Of the medication classes , evidence of treatment efficacy was most convincing for the SSRIs .
In addition , medication was superior to placebo in reducing  comorbid depression and disability .
Medication was also less well tolerated than placebo .
A narrative review of the 3 maintenance trials suggested that long-term medication may be required in treating PTSD .
CONCLUSION Medication treatments can be effective in treating PTSD , acting to reduce its core symptoms , as well as associated depression and disability , and should be considered as part of the treatment of this disorder .
The findings of this review support the status of SSRIs as first-line agents in the pharmacotherapy of PTSD , as well as their value in longterm treatment .
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) is a prevalent and disabling condition .
Evidence that PTSD is characterized by specific psychobiological dysfunctions has contributed to a growing interest in use of medication in its treatment .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of medication in the treatment of PTSD .
Sertraline, Paroxetine, and Venlafaxine in Refugee Posttraumatic Stress Disorder with Depression Symptoms
Three new antidepressants were used in treating posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) and symptoms of  depression in Bosnian refugees . Thirty-two Bosnian refugees seeking treatment at a mental health clinic participated in a case series study . All received open trials of Sertraline ( n = 15 ) , Paroxetine ( n = 12 ) , or Venlafaxine ( n = 5 ) , with st and ard clinical doses . Overall , Sertraline and Paroxetine produced statistically significant improvement at 6 weeks in PTSD symptom severity , in depression , and in Global Assessment of Functioning .  Venlafaxine produced improvement in PTSD symptom severity and in Global Assessment of Functioning , did not yield improvement in symptoms of major depressive disorder , and had a high rate of side effects . Notwithst and ing improvement of symptoms , all 32 refugees remained PTSD positive at the diagnostic level at the 6-week follow-up
Of the medication classes , evidence of treatment efficacy was most convincing for the SSRIs .
In addition , medication was superior to placebo in reducing  comorbid depression and disability .
Medication was also less well tolerated than placebo .
A narrative review of the 3 maintenance trials suggested that long-term medication may be required in treating PTSD .
CONCLUSION Medication treatments can be effective in treating PTSD , acting to reduce its core symptoms , as well as associated depression and disability , and should be considered as part of the treatment of this disorder .
The findings of this review support the status of SSRIs as first-line agents in the pharmacotherapy of PTSD , as well as their value in longterm treatment .
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) is a prevalent and disabling condition .
Evidence that PTSD is characterized by specific psychobiological dysfunctions has contributed to a growing interest in use of medication in its treatment .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of medication in the treatment of PTSD .