Brexpiprazole + Sertraline: Could this be the next FDA-approved treatment for PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) remains a complex and challenging condition to treat, often requiring a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacological interventions. While sertraline has long been an FDA-approved treatment for PTSD, recent research suggests that adding brexpiprazole could enhance therapeutic outcomes.

In an exclusive live session for our Academy Members, Dr. Harvinder Singh provided an in-depth analysis of this promising combination, comparing findings from two key studies:

📖 JAMA Psychiatry (Dec 2024)
📖 Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (Feb 2025)

Both JAMA Psychiatry (Dec 2024) and Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (Feb 2025) studies evaluated the efficacy of brexpiprazole + sertraline using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5). The primary endpoint was the change in CAPS-5 score by Week 10.

Here is one slide from this presentation:

Comparing Primary End Point Results from these 2 Studies:

Greater improvement in PTSD symptoms for Brexpiprazole + Sertraline was observed from week 6 and maintained till week 12.

Watch our following YouTube video, where we explore the likely mechanism of action behind this combination, discussing how Brexpiprazole may complement Sertraline for PTSD symptoms:

LIKELY MECHANISM OF ACTION:

Key Highlights from Dr. Singh’s Discussion:

🔹 Mechanism of action: How does this combination work for PTSD?
🔹 A breakdown of two recent studies (JAMA Psychiatry, Dec 2024 & Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, Feb 2025).
🔹 Weekly dosing strategies for Sertraline + Brexpiprazole.
🔹 Speed of response: How quickly were improvements seen?
🔹 Common side effects
🔹 Does Brexpiprazole + Sertraline differ from Brexpiprazole & Sertraline monotherapy in terms of response and adverse events?
🔹 Which PTSD symptoms did not show a positive response to this combination?
🔹 How this potential approval compares to past FDA indications and treatment guidelines.

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