Sertraline for PTSD
(SSRI Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This is a research study to examine the effectiveness of a brief screening method that may predict which people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression are most likely to show a positive response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications. Participants will be recruited over approximately 5.25 years, until at least 94 participants complete the 17 week study.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you have not used SSRIs or drugs affecting the serotonin system for 3 months before starting. Other psychotropic medications must be stable for 3 months before and during the study.
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug sertraline for treating PTSD?
Is sertraline safe for humans?
Sertraline, also known as Zoloft, has been studied for safety in various clinical trials for PTSD, showing it is generally well-tolerated with some patients experiencing mild side effects. In one study, only 13% of participants stopped using it due to adverse effects, indicating it is relatively safe for human use.13567
How does the drug sertraline differ from other treatments for PTSD?
Sertraline is unique because it is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which helps increase serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood and reduce anxiety, and it is one of the few drugs approved specifically for PTSD. It is also effective for patients with PTSD who have additional mood or anxiety disorders, making it versatile for those with multiple conditions.34678
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for veterans with PTSD or major depression who've experienced trauma, meet DSM-5 criteria for these conditions, and are open to trying SSRI medication. They shouldn't have a severe substance use disorder, be at immediate risk of harm to self or others, have used certain serotonin-affecting drugs recently, be pregnant, or currently in specific psychotherapies.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Placebo Lead-in
Participants undergo a 2-week placebo lead-in phase to identify placebo responders
Treatment
Placebo non-responders receive sertraline, with dose adjustments based on clinical response and tolerability
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Sertraline (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor)
Sertraline is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Major depressive episodes
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder