New Medication - Prazosin (minipress)

[sillygirl]

Hi!

I am new to this forum and have not yet been diagnosed with PTSD. However, as I have been emotionally, verbally and psychologically abused most of my life and have suffered from anxiety/panic disorder and chronic insomnia I will be going to see a psychologist on Monday to be tested for PTSD. I certainly have a lot of the symptoms and am really suffering right now. I was wondering if anyone takes the medication Prazosin (Minipress) and have had a reaction to it. I just started the medication last night and when I took my second dose this morning, I felt my anxiety got a lot worse. I also had heart palpitations and hyperventilation. I am currently taking a very small dose as I work up to a higher dose for my anxiety. Does it take a while for the medication to work before I would see some relief? I am also suffering from adrenal exhaustion and hypothyroidism so am not sure whether this could be causing it. Any information I can get would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Hi,

I'm a bit confused as to your dosing. I thought mini press was used for nightmares and therefore only dosed at night. Why was it prescribed to you?

 

[Seasounds]

Welcome!

Yes, you are not alone. I had a bad reaction to it. As explained to me by my provider, Prazosin is sometimes the first drug a provider will use for nightmares, related to PTSD, since it inexpensive, and since it may be the safest first choice, since it is neither a brain neurotransmitter nor a benzodiazapine.

Because it blocks adrenaline, and because it lowers blood pressure, I guess it must decrease anxiety in some people; not me. I stopped it immediately, as even the lowest dose caused me problems: low blood pressure, exhaustion, and fear/anxiety I woul die, because my heart rate and blood pressure got so low. In me, Prazosin acted like a very old, and unrefined drug; not smooth acting, rather hard to regulate and to find the right dose. I think you'll be able to ask for, and find something more helpful.

There are a lot of natural things you can do for adrenal exaustion. Google it, you'll find nutrition, acupuncture, relaxation techniques, diet, etc., that won't interfere with medications.

I am very sensitive to drugs. You might be in the same category. In that case you might want to start on low doses, and like you are doing, pay attention to any unusual symptoms, and call your provider. You can always ask to start with 1/4 dose and increase to your comfort. My provider is relaxed and comfortable with this process; he just directs me to communicate and to not stop drugs cold turkey.

With depression, adrenal exhaustion, anxiety, nightmares and insomnia, I found a good balance and treatment, using a pediatric dose of liquid (SSRI) Lexapro 1-2 mg, and a small dose of (Benzodiazipine) Lorazepam 0.5 mg at night. A friend who had exhaustion, anxiety, and depression, did well when treated with SSRI Citalopram, and used Ambien for sleep.

The individual biochemistry plays such a big part; take time to talk to your provider, and try a few options, till you find the best fit. Your feedback is essential. Your provider can integrate your feedback with their knowledge. Mutual trust and rapport are involved. It may take a few months. Good luck!

 

[sillygirl]

Hi!

Unfortunately I am not able to take an SSRI as I had a bad reaction to Paxil and a wicked withdrawal. I was also addicted to benzodiazapines for 26 years so I not able to have them either. I am currently taking a number of supplements and a couple of pharmaceuticals (Remeron and Gabapentin) but they are not helping with the sleep. I feel that my life is just about over and I am only 59 years old. I just know if something doesn't change soon that my body is going to give out I just can't live like this much longer as it is much too painful and I feel I am not living only existing. Everybody is getting tired of me and even I am getting tired of me. I am so tired and just want this all to be over.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Ahhh ok my bad. Your username gave the impression that you're quite young. I assumed incorrectly!

 

[Seasounds]

Ah, you are really going through a tough time. There can be a way, leading with your intention. Do you have anyone/a practitioner of any kind, that is an empathetic ally? When I haven't been able to sleep, it is so frustrating, and it makes it problem solving even harder. Have you ever tried Craniosacral therapy-a calming body treatment?
What works the best?

 

[WillyKat]

Every individual reacts to different medications. It sounds to me like you found one that may not be right for you.

Regarding your Monday visit, is that to start therapy or is it a one time test? I personally have found that ongoing therapy works best for me and gave up meds a couple years ago. If you're beginning therapy, you may find it works for you the same way.

 

[mamachick]

I was on the anti depressant Pristiq after failing on several others. Now my insurance declined this medication and cost is $225 month so last week I went on effexor. Couple hours after I take, I get splitting head ache and feel like blood pressure is up??Might just be anxiety. I have xanax on hand so have taken because I have felt so bad my ears popping and migrane and blurred vision. It passes with xanax. But then I want to sleep. Anybody had any experience with Effexor? Maybe I need mini press to lower blood pressure with it. Damn insurance

 

[Britt.f7]

@brat17 My insurance denied Pristiq when I first started taking it(and it was working). They wanted me to try other meds first. Thankfully, I guess, I tried them all, so my doctor wrote in and we appealed. It worked. Perhaps if you appeal it will work for you too.

 

[Jenfa]

This is month 2 of Prazosin for me, and I have to say that it evens out those huge adrenaline spikes that would normally lead me to overreact (inside and out). I think it is mainly dosed at night, but it doesn't induce sleep. What it might do as a side effect is dizziness and a sort of fleeting vertigo feeling occasionally, so that's why they have you take it at night. It's like.. the air of the nightmare might linger, but the nightmare itself doesn't happen. And during the day, it's a lot easier to let things roll off your back as a residual effect. I haven't tried anything similar to compare it to, but I can compare myself a few months ago to now. I know, not very scientific-like. But, no bad side effects so far.

 

[walledgarden]

There has empirical evidences in treating nightmare with prazosin, but NOT other symptoms.

As people said, take it when you are in bed, wanting to sleep.

 

[DharmaGirl]

I found the Prazosin helped with my startle reflex too. It was totally out of control. I still get the nightmares, but I don't wake up screaming every night anymore.