PTSD nightmares.

[Denninmi]

Ugh, I hate waking up in a panic or in tears from these nightmares. Seem to be getting worse, more frequent and more intense. Stressful situations in my life are making it worse.

[ZombieHorde]

1. (((HUG)))

I wish I had something more to offer you. I hope you heal well.

[ThingsGottaChange]

2. How I wish there was a solution

for both of us. I've been doing this for over 50 years. Average 2-4 per week. I'm not used to it by any means, after all this time. I've come to expect it. I let the tears flow to get it out of my system. But, it usually stays with me emotionally all day. I know exactly what you are talking about.

[Denninmi]

3. Yes, it makes me uptight all day.

I just don't need that. No one does,

[libodem]

4. I wish I had a cure

I wonder if there is a current therapy to help manage dreams? I wonder if discussing it with a therapist during the day would lessen the need for this to be expressed when you are asleep and vulnerable.

Gosh, Denny, I've always enjoyed your honesty and that you share stuff with the group.


I used to have occasional night terrors. I was usually in a very deep sleep state and there would be this roaring in my ears. I couldn't quite get fully awake and if I fell back into sleep the roaring noise, the scary imagery, and panic would start back up. When I could shake it off and fully awaken, I'd be in a heart racing panic. Sometimes it was related to flying dreams. It made me afraid to go back to sleep.

I wonder about hypnosis? Even self hypnosis? Maybe prime yourself with some plan to defeat your tormentor? Have it all ready to kick ass on or tell off who or whatever "it" is. Do a little practice imagery, as coming out the winner in the confrontation. Tell 'em Skittles will kick their dream ass! Me too.

[siligut]

5. Would you consider taking Prazosin?

If you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), your body may release too much adrenaline. Adrenaline is a hormone that can make you feel stressed and have nightmares.

Prazosin blocks some of the effects of adrenaline released in your body. This may help reduce the nightmares and sleep problems you have with PTSD.

Why It Is Used

By keeping you from having nightmares, prazosin may help you get better sleep. With better sleep, you can feel healthier and more alert. This may help lower your stress and help you feel more in control of your life.

How Well It Works

Research shows that prazosin may help reduce nightmares, one of the symptoms of PTSD.1 More research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for treating PTSD.

Side Effects

Side effects include:

Low blood pressure (hypotension).
A slow heart rate (bradycardia).
A cough or wheezing, which means the airways that carry air to the lungs are narrowing (bronchospasm).
Thinking and acting more slowly.
Stuffy nose, headache, and swelling in the legs. These are rare side effects.

http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/prazosin-for-ptsd

I know how disruptive nightmares can be, I hope you are able to find a solution. I use CDs with positive messages and that works for me, but I don't have PTSD related nightmares.

[Denninmi]

6. Never heard of it.

I can certainly ask the doc about it. Just woke up from another one.

[siligut]

7. That is why I wanted to tell you about it

It seems that is does work and side effects are minimal when used as prescribed, but for some reason MDs just don't think of using it unless prompted. Frequent nightmares are disruptive and add to an already stressful state, as you know. Good luck.

[moriah]

8. It really is a great drug, but it will lower your blood pressure.

If you're already hypertensive, then it's a bonus that it'll help with that, but since I run low already, I have to be extra-careful when I stand up so I don't start seeing stars (orthostatic hypotension).

They had me off of it two nights in the hospital, I finally begged to go back on it even though my pressures were still 95/65. It makes a HUGE difference in my sleep *and* my over-active startle reflex.

[Denninmi]

9. Thanks.

Yes, I do have hypertension, and I know all too well the feeling of being dizzy upon standing.

I am definitely going to ask my psychiatrist about this. I also wonder at times if I have ADHD, as my mind is often 2 steps ahead of what I am doing at the moment. Another thing to ask about. She is great, tells me I am one of her easiest patients and very motivated.

[PasadenaTrudy]

10. Have you tried

EMDR therapy? It's the lifesaver for lots of us who have/had PTSD. It's used on war vets, too. It really works and is worth trying IMO!