Prazosin for PTSD: Uses, Benefits & Risks

Do you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and wonder what options you have for minimizing your symptoms? PTSD causes a lot of physical and emotional symptoms that can be eased through the use of prescription medications, as well as therapy. The Meadowglade offers residential and outpatient programs developed to help you learn to manage your poor mental health. Our skilled staff of licensed therapists partners with you so you can feel more at ease and less restricted by the after-effects of going through trauma. We also offer medications such as Prazosin for PTSD to help people feel better.

Learn more about our Southern California mental health programs or all us now at 888-272-2062 or verify your insurance now.

What is PTSD?

When a person goes through a traumatic event, they may develop PTSD. If they have endured more than one traumatic act, they may develop Complex PTSD. Both are serious mental health disorders that cause a person tremendous fear and sadness, and a flood of disturbing memories. Too often, people with this disorder attempt to ignore it or bury their feelings and memories. They may also develop drug or alcohol addiction to try to alleviate how they feel. 

Someone with PTSD needs to get professional help from a licensed therapist or treatment center. This allows them a safe space to speak candidly about what they went through and learn healthy coping skills to minimize or overcome their symptoms. It also allows for a discussion about using drugs like Prazosin for PTSD. Untreated PTSD keeps a person rooted in a loop of reliving what happened to them and being unable to move forward with hope and newfound joy. 

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD is a particularly challenging mental health disorder and causes the person to experience different signs and symptoms. These include:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Nightmares
  • Anxiety
  • Moodiness
  • Depression
  • Aggressive actions
  • Avoiding places and people that remind the person of their trauma
  • Memory loss
  • Easily startled
  • Flashbacks
  • Suicidal feelings
  • Abusing drugs or alcohol
  • Isolating from friends and family
  • Difficulty thinking, making decisions, and focusing
  • Trouble focusing at work or in school

What Causes PTSD?

PTSD can be caused by different reasons. Mental illness in one family member increases the chances that someone else will develop one. PTSD can also be caused by going through a traumatic experience, such as:

  • Sexual assault or molestation
  • Physical assault
  • Public shootings
  • A long-term illness
  • A serious accident
  • Wartime or military event
  • Neglect or abandonment during childhood
  • Bullying
  • Natural disasters, like hurricanes, fire, and flooding

What is Prazosin?

Prazosin is an FDA-approved, noradrenaline alpha-blocker medication prescribed to treat high blood pressure, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and Raynaud phenomenon. It is also used off-label to help treat PTSD, anxiety, and trauma-related nightmares. The drug is available by prescription only, and is a pill that is taken orally. The first dosage usually starts out small and is increased in small increments over the next several days.

When a person takes Prazosin, it blocks alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, which helps reduce a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine from activating a person’s “fight, flight, or freeze” response. This proves helpful for people who have PTSD and need assistance in controlling their symptoms, including anxiety and nightmares. For many, this means higher quality and uninterrupted sleep, and a greater ability to remain calm.

How Long Does it Take for Prazosin to Work?

After someone begins taking Prazosin for PTSD, they typically experience fewer nightmares, and better sleep within two weeks. It may take longer to take full effect, depending on how severe the individual’s symptoms are. As with any prescription medication, it’s important to take the right dosage at the prescribed times and not miss any dosages. If someone taking Prazosin decides to stop using it, they should consult with their physician first to determine the best option for going off the medication. 

Are There Any Side Effects From Using Prazosin?

Virtually any prescription medication has potential side effects. If the following side effects from using Prazosin occur, it’s important to contact the doctor to discuss them. 

  • Dizziness
  • Low blood pressure
  • Light-headedness
  • Allergic reactions, such as a rash, itchy skin, swelling of the face or mouth area, and hives
  • Prolonged or painful erection
  • Blurry vision
  • Heart palpitations

Other less serious side effects can include:

  • Sleepiness
  • Lethargy
  • Headache
  • Nausea

Keep in mind not everyone has side effects from using Prazosin for PTSD, and many times they are mild in nature and taper off. 

What Kinds of Therapy Help People With PTSD?

Attending therapy proves vital for people who want to treat their PTSD. Common types of therapy used to treat it include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
  • Individual Psychotherapy
  • Group Therapy
  • EMDR
  • Psychological Diagnosis
  • Equine Therapy
  • Family Therapy
  • Holistic Therapy
  • Stress Reduction Therapy
  • Psychiatry + Medication Management
  • Education & Career Counseling

Begin Treatment for PTSD at The Meadowglade

Have you grown tired of PTSD ruling your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors? The Meadowglade provides both residential and outpatient programs for people who need help coming to terms with their trauma and leaving it in the past. We offer therapy modalities that empower you to put things in perspective, care for yourself, and ease or overcome your PTSD symptoms. Our staff also offers prescription medication options to help provide relief. 

Contact us now to find out how easy it is to get enrolled in one of our programs for PTSD. We also offer free insurance verifications for those who would like one.