Memory reconsolidation impairment using the β-adrenergic receptor blocker propranolol reduces nightmare severity in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder: a preliminary study
Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM) April 12, 2022 C. Mallet, Christina F. Chick, R. Maatoug et al.
Nightmare severity in people with posttraumatic stress disorder decreased from severe to mild during a therapy that combined the beta-blocker propranolol with re-exposure psychotherapy. At the start, 85% of patients reported nightmares; after the protocol only 50% still had them. The improvement remained stable two months after the last session. No patient experienced increased nightmare severity, and the protocol was generally well tolerated. The findings suggest memory reconsolidation therapy with propranolol is promising for reducing nightmares, but randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the results.