[Robyn222]

In the Oregonian today there was an article that found that a generic drug for high blood pressure and prostate problems--prazosin--reduces nightmares and improves sleep in veterans with PTSD. Now although this study is specific to Veterans, I would think it might be worth a try in non-veterans who suffer from this.

Hi Robyn,

There are a few people here who take beta-blockers for this very reason. Here is the thread that was started in the Drug Forum and the link to a 60 Minutes segment.

Beta-blockers/PTSD

60 Minutes

Prazosin for PTSD

[obsids]

There is an ongoing study... at the U of Washington, I think, about the effect of Prazosin in non-combat PTSD. I did not qualify for the study, as I am already on a number of meds.

I do take Prazosin for PTSD.... more specifically, for PTSD-induced nightmares.

My personal observations? I don't have the full-blown physical reactions to my dreams any more. I used to thrash in my sleep or scream, kick, etc. I don't wake up triggered very often any more, unless I go back to sleep after 7 a.m. I still have bad dreams. But I don't have the physical anxiety attacks.

When I was sick last month and sleeping more than usual, I had a lot of nightmares whenever I wasn't on the Prazosin. It definitely makes a difference for me.