Trade name Minipress.
A sympatholytic drug used to treat high blood pressure and anxiety, PTSD, and panic disorder.
An alpha-adrenergic blocker that is specific for the alpha-1 receptors.
Alpha-1 receptors are found on vascular smooth muscle, and throughout the CNS where they are responsible for the vasoconstrictive action of norepinephrine.
An antagonist of the MT3 receptor, with selectivity for this receptor over the MT1 and MT2 receptors.[2]
Oral agent that has a minimal effect on cardiac function due to its alpha-1 receptor selectivity.
Initial use heart rate and contractility increase in order to maintain the pre-treatment blood pressures, and with prolonged use blood pressure lowering effect becomes apparent.
Useful in treating urinary hesitancy associated with prostatic hyperplasia by blocking alpha-1 receptors which control constriction of both the prostate and ureters.
Side effects include: orthostatic hypotension, syncope, and nasal congestion.
Orthstatic hypotension and fainting, are especially pronounced in the first dose.
Rare side effect of prazosin is priapism.
A lipid soluble Alpha one-adrenergic receptor antagonist that crosses the blood brain barrier and decreases sympathetic outflow of the brain.
An approved antihypertensive agent, but seldom use today as other drugs are pref2242ed.
Recommended for treatment of PTSD associated nightmares.
Can prevent the debilitating reexperience of the traumatic event in the PTSD.
Can reduce cravings for alcohol.
Well-tolerated with doses ranging from 1-16 mg per day.
Excessive norepinephrine released during stressful situations weakens the prefrontal cortex function by activating alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, and that this agent by blocking the alpha-1 receptor can stop the loss of prefrontal cortex function.