Clinical case series: The use of prazosin for combat-related recurrent nightmares among Operation Iraqi Freedom combat veterans

Abstract

Objective: Increased central nervous system norepinephrine outflow and α1-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 α1-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.