Pharmacologic reduction of CNS noradrenergic activity in PTSD: The case for clonidine and prazosin

James K. Boehnlein, J. David Kinzie

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

106 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article reviews the neurobiologic rationale for and presents clinical guidance concerning the use of medications that reduce central nervous system noradrenergic activity in the treatment of intrusive symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. The authors reviewed neurobiological studies, nonclinical studies using animal models, clinical case reports, open-label drug studies, and blinded, placebo-controlled drug studies. This review of the basic science and clinical literature, and the authors' clinical experience with culturally and demographically diverse populations, indicate that clonidine and prazosin can play a useful role in treating sleep disturbance and hyperarousal in posttraumatic stress disorder, with minimal adverse effects and low financial cost.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)72-78
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice
Volume13
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2007

Keywords

  • Clonidine
  • Hyperarousal
  • Nightmares
  • Noradrenergic reduction
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder
  • Prazosin
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Sleep disturbances

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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