PTSD- associated nightmares

My psychiatrist switch my medications i still don't understand why i have to wait for 4-6 weeks to see changes how can i function properly during that time

[HearYou]

It takes that long because it just does. Neither your body chemistry nor the med chemistry are magic. Sometimes things are just the way they are.....like life. Hope the transition is a gentle one with the results you want. If you are having PTSD horrible nightmares, did he switch you to prazosin? This is what I take and what the VA uses for PTSD military people with horrible nightmares where they relive war. If so will take 4-6 weeks and maybe an adjustment to find the right dose for you.....but it is worth the wait. xx

[Hidden in reply to HearYou]

I started 3 days ago, is there any side effects does it work for you

[HearYou in reply to Hidden]

Depends. Is it prazosin and how much are you taking?

[Hidden in reply to HearYou]

Prazosin 6mg/day

[Hidden in reply to HearYou]

I have all my hope in it, these nightmares are so real im scared to fall asleep

[HearYou in reply to Hidden]

Hummm. My capsules are 5mg. I started with 1 capsule. Not help. After two weeks, called MD.....he said take two before bed. (2 capsules of 5mg each.)

Took another 2-3 weeks when I began to have some change. Some nights no nightmares.

Now after almost 3 months of taking 3 capsules 30 mintues or so before bed. Some nights no nightmares. Some nights have nightmares, but don't remember them......just know I had some when I get up.... Some nights my husband tells me the next morning that he woke me up 2-4 times, but I don't remember him doing that and I don't remember any nightmares.

YES, cannot believe this is something that actully works. Don't ever have a full week without a nightmare, but for 18 years I have been dealing with this nightmare. Other than my service dog who would wake me up rom the nightmares, this is the only thing that has helped.

I actully didn't trust it was actually working. Not used to meds doing anything with the nightnares.

This is a God send med and yes it does work!!!!!!

But I don't think one capsule of 6mg is going to be enough......but take it, your MD, like mine, is gradually adjusting your body topprazosin, so don't take two until you talk to your doctor for permission to do so.

But don't lose patience.

Waituntil he says you can try 2 capsules.

Use two for a month, if getting some relief, wait awhile before you ask your MD if you can take 3. 2 may be fine for you and just needs more time to see.

Prazosin is actually a medicine to lower high blood pressure. But I read somewhere it lowers adrenaline at night. So be careful when you get up in the morning so you don't feel light headed. Check your blood pressure. It's worth buying a blood pressure cup to check it each morning for a few weeks to make sure your blood pressure isn't too low.

I have had no side effects.

Kiss your MD.

And keep in touch, ok? I am so happy for you. It does work. Just takes patience to let it work with your body chemistry and find the right dosage.

I know I am having nightmares, but its like they are being muffled. Don't usually remember them now.

Other people cannot even imagine what we have. I mean there are bad dreams, but we have NIGHTMARES!!!!!!

xxx

[Hidden in reply to HearYou]

What's even worse about them is the fact that it feels like its really happening i haven't been sleeping so much because of them im exhausted, thanks for your reply I CANNOT WAIT FOR IT TO START WORKING my body needs a good night rest

[HearYou in reply to Hidden]

You are preaching to the choir. How many years have you had your nightmares?

[HearYou in reply to Hidden]

Well, I'm tired from many years of little sleep, so even if there is no 'thank you', I will still offer "you're welcome; hope it works". At the moment, your world is all about you. I understand that, so I'm signing off and will back away now that you have all the info you needed from me.

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Im sorry its taking me so long im at work, and my nightmares started after i got adopted they came back a couple years ago

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It gets worse at time, waking up screaming sometimes vomiting, and i really am thankful for your replies, you get where im coming from and understand the struggle

[HearYou]

What? No response to all that?????

[Hidden in reply to HearYou]

Have your therapy dog been a great help

[HearYou in reply to Hidden]

What? Sorry not understand. My service dog is dead 9 months. He woke me at the beginning of the nightmares. Prazosin is not 100 resolution but if I had Scooter and Prazosin, think would be almost 100 per cent resolution. It will be about 2years before another fully trained service dog may be available to me if I can raise the $30,000 fee for training. (sigh)

[Hidden in reply to HearYou]

I didn't know it was so expensive

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And im really sorry for your lost