title: Prazosin for the treatment of nightmares related to posttraumatic stress disorder: a review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder with symptoms that include insomnia due to hyperarousal and recurring nightmares. These symptoms are believed to be due to a conditioned response that is regulated by norepinephrine. Prazosin, an α(1) antagonist, can decrease levels of norepinephrine in the central nervous system, thereby reducing nightmares related to PTSD.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search was conducted for all studies evaluating the effectiveness of prazosin as therapy for nightmare symptoms of PTSD. MEDLINE was utilized to identify all English-language studies published between 1966 and March 2011. Keywords searched included prazosin, PTSD, and nightmares.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven studies were identified, including 4 open-label trials, 4 retrospective chart reviews, and 3 placebo-controlled trials. Prazosin demonstrated favorable clinical efficacy and was found to be safe for relieving PTSD-associated nightmares.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Current data indicate that prazosin is an effective agent for the treatment of nightmares associated with PTSD. However, the data are limited by small study sizes, lack of diversified investigators, and lack of regional diversity.
authors.affiliation: Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University (all authors), Auburn, Alabama, and College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile (Dr Lorenz).
authors.forename: Steven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Hudson
authors.forename: Travis E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Whiteside
authors.forename: Raymond A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Lorenz
authors.forename: Kurt A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Wargo