RESULTS BZDs are ineffective for PTSD treatment and prevention , and risks associated with their use tend to outweigh potential short-term benefits .
In addition to adverse effects in general population s , BZDs are associated with specific problems in patients with PTSD : worse overall severity , significantly increased risk of developing PTSD with use after recent trauma , worse psychotherapy outcomes , aggression , depression , and substance use .
The results of this systematic review suggest that BZDs should be considered relatively contraindicated for patients with PTSD or recent trauma .
OBJECTIVE Although benzodiazepines ( BZDs ) are commonly used in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) , no systematic review or meta- analysis has specifically examined this treatment .
The goal of this study was to analyze and summarize evidence concerning the efficacy of BZDs in treating PTSD .
Clonazepam for Treatment of Sleep Disturbances Associated with Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
BACKGROUND : Clonazepam is widely used for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—related sleep disturbances  despite very limited published data supporting its use for this indication . OBJECTIVE : We conducted a pilot-controlled trial to provide more data on this clinical practice and lay the foundation for more definitive studies . METHODS : The study was design ed as a r and omized , single-blind ( ie , patient only ) , placebo-controlled , crossover clinical trial involving administration of clonazepam 1 mg at bedtime for one week followed by 2 mg at bedtime for one week . The following week served as a washout period before the alternate treatment was begun . Patients completed sleep diaries each morning upon awakening throughout the study . Parameters included quantity of sleep , quality of sleep , frequency and intensity of difficulty falling or staying asleep , and frequency and intensity of recurrent distressing dreams . RESULTS : Six patients with combat-related PTSD participated in the study . There were no statistically significant differences between clonazepam and placebo for any measure , although clonazepam therapy result ed in mild to moderate numeric improvements in difficulty falling or staying asleep . Adverse effects of clonazepam were generally mild and essentially indiscernible from those attributed to placebo . Only one patient elected to receive further treatment with clonazepam at the conclusion of the trial . CONCLUSIONS : Clonazepam therapy was largely ineffective in improving sleep disturbances , particularly nightmares , associated with combat-related PTSD . The small sample size was a significant limitation of this study , but the prospect i ve design and single-blind , placebo-control parameters were strengths . Further studies are needed to further define the role of this widespread clinical practice
RESULTS BZDs are ineffective for PTSD treatment and prevention , and risks associated with their use tend to outweigh potential short-term benefits .
In addition to adverse effects in general population s , BZDs are associated with specific problems in patients with PTSD : worse overall severity , significantly increased risk of developing PTSD with use after recent trauma , worse psychotherapy outcomes , aggression , depression , and substance use .
The results of this systematic review suggest that BZDs should be considered relatively contraindicated for patients with PTSD or recent trauma .
OBJECTIVE Although benzodiazepines ( BZDs ) are commonly used in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) , no systematic review or meta- analysis has specifically examined this treatment .
The goal of this study was to analyze and summarize evidence concerning the efficacy of BZDs in treating PTSD .