Posted by SLS on March 27, 2012, at 7:06:10
In reply to Re: anyone with Clonidine experience? » SLS, posted by g_g_g_unit on March 27, 2012, at 1:04:58
Noradrenergic = norepineprine = (NE)
I have not actually recommended prazosin (Minipress) to anyone yet. It works wonders for my depression, but I don't want to go out "selling" a product without knowing how it affects other people first. Prazosin is a sympatholytic that works on a very different NE receptor than do clonodine or propranolol. So far, it is known to effectively treat PTSD disturbed sleep and nightmares. It also can reduce daytime anxiety and depression as well.You might want to try propranolol first if you have not done this. I wish I knew whether combining prazosin with propranol would produce untoward effects like unacceptably low blood pressure. Beta-blockers (propranalol) and alpha-blockers (prazosin) are often combined to treat cardiovascular disease (hypertension and congestive heart failre). Propranolol slows down the heart rate and rectifies conduction abnormalities. Prazosin acts as an "afterload" reducer to ease the workload on the heart. It does not affect heart rate.
The two drugs are generally safe to be taken together. You will just have to see how they effect your blood pressure and the degree to which orthostatic hypotension occurs when standing from a seated position.
Dosages of prazosin when used psychiatrically are rather low. I currently take 6 mg/day. I don't doubt that some people will do well at 3 - 4 mg/day. The lower, the better. Just have your doctor check your heart-rate for bradycardia and blood pressure. For me, my blood pressure was about 120/80 mm Hg. Prazosin is a rather gentle antihypertensive, especially at the lower dosages. Most side effects like dizziness, fatigue, and tiredness pass quickly
clonidine (Catapress) = NE alpha-2 receptor agonist (stimulator / presynaptic)
guanfazine (Tenex)
prazosin (Minipress) = NE alpha-1a/b/d receptor antagonist (blocker / postsynaptic)
propranolol (Inderal) = NE beta-1/2 receptor antagonist (blocker / postsynaptic)
- ScottSome see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.- George Bernard Shaw
poster:SLS
thread:1014119
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120316/msgs/1014158.html