Abstract | BACKGROUND: Because of its ability to block 5-HT2 receptors postsynaptically and inhibit 5-HT reuptake presynaptically and/or its enhancement of sleep quality, nefazodone may be useful for symptom management in posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD) patients. METHOD: Ten patients with combat-related DSM-IV posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD) entered an open-label 12-week trial of nefazodone with a 4-week follow-up, beginning with 100 mg/day and increasing as necessary to achieve a maximal response or until reaching a maximum dosage of 600 mg/day. RESULTS:
Nefazodone was well tolerated, and no significant changes in sexual function were reported. Based on Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scores, all 10 patients were rated as much improved. All PTSD symptoms (except self-reported PTSD reexperiencing symptoms), sleep, and clinician-rated depression significantly improved at week 12. At follow-up, significant changes were maintained, and self-reported PTSD reexperiencing symptoms had also significantly improved. Effect sizes for all changed symptoms were moderate to large at week 12 and at follow-up. Self-reported and clinician-rated anger significantly improved. Self-reported depression failed to improve. Improvement in social and occupational functioning was minimal. CONCLUSION: These preliminary data suggest that nefazodone may be effective in reducing the 3 primary PTSD symptom clusters and may be particularly helpful in improving sleep and decreasing anger.
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Authors | M A Hertzberg, M E Feldman, J C Beckham, S D Moore, J R Davidson |
Journal | The Journal of clinical psychiatry
(J Clin Psychiatry)
Vol. 59
Issue 9
Pg. 460-4
(Sep 1998)
ISSN: 0160-6689 [Print] United States |
PMID | 9771816
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
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Chemical References |
- Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
- Piperazines
- Triazoles
- nefazodone
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Topics |
- Adult
- Ambulatory Care
- Anger
(drug effects)
- Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Combat Disorders
(diagnosis, drug therapy, psychology)
- Depressive Disorder
(diagnosis, drug therapy, psychology)
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Personality Inventory
- Piperazines
- Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
- Sleep
(drug effects)
- Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders
(drug therapy, psychology)
- Treatment Outcome
- Triazoles
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
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