prazosin for nightmares

[erika]

I wanted to post a quick blurb here to mention that my psychiatrist put me on prazosin for PTSD-nightmares.

I went from waking up every [attempt at sleep] after sleeping for less than two hours to being able to get my normal 9-12 hours again. I highly encourage checking it out and considering bringing this up with your doctor if nightmares are a problem for you, especially ones related to PTSD.

I haven't had any problems with hangovers, which I think can be attributed to the fact that prazosin has a very short halflife. It does kick in REALLY QUICKLY so my psychiatrist recommended taking the first dose while already literally in bed, but it's been such a relief!

Comments

[dylan_cherry]

That sounds great. I have a 5yo, so there are times that I NEED to be awake in the middle of the night and not be totally fuzzy. I will definitely look into it.

[erika]

It hasn't made me fuzzy at all, but it definitely is pretty calming, so if you anticipate major medical needs that are the type of "maybe go to the ER tonight or not?", this might not be the best thing. I don't know that I'd feel comfortable driving while still affected unless the roads were pretty damn clear. On the other hand, if it's not like that and more normal family stuff, I can't imagine this would be harmful at all.

It's certainly nothing like the z-meds (ambien, etc) that seem to zonk you out. This wears off pretty quickly and I don't have any sleep hangover.

[dylan_cherry]

I don't drive, so that isn't a problem. I really need something calming right now. Coming off Cymbalta is rough.