Prazosin Or Not?

[EmmaDancing]

So, my doctor is thinking about starting me on prazosin for nightmares, and he said that it might help with flashbacks and disassociation, but maybe not. I've never been on any medication for any PTSD symptoms before, but I'd rather be on one that helps with the flashbacks more than the nightmares, instead of the other way around. My question is, what have people's experiences been with prazosim, and are there any medications that would be a better choice - i.e help with flashbacks more than nightmares, because flashbacks are a bigger issue for me. Thanks!

 

[Ed Norton]

My flashbacks seem to have spontaneously remitted after I'd become delusional. Prazosin helps with the nightmare greatly. It has allowed me to finally sleep. It doesn't take away all of my nightmares but most nights I don't dream at all. I'm not sure of its efficacy against flashbacks though.

 

[darrenS]

i have to agree both Prazosin and Clonidin are blood pressure meds and they work very well, they also dont create a cloud like benzos or sleeping pills

 

[EmmaDancing]

darrenS, I don't know very much about Clonidin......does it help with flashbacks and nightmares as well?

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

Everyone reacts differently to medication. I would give the medication a chance.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

@darrenS,
Clonidine *can* cause mental fogginess in some. I am pretty med sensitive and I took only HALF of the smallest pill and 12+ hours later I was staggering around like I was drunk and fell over in the shower. That is a dose that is smaller than what is normally given to kids!

I rarely have nightmares as I get them only when I nap (I was molested during the day, so I guess I have that to be thankful for as it is easy enough to not sleep during the time of day when I was traumatized), so I don't know what meds help with nightmares. I have had flashbacks pretty much my whole life and I haven't found one that really does much of anything in that department. Of course we're all different. If you need help with a symptom, don't be afraid to try a med out!

 

[Joan]

For me Prazosin helped some with nightmares, but not for flashbacks and made my bp, drop dramatically.

 

[EmmaDancing]

Thanks for all the help, guys.
I just don't know if I want to take it or not.....I really hate meds and if I do take something I'd rather it helped more with flashbacks as well. But I'm not sure if such a thing exists.

I guess I'll give it a shot......what do I have to lose? (don't answer that :P)

 

[Neverthesame]

I just started prazosin yesterday, never again. I am sure what I experienced was unusual, but it was terrifying. About 30 mins after taking it, I began feeling really tense then my heart began pounding. The next few hours were straight panic attack. I finally passed out from exhaustion. I still don't feel well. But it is subsiding slowly. I will be reporting this to my Dr. When I see her next. I hope it works for you. didn't for me.

 

[Lady of Longbourn]

@Neverthesame It would probably be a good idea if you call your doctor and tell her instead of waiting until your next appointment. I'm assuming you just saw her anyway. I'm sure she would like to know.

 

[Neverthesame]

For some reason that didn't occur to me. I should do that, thank you.

 

[EmmaDancing]

Neverthesame that sounds really scary :( I hope you get it sorted out.