. Studies indicate that many individuals are treated successfully for PTSD using therapy.

When you take medicine, your brain becomes more relaxed, which allows you to discuss your emotions. When your mind is quiet, you and your therapist can work together. You can learn new tricks to calm your body.

Medicine plus therapy is the best way to heal from trauma-related anxiety. They make a strong team.

Finding the Right Care for You

If you are an adult dealing with trauma, you do not have to do this all alone. Fresh Start Psychiatry is ready to help you. Located in Ithaca, New York, we provide personalized psychiatric care based on each person’s needs.

Our caring provider, Anita Richardson-Sasson, helps people better understand their symptoms and explore treatment options that may support their well-being.

We offer mental health checkups. We want to understand your exact needs. We also provide safe and careful medication management. If medication is a good fit, we’ll guide you through every step.

We can help you manage worry, panic attacks and sleep problems. You do not have to leave your home to get help. We offer both virtual and in-person appointments. Our goal is to help you regain your energy and peace of mind.

Taking the First Step Toward Healing

You don’t have to carry it all alone. You deserve to wake up feeling calm and to feel safe in your own body. Healing is possible.

The first step is often the hardest; it takes courage to ask for help.

At Fresh Start Psychiatry, a healthier you is waiting. We’ll walk with you on your journey to wellness. Reach out today and let us help you find your smile again.

FAQs

Will medicine change my personality?

No. The right medicine will not change who you are. It will just turn down the fear and worry. You will still be you.

Does insurance cover medication and treatment?

Many insurance plans cover mental health care. Fresh Start Psychiatry accepts Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare, Oxford and Oscar insurance. We also work with out-of-network benefits.