The Silexan in the Treatment Of Posttraumatic stress disorder (STOP) trial: protocol for a 12-week randomised controlled trial of adjunctive Silexan for PTSD

Abstract

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and potentially debilitating psychiatric disorder. Current and emerging evidence-based treatments for PTSD have significant limitations. Silexan is an orally administered lavender oil preparation whose main constituents are the monoterpenoids linalool and linalyl acetate. It has a novel pharmacodynamic profile that includes inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels and promotion of neuroplasticity. Silexan is effective in the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, subthreshold anxiety disorders and mild-to-moderate Major Depressive Disorder. It has an excellent safety and tolerability profile. Promising pilot data suggest th..