Which medication is primarily used to decrease nightmares in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder?

Prazosin is primarily used to decrease nightmares in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to its action as an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist. This medication effectively reduces the frequency and severity of nightmares associated with PTSD by blocking the adrenergic receptors that are activated during stressful or fear-inducing circumstances. The medication can help mitigate the impact of these nocturnal disturbances on sleep quality and overall functioning.

In PTSD, nightmares are a common symptom, and prazosin, by leading to decreased sympathetic nervous system arousal during sleep, allows for a more restful night's sleep and reduced re-experiencing of trauma through nightmare episodes. Many studies and clinical findings support the efficacy of prazosin in addressing these symptoms, making it a preferred choice in the management of such cases.

Other medications listed are not primarily indicated for nightmares or PTSD. For instance, amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker typically prescribed for hypertension and does not address PTSD symptoms. Clonidine, while it may have some central nervous system effects and is used for ADHD and hypertension, is not specifically targeted for nightmares. Hydralazine is also an antihypertensive agent and does not have a role in the treatment of PTSD-related symptoms. Thus,