THE EFFECT OF PRAZOSIN ON COMBAT RELATED POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER NIGHTMARES

Abstract

Introduction: Several studies have shown noradrenergic system hyperactivity in posttraumatic stress disorder. Four Vietnam combat veterans with chronic PTSD, prescribed prazosin ?1 adrenergic receptor antagonist reported reduction or completely elimination of combat trauma nightmares. This study prompted an open trial of prazosin for Iran & Iraq combat PTSD patients nightmares. Method: Twenty two male and married patients with chronic DSM N PTSD and combat trauma related nightmares participated in an 8-week Before - After open trial. The exclusion criteria included current substance abuse or dependency, psychotic disorders and any medical condition that contraindicated the use of prazosin. Results: Six patients were withdrown from the study because of Prazosin side effects. In reminders average of nightmare severity reduced from 6.75 to 3.56 which was statistically significant (p<0.001). Dicussion & Conclusion: The association between prazosin administration and reduction of PTSD nightmare severity suggested possible efficacy of ?1- adrenergic recptor blockade for this PTSD symptom.

Keywords

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder - Nightmare - Prazosin- ?1 - adrenergic receptor antagonist