Parker Waichman LLP

Antipsychotic Drugs Ineffective in Treating PTSD Symptoms, Study Finds

A new, six-month study found that that antipsychotic medications such as Risperdal, don’t work all that well in resolving symptoms associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a dangerous disorder very commonly seen in combat veterans. Veterans Affairs (VA) described PTSD as an anxiety disorder linked to a traumatic event in which the sufferer believes his/her […]

A new, six-month study found that that antipsychotic medications such as Risperdal, don’t work all that well in resolving symptoms associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a dangerous disorder very commonly seen in combat veterans.

Veterans Affairs (VA) described PTSD as an anxiety disorder linked to a traumatic event in which the sufferer believes his/her life, or the lives of others, are in danger, common in combat situations. Symptoms of PTSD include sleeplessness, nightmares, restlessness, and an acute startle response, to name just some. The effects of PTSD can be debilitating.

Risperdal (risperidone), used in the treatment of PTSD in combat veterans, might not be doing much to reduce severity of the disorder, according to the new, randomized, controlled study, said MSNBC, worked no better than the placebo in mitigating symptoms in long-term PTSD sufferers or those who continued to suffer from symptoms after antidepressant therapy. The medication did not minimize depression and anxiety, said the researchers. The study appears in the current Journal of the American Medical Association.

“PTSD is the most common—and most costly to treat—disorder seen by the VA psychiatry services,” said lead author, Dr. John H. Krystal, professor and chair of the department of psychiatry at Yale University and director of the clinical neuroscience division of the VA’s National Center for PTSD. “It’s a huge problem,” Dr Krystal added, reported MSNBC.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved two medications for the treatment of PTSD: Paxil and Zoloft; however, they are not always effective. Specifically, these antidepressants don’t do much to help people who have undergone multiple traumas or who suffer from chronic PTSD, said Krystal, wrote MSNBC. Because of this, physicians have tried medications such as Risperdal (risperidone) to augment antidepressant use.

Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability linked to autism disorder, said MSNBC. In 2009, some 87,000 PTSD-diagnosed veterans were prescribed an antipsychotic prescription; about 94 percent received a second-generation antipsychotic, such as Risperdal, MSNBC added. “So here we have the situation where one of the most commonly prescribed medications for the treatment of PTSD turns out not to be effective in reducing the overall severity of PTSD or improving other types of outcomes, such as quality of life,” Krystal said. “Which really gives you pause,” Krystal noted, reported MSNBC.

The study looked at 247 veterans diagnosed with military-related PTSD; half received risperidone and half received placebos; those on antidepressants continued those drugs in addition to risperidone, said MSNBC. Patients taking risperidone fared no better than patients taking placebos in reducing the severity of symptoms. Side effects including weight gain, sleepiness, and drowsiness were observed in those taking risperidone.

“We fully expected we would find it to be effective on the basis of preliminary studies that found risperidone effective and because it was so widely prescribed,” Krystal said. “But we found that it was not only not better than placebo at reducing overall symptoms, but also it was not better in reducing anxiety, depression, or in improving quality of life,” MSNBC reported.

Dr. Ian Cook, the Miller professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles said “PTSD can be such a dangerous illness…. People really need to get treatment. It can lead to suicide. It can lead to violence when someone is having a flashback. People need to get care,” according to MSNBC

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Denny Tang assisted my family in a major personal injury matter and got us a result we were satisfied with. Denny was a consummate professional and showed great patience and care in our case. We're grateful for his assistance.
Kareen M.
9 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value
PENNY VALENCIA
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
My experience with Parker Waichman was very professional and thorough from the first day I met with Gerard Ryan regarding my 9/11 claim. He explained in detail how the process works. The paralegals on my case were wonderful in instructing me how to gather my information and what to do at the different stages of the claim. I first worked with Christina Morace followed by Shelly Davis and concluded with Gina Viti. Each of these women was very detailed and helpful in instructing me on what I needed to do. They were very professional, kind and pleasant in all my telephone conversations with them. I must give extra credit to Christina the first person that communicated with me after meeting with Gerard. At a certain stage Shelly Davis began working with me and I found her to be very professional, pleasant and detailed in her instructions. The final stage of the claim I worked with Gina who was also very kind and pleasant. It would have been a pleasure if I had met them in person. Thanks to each of them my case was successfully filed and accepted. Thanks Parker Waichman. Great job Gerald, Christine, Shelly and Gina. No hesitation in recommending you.
Edna Ellis
a year ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038