I am a Viet Nam veteran with PTSD diagnosed by the Veterans Hospital. I was prescribed an SSRI drug for panic episodes but have a strong reaction to this class of drugs. I friend of mine is a 13 year veteran with the Marine Corps. with a full medical discharge due to his experience in the middle east. He has the same reaction to SSRI and was prescribed Clonazepam (0.5 mg) which helps him tremendously. Should I try to get my doctor to Prescribe this for my to try?
Hello there I have read through your question and would like to tell you that SSRI is the first line treatment used in post-traumatic stress Disorder.  But since you are having side effects with it, you can ask your physician for an alternative. Venlafaxine which is SARI is a good option. Clonazepam does not have a proven benefit in PTSD but works in some people. But you have to discuss it with your physician as it is habit-forming. I hope that answers your question. If you have any further questions please feel free to write. Thank you for choosing Chat Doctor.