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Post-traumatic stress disorder, one of the most common illnesses in combat soldiers, has a disappointing recovery rate. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, 8-week study, researchers examined the effect of prazosin on nightmares in 40 veterans with ongoing PTSD. This alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist is usually used for hypertension and benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Prazosin was taken at bedtime, with doses escalated from 1 mg (average final dose, 13 mg). Twenty patients were also taking antidepressants, benzodiazepines, divalproex, zolpidem, or an antipsychotic drug; 27 were receiving psychotherapy. Thirty-three patients completed the study.
Compared with placebo, prazosin at week 8 was associated with significantly more improvement in self-repo…