OBJECTIVE: Increased central nervous system norepinephrine outflow and alpha1-adrenergic receptor responsiveness appear to be involved in the pathophysiologic processes of trauma-related nightmares in post-traumatic stress disorder. On the basis of reports that the brain-accessible alpha1-adrenergic antagonist Prazosin substantially reduced chronic combat-related nightmares among Vietnam War veterans, we evaluated Prazosin effects on combat-related nightmares among combat soldiers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom. METHODS: Twenty-eight soldiers who self-reported distressing combat trauma-related nightmares on a postdeployment questionnaire were prescribed low-dose Prazosin before bedtime. RESULTS: Of the 23 soldiers for whom follow-up evaluations were available, 20 experienced marked improvement (complete elimination of nightmares), 2 experienced moderate improvement (reduced nightmare frequency or intensity), and 1 experienced no change. Prazosin was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Prazosin appeared highly beneficial for combat-related nightmares characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder among troops recently returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom. These findings provide a rationale for a placebo-controlled trial to establish efficacy in this population.
OBJECTIVE: Increased central nervous system norepinephrine outflow and alpha1-adrenergic receptor responsiveness appear to be involved in the pathophysiologic processes of trauma-related nightmares in post-traumatic stress disorder. On the basis of reports that the brain-accessible alpha1-adrenergic antagonist Prazosin substantially reduced chronic combat-related nightmares among Vietnam War veterans, we evaluated Prazosin effects on combat-related nightmares among combat soldiers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom. METHODS: Twenty-eight soldiers who self-reported distressing combat trauma-related nightmares on a postdeployment questionnaire were prescribed low-dose Prazosin before bedtime. RESULTS: Of the 23 soldiers for whom follow-up evaluations were available, 20 experienced marked improvement (complete elimination of nightmares), 2 experienced moderate improvement (reduced nightmare frequency or intensity), and 1 experienced no change. Prazosin was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS:Prazosin appeared highly beneficial for combat-related nightmares characteristic of post-traumatic stress disorder among troops recently returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom. These findings provide a rationale for a placebo-controlled trial to establish efficacy in this population.
Authors: R Nisha Aurora; Rochelle S Zak; Sanford H Auerbach; Kenneth R Casey; Susmita Chowdhuri; Anoop Karippot; Rama K Maganti; Kannan Ramar; David A Kristo; Sabin R Bista; Carin I Lamm; Timothy I Morgenthaler Journal: J Clin Sleep Med Date: 2010-08-15 Impact factor: 4.062
Authors: William Berger; Mauro V Mendlowicz; Carla Marques-Portella; Gustavo Kinrys; Leonardo F Fontenelle; Charles R Marmar; Ivan Figueira Journal: Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry Date: 2008-12-24 Impact factor: 5.067
Authors: Tammie L S Benzinger; David Brody; Sylvain Cardin; Kenneth C Curley; Mark A Mintun; Seong K Mun; Kenneth H Wong; Jean R Wrathall Journal: J Neurotrauma Date: 2009-12 Impact factor: 5.269