Escitalopram in the Prevention of PTSD
Escitalopram in the Prevention of PTSD
From a practical perspective, it seems premature to recommend the use of SSRIs in PTSD prophylaxis, given that both this study and that of Shalev and colleagues did not find evidence of efficacy. Even so, given the small sample sizes in both studies, there is insufficient data to make a conclusive determination about the efficacy of SSRIs. Despite small randomized controlled trials of other pharmaco-prophylactic interventions (e.g. propranolol, hydrocortisone and gabapentin) not demonstrating unequivocal evidence of efficacy, with current investigations under way into the psychobiology of PTSD and the discovery of novel prophylactic targets, there is hope that efficacious preventive medications will be found.
Conclusion
From a practical perspective, it seems premature to recommend the use of SSRIs in PTSD prophylaxis, given that both this study and that of Shalev and colleagues did not find evidence of efficacy. Even so, given the small sample sizes in both studies, there is insufficient data to make a conclusive determination about the efficacy of SSRIs. Despite small randomized controlled trials of other pharmaco-prophylactic interventions (e.g. propranolol, hydrocortisone and gabapentin) not demonstrating unequivocal evidence of efficacy, with current investigations under way into the psychobiology of PTSD and the discovery of novel prophylactic targets, there is hope that efficacious preventive medications will be found.
