Sogo K, Sogo M, Okawa Y. Centrally acting anticholinergic drug trihexyphenidyl is highly effective in reducing nightmares associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Brain Behav 2021;
11:e02147. [PMID:
33991066 PMCID:
PMC8213645 DOI:
10.1002/brb3.2147]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Following a case study on scopolamine butyl bromide, an anticholinergic drug, we studied the effect of a central anticholinergic drug on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-related flashbacks and nightmares.
METHODS
We administered trihexyphenidyl (TP) to 34 patients with refractory PTSD-related nightmares and flashbacks (open-label trial [n = 22]; single-blind trial [n = 12]), who had previously received psychiatric treatment for approximately 2-15 years, without therapeutic benefits. The effect of TP was determined using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R).
RESULTS
Overall, most patients reported an improvement to none or mild on the CAPS for nightmares (88%) and flashbacks (79%).
CONCLUSION
This study is the first to demonstrate the potential efficacy of TP in the treatment of refractory PTSD-related nightmares and flashbacks. Further double-blind, randomized control trials are needed to explore the potential clinical benefits of TP in PTSD.
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