Authors: Daly, Christine Maura; Doyle, Michael E.; Radkind, Murray; Raskind, Elaine; Daniels, Colin

Source: Military Medicine, Volume 170, Number 6, June 2005 , pp. 513-515(3)

Publisher: AMSUS - Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Abstract:

Objective: Increased central nervous system norepinephrine outflow and ₁-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 ₁-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.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2005-06-01

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• Military Medicine is the Association's official monthly journal. The objective of the Journal is to promote awareness of Federal medicine by providing a forum for responsible discussion of common ideas and problems relevant to Federal healthcare. Its mission is: To increase healthcare education by providing scientific and other information to its readers; to facilitate communication; and to offer a prestige publication for members' writings.
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