Archive · 1 Aug 2025
VA Overmedicating Veterans with PTSD Using Multiple Drugs
Some veterans with PTSD are given several mental health drugs at once, which is called polypharmacy.
The VA does this often because there aren't enough therapists.
But this can be a problem because it can cause bad side effects and sometimes even lead to thoughts of suicide.
While the VA knows about these risks, they have been slow to make changes.
Some veterans have found alternative treatments like psychedelic therapy helpful, but these are not always available or approved.
Veterans with PTSD are often prescribed multiple psychiatric drugs, a practice called polypharmacy.
VA guidelines don't support combining drugs for PTSD, yet it's a common treatment due to scarce therapy.
The practice of polypharmacy can lead to severe side effects, including increased suicidal thoughts and physical ailments.
Many veterans report negative experiences with these drug cocktails, and some have sought alternative treatments.
The VA has been slow to implement safeguards despite internal research highlighting risks.
- Who
- Veterans with PTSD, VA healthcare providers, and VA administrators are the primary actors.
- What
- The over-prescription of multiple psychiatric drugs, known as polypharmacy, to veterans with PTSD.
- When
- The issue has been ongoing, with data available up to 2019, and continues to be a concern.
- Where
- The issue primarily affects veterans in the U.S. within the VA healthcare system.
- Why
- Due to limited access to therapy, the lack of single-drug PTSD treatments, and a reliance on medication.
Veterans & Advocates
VA Officials
Treatment Approach
Veterans & Advocates
Polypharmacy is harmful and often lacks sufficient therapy.
VA Officials
VA officials believe these practices are sometimes needed for veterans and that alternative treatments are in development.
- Definition of Polypharmacy
- Taking five or more CNS drugs at the same time (VA), or two or more (medical researchers).
- 2019 Data
- Nearly 60% of VA patients with PTSD were taking two or more CNS drugs.
- VA internal research
- Since at least 2016 has shown potential harms of polypharmacy, including suicide risk.
- Benzodiazepine usage
- Over 1.7 million PTSD patients since 2005.
- Alternative Therapies
- Veterans exploring psychedelics like ibogaine.