Therapeutic Effects of Tamsulosin in Nightmare Disorder: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over, Pilot Study.

A small pilot study tested whether tamsulosin, a drug that blocks specific adrenoceptors, could reduce nightmares. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial, patients took either tamsulosin 0.4 mg daily or a placebo for four weeks, then switched after a two-week washout. Nightmare severity, measured by the Disturbing Dreams and Nightmares Severity Index, decreased after tamsulosin, with a statistical trend toward significance in one analysis and a significant difference in another. Placebo also reduced scores, but not significantly in one analysis. Tamsulosin may help treat nightmare disorder, but larger trials are needed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Nightmare disorder is associated with functional impairment, distress, and low quality of life; however, studies on pharmacotherapy of this debilitating disorder yielded mixed results. Prazosin, a non-selective α1 blocker is reported to be effective in treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder-related nightmares. We aimed at investigating therapeutic effects of tamsulosin which has higher affinity for blocking α1A and α1D adrenoceptors in treatment of nightmare disorder. A randomized, double blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled pilot study was conducted. Patients were randomly assigned to receive Tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily or placebo for period of four weeks. Following a 2-week wash-out period, they were crossed over to the other group and received drug or placebo for duration of 4 additional weeks. Nightmare frequency and intensity measurements were carried out using Disturbing Dreams and Nightmares Severity Index (DDNSI). Blood pressure measurements were also performed. According to per protocol analysis, mean DDNSI scores decreased following administration of tamsulosin and a statistical trend towards significance was reported (p=0.065, d=0.236). Results of intention to treat analysis showed significant difference in DDNSI scores after drug use (p=0.030, d=0.651). Additionally, DDNSI scores dropped significantly following placebo use. However, intention to treat analysis showed no statistically significant difference pre and post placebo period (0.064, d=0.040). Tamsulosin may be effective in treatment of nightmare disorder. However, further larger clinical trials are recommended to clarify the effectiveness of tamsulosin and α1 subtypes in pharmacotherapy of nightmares.