Prazosin treatment of trauma nightmares and sleep disturbance in soldiers deployed in Iraq.

Abstract

Trauma nightmares and sleep disturbance impair combat soldiers' functioning. The alpha-1 adrenoreceptor antagonist prazosin has been demonstrated effective for these symptoms in Vietnam veterans. Thirteen soldiers seeking relief from distressing trauma nightmares impairing military function in northern Iraq in 2006 received prazosin alone or in combination with other psychotropics. Mean prazosin dose was 4.1 (SD = 2.2) mg before bed. Six soldiers improved markedly and 3 moderately on the Clinical Global Impression of Change Ratings of distressing dreams decreased from an average of 7.0 (SD = 0.7) to 2.9 (SD = 3.0, p < .001) and those of disturbed sleep from 6.7 (SD = 0.9) to 3.7 (SD = 2.4, p < .001). Prazosin appears effective and well tolerated in the desert warfare environment.

• Authors: Jess Calohan, Kris Peterson, Elaine R Peskind, Murray A Raskind
• Journal: Journal of traumatic stress (J Trauma Stress) Vol. 23 Issue 5 Pg. 645-8 (Oct 2010) ISSN: 1573-6598 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 20931662 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists
• Prazosin

Topics

• Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Adult
• Dreams (psychology)
• Humans
• Iraq
• Male
• Military Personnel (psychology)
• Parasomnias
• Prazosin (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome
• Wounds and Injuries (complications)