Concerns over Drug Given to Vets for PTSD

Washington, DCConcerns are being raised over an antipsychotic drug given to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Currently the US Food and Drug Administration has cleared only two drugs for treatment of the condition, Zoloft and Paxil, which may put patients at risk of Paxil side effects.

span itemprop="image" itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/ImageObject" style="display:block">The anti-psychotic in question is Seroquel, which is often given to veterans who are dealing with insomnia stemming from PTSD, according to the Associated Press (AP). The news source also reports that a number of soldiers have died while taking Seroquel, prompting some families of veterans to call on Congress to investigate the matter.

A 2009 study of antipsychotics conducted by Vanderbilt University revealed that there are three deaths every year for every 1,000 people who take such medications.

According to AP, the two FDA-approved drugs for PTSD are not always effective. In addition, Paxil has a number of side effects, including easy bruising or bleeding, rigid muscles and nausea, according to Drugs.com.