This work may not be copied, distributed, displayed, published, reproduced, transmitted, modified, posted, sold, licensed, or used for commercial purposes. By downloading this file, you are agreeing to the publisher’s Terms & Conditions.

Original Research

Open Trial of Nefazodone for Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Michael A. Hertzberg, Michelle E. Feldman, Jean C. Beckham, Scott D. Moore, and Jonathan R. T. Davidson

Published: September 15, 1998

Article Abstract

Background: Because of its ability to block 5-HT2 receptorspostsynaptically and inhibit 5-HT reuptake presynaptically and/or its enhancement of sleepquality, nefazodone may be useful for symptom management in posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD) patients.

Method: Ten patients with combat-related DSM-IV posttraumatic stressdisorder (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 oruntil reaching a maximum dosage of 600 mg/day.

Results: Nefazodone was well tolerated, and no significant changes insexual function were reported. Based on Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scores,all 10 patients were rated as much improved. All PTSD symptoms (except self-reported PTSDreexperiencing symptoms), sleep, and clinician-rated depression significantly improved atweek 12. At follow-up, significant changes were maintained, and self-reported PTSDreexperiencing symptoms had also significantly improved. Effect sizes for all changedsymptoms were moderate to large at week 12 and at follow-up. Self-reported andclinician-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 beeffective in reducing the 3 primary PTSD symptom clusters and may be particularly helpfulin improving sleep and decreasing anger.

Volume: 59

Quick Links: PTSD , Trauma

Continue Reading…

Subscribe to read the entire article

$40.00

Buy this Article as a PDF