Prazosin for military combat-related PTSD nightmares: a critical review

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2014 Winter;26(1):24-33. doi: 10.1176/appi.neuropsych.13010006.

Abstract

Military combat is a common trauma experience associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma-related nightmares are a hallmark symptom of PTSD. They can be resistant to label-pharmacological PTSD treatment, and they are associated with a variety of adverse health outcomes. The purpose of this article is to review and evaluate prazosin therapy for combat-related PTSD nightmares. Consistent with available literature for all-causes PTSD nightmares, prazosin is an effective off-label option for combat-related PTSD nightmares. Future trials may further instruct use in specific combat-exposure profiles.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Combat Disorders / complications
  • Dreams / drug effects*
  • Dreams / psychology
  • Humans
  • Military Personnel
  • Prazosin / therapeutic use*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / drug therapy*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / etiology

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists
  • Prazosin