One of the questions I’m often asked is whether medications will affect EMDR therapy. It’s understandable to feel uncertain about whether you should continue, stop, or adjust your medication before starting EMDR, especially as there is so much mixed information online. The good news is that, in most cases, EMDR can be adapted to work effectively alongside the medication you’re already taking.
It’s important to know that alcohol and recreational drugs are a definite no before an EMDR session. Alcohol clouds judgement, dulls emotions, and interferes with memory processing – which means can block the very work EMDR is designed to do. The same applies to recreational drugs, so it’s important to come to sessions clear-headed.
When it comes to prescribed medication, the picture is more nuanced.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants, for example, are generally considered fine to continue taking during EMDR. Even though some people describe feeling a little “cut off” from their emotions while on them, research and clinical experience suggest that they don’t reduce the long-term effectiveness of EMDR. You can still process and resolve difficult memories while on antidepressants.
Benzos, Opiates and Antipsychotics
Other types of medication, such as benzodiazepines (eg Diazepam), opiate-based painkillers (such as codeine or oxycodone), and antipsychotics (eg Oxycodone), can be a little trickier. These medicines tend to reduce emotional intensity, which can make it harder to access the feelings attached to a traumatic memory. If we can’t activate the emotional distress, we can’t fully process and release it. This doesn’t mean EMDR isn’t possible, but it can sometimes slow the process down. In severe cases of trauma or PTSD, a small dose may be used to help a memory feel more manageable at first, with the aim of working towards processing it more thoroughly without medication later on. Therapists can also work with clients to time sessions around medication schedules, so that processing happens at the most effective point in the day.
ADHD Medications
For people taking ADHD medications such as Ritalin or Vyvanse, it’s generally best to continue with the regular prescribed dose before EMDR. These medicines often help with focus and clarity, and they don’t appear to interfere with the processing that EMDR relies on.
You don’t need to stop all your meds
The most important thing to remember is that you don’t need to stop all your medications in order to benefit from EMDR – and in fact, suddenly stopping could be harmful. EMDR is a flexible therapy that can usually be worked around your existing treatment plan. The best approach is always to speak openly with both your prescribing doctor and your EMDR therapist, so that together you can find a way forward that feels safe, manageable, and effective.
EMDR Therapy Quarterly*